Health Education Programs at FCDS
Germbusters Handwashing Program
This exciting "hands on" educational program is presented to all students grades Pre-K-6th grade. This program is generally presented prior to or immediately following the holiday break in the midst of flu season. Through the use of stories, songs, videos, puzzles, and experiments with Glitter Bug Potion, the children learned the importance of regular, thorough handwashing and the role it plays in the promotion of wellness and prevention of illness. Special "WASH" stickers are put up above all classroom sinks in the Lower School as well as in the bathrooms in the Lower and Middle School halls.
Playground Safety-Pre-K and K
The Pre-K and Kindergarten children attend a program on "Playground Safety" presented by Mrs. Hart at the beginning of each school year. They all enjoy watching the video about Sammy and his good friend Frieda who visited the school nurse after Sammy's very bad day on the playground. They are introduced to the acronym SAFE which stands for SUPERVISION, AGE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT, FALLS TO SOFT SURFACES, AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE. The program concludes with each student receiving a large poster of a playground with lots of hazards which they search for and circled in red. A lot of interesting and informative discussion takes place. This information is then reviewed with the children throughout the school year by their classroom teachers.
Dental Health-First Grade
The First Grade attends a health education program sponsored by CREST and presented by Mrs. Hart in February, which is National Dental Health Month. The goal of the Crest Dental Health Education Program is to help children learn about proper oral hygiene and develop good dental health habits that will last a lifetime. The children view the animated video "Geena's Tremendous Tooth Adventure," work on matching and word search puzzles, and have the opportunity to earn a "Sparkling Smile Certificate."
Smart Cookies Don't Burn!- Second Grade
The second graders attend a program each spring presented by Mrs. Hart on sun safety. The children learn about all of the good things that the sun does, but also learn that too much sun exposure without protection can be harmful to our skin. Three experiments are done showing the intense heat that the sun produces. Children learn about sunscreen and protective clothing as well as when the sun is most intense. Two children dressed in swim suits demonstrate smart choices regarding sun protection. Students complete two work sheets and receive a colorful "Smart Cookie" certificate along with important parent information .
Fit for a King!- Third Grade
The third grade attends a program presented by Mrs. Hart entitled, "Fit for a King-the Smart Kid's Guide to Food and Fun!" each year. After viewing an exciting educational video and participating in several interactive word games and puzzles, the children learn that GOOD NUTRITION + EXERCISE = A HEALTHY YOU!
Reading Food Labels- Fourth Grade
A program on "Reading Food Labels" is presented to the fourth graders each year by Mrs. Hart. The video "The Food Label and You-Check it Out!" is viewed and each component of the Nutrition Facts Label (found on all commercially manufactured foods) is explained and analyzed. The importance of eating a variety of foods each day, along with choosing healthy snacks is stressed. Each student receives a food package used in an interactive exercise to practice what has been learned. The students are treated to a healthy snack at the conclusion of the program.
Personal Hygiene Class- Fifth Grade
The fifth graders participate in a personal hygiene class entitled "Looking Good-Feeling Good." Topics covered include proper care of hair, face, mouth, body odor, and nails. Good nutrition and exercise is also discussed, along with issues of building self-esteem. The class takes a "Personal Hygiene Quiz" as a review at the conclusion of the class. Samples of personal care products are given to the students.
Hepatitis B Awareness- Sixth Grade
A program is presented to the sixth grade students about the Hepatitis B virus and the Hepatitis B Vaccine. A video is shown starring “Clarissa” who talks to kids about “scary things” including “Hep B”. She encourages them to “BE SMART-GET VACCINATED!” The school nurse then answers questions and give the students information about the Hepatitis B vaccine which is available to them at school through the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. Information and consents are sent home to parents.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH EDUCATION
CPR Class
Faculty, Administration, and Staff take advantage of our annual CPR Class offering. Approximately 20 employees earn their CPR-Heartsaver certification each year. As a result of this annual class offering we are happy to report that we now have about 35 employees trained in Adult,Child, and Infant CPR and Obstructed Airway. We are CPR SMART!!!!
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
The school nurse presents a program for interested faculty on allergies and anaphylaxis. An educational video is shown as well as many handouts provided. Lecture includes common food, insect, and environmental allergens, signs and symptom of an allergic reaction, the physiology of an allergic reaction and the administration of antihistamines and epinephrine. An "Epi- pen" demonstration is given and "Epi-pen" trainers are available for practicing the proper technique for administration. All faculty members who have a student in their class with a prescribed “Epi-Pen” take an on-line training course entitled “Epi-Pen 911.” They are then trained by the school nurse in the proper procedures for administering the Epi-Pen. Reviews are provided throughout the school year.
OSHA Training
All "occupationally exposed" employees at FCDS participate in OSHA Bloodbourne Pathogen Training every August prior to the start of the new school year. This training is presented by the School Nurse. This training also includes information on the Hepatitis B vaccine and is available to all "occupationally exposed" employees. A copy of training materials can be accessed through the OSHA link on the Health Room’s main page.