Although it was nice to have some time off to bond with my family after the birth of my second child, it’s also good to be back at Steller to work with all the staff and students again. Thank you all for welcoming and supporting the substitute nurses in my absence.

It’s been a pleasure to work with such a great school community this year. Although we’re all anticipating the beginning of summer, I know I’ll be glad to see many of you next year. And to the seniors who are moving out into the world, I send them our best wishes in all their future endeavors.

Spring Intensives & Travel

If your student is participating in travel or overnight intensives, the health office will need updated medical and medication information. Please check with your student for paperwork you need to review and return to the health office prior to Intensives.

Student Medication

Medications cannot be left in the nurse’s office over the summer. It must either be returned to the parent or discarded. Please pick up medications in the Nurse’s Office by 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 20th.   Remember, any medications which are not picked up by Wednesday, May 20th, 11 a.m. will be destroyed.

Immunizations

Many students will need immunization boosters before the end of school and over the summer. The immunization must be received and documentation provided to the school prior to attending classes. The State of Alaska has a strict “NO SHOT, NO SCHOOL” policy. I mail out reminder letters several months prior to your student’s immunization due date. I will mail notification letters in May to the parents of students who will require immunizations over the summer. Free immunizations are available at a variety of locations. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Summer Camps for Alaskan Youth with Asthma

The American Lung Association of Alaska is coordinating two summer camps for students with Asthma.

CHAMP Camp for ages 7-12 will take place July 27th through August 1st at Camp Carlquist in Chugiak; and Limitless Adventures Camp for ages 13-17 will take place June 8th through June 14th at Eagle Valley Center in Juneau. Contact Michelle Ferreira at 907-644-6417 or mferreira@aklung.org for more information

Prom and Graduation Parties

Prom night and graduation are very soon! We want this to be a time of fond memories and not a reminder of a tragic event. Please take time to remind your sons and daughters about the safety issues and consequences of drug and alcohol use. Remind them that it impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, and can cause alcohol overdose (read that as poisoning), and increase the risk for motor vehicle accidents. Let’s work together to keep our students safe.

Thank You

Thank you to all the families who have donated lunch and snack items this year. Our parent group has requested I contact the parent/guardian of any student who regularly uses our free lunch/snacks. We want to keep lunches/snacks available for those students who need them in an emergency and not have them used as a regular substitute for bringing one’s own lunch or not wanting to go out and buy a lunch. On the average, about six Steller students a day come to my office for a lunch or snack, and so far this year, your donations have supplied over 800 lunches/snacks. Thanks again for all your support.

Nurse Wendy