IT'S IN YOUR HANDS

A comprehensive Hand Washing Campaign to lower the number of student and staff absences during the coming winter months. 

This campaign will require active participation from all the school stakeholders. So what can you, our parents do? Be sure to emphasize proper hand washing upon returning from school, after using the bathroom and before meals.

 Kids don't always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.

Washing Hands Correctly

 Here's how to scrub those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your kids — or better yet, wash your hands together often so they learn how important this good habit is:

1.    Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.

2.    Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary — any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!

3.    Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

4.    To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:

• before eating and cooking
• after using the bathroom
• after cleaning around the house
• after touching animals, including family pets
• before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
• after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office