Nurse

Nurse Notes

Hello My Name Is Tammy Petronzio, RN

hawaii family

I am the full-time nurse at Great Oaks Elementary.  I have worked as a pediatric nurse since 1991.  My nursing experiences have included the acute care hospital setting, home health care, and school nursing.  This is my ninth year as the school nurse at GOE.

I am originally from northern Ohio and graduated from Kent State University.  My family and I have been in TX for the past 11 years and do not miss the harsh winters of the north.  I am married to my high school sweetheart and have two children within RRISD. Together, my family and I enjoy outdoor activities, participating and spectating in sporting events, traveling, and just spending time together as a family.  

I am excited for another new school year. GOE has such a strong sense of community which is felt from the enthusiasm and involvement of the students, families, and staff. Please know, my door is always open. Feel free to call, email, or stop by my office to discuss any health issues or changes with your child. I hope you have a great school year!

Welcome Note

Welcome Note
Welcome back to an exciting new school year!  I am looking forward to another year at GOE!

After the long summer off, getting kids (and even us adults) back into a school routine can be a slow and difficult transition.  When kids are eating healthy foods, well rested, and physically fit, they have a much better chance of having a successful school year.

Eating a healthy breakfast and lunch, with both complex carbohydrates and protein, will help your child maintain energy and focus throughout the school day. Plenty of fluids throughout the day are also important.  Please remember to send a water bottle with your child each day.

Elementary children need a minimum of 10 hours of sleep per night.  Make sleep a priority.  Lack of sleep has been linked to behavior problems in school, in addition to both short & long term health problems. Staying up late all weekend makes for a difficult start to each new week.  Mondays are often the busiest days in the nurse’s clinic, as kids are exhausted and worn out from the busy weekends.
Physical fitness can be a fun family affair.  Kids form good habits by example, incorporate or start your own fitness program with your children.  A family walk through the neighborhood or park is a great way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company while discussing events of the day.
Lastly, hand washing is our best way to defend against illness.  When kids are together, germs are everywhere. Encourage your child to wash, and wash often. This first month back to school, I look forward to meeting with the classrooms to discuss proper hand washing and its importance, while also discussing other ways to help prevent the spread of germs and illness.  Please consider donating extra Clorox disinfecting wipes to your classroom teacher, as they can never have enough.

As always, if you ever need to discuss your child’s health or health concerns, you may contact me at #464-6858.  I look forward to a another great school year at GOE, the WOW place to learn!
Sincerely,
Tammy Petronzio, RN

Flu Information

Take Action to Fight the Flu and Stay Healthy

Here at the Williamson Counties and Cities Health District, we take flu very seriously. It is a virus that infects thousands of our county residents each year. Last year, we saw a peak in flucases at the end of December while the holidays were still in progress. While we cannot predict when flu will hit this year, we want to ensure that all of our residents are prepared early and protected from the fluThe best protection for children, ages 6 months and up, and adults is to get a flu vaccine.  October is the best time of year to get a fluvaccine and getting immunized every year gives you the best protection from the flu.This is especially important if you are pregnant or if you or your loved ones have respiratory problems like asthma or chronic lung disease. There are a couple of options to get vaccinated. For children, the nasal spray is recommended for ages 2 to 8 year old. Flu shots are also recommended for older children and adults. Take time to inquire which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family. The other measures to prevent the flu are pretty simple. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. Getting vaccinated and using caution during the flu seasoncan reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu‐related hospitalizations and deaths. Collective action to protect ourselves during the flu season will keep Williamson County one of the healthiest counties in Texas.

W. S. “Chip” Riggins, Jr., MD, MPH

Executive Director and Health Authority, Williamson County & Cities Health District

In addition to hand washing and flu vaccine, avoid touching the “Tzone,” which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth.  Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Stay home when ill to prevent the spread of illness, do not return to work/school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Advil.

Nurse Tammy

Immunization Requirements

Immunization Requirements 2014-2015 School Year

3 year olds and 4 year olds (PRE K)                                                  

HIB and PCV not routinely administered to children ≥ 5 years of age.

4 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT

3 doses of Polio

1 dose of MMR1 on/after 1st birthday

3 doses of HIB with the 3rd dose given on/after 1st birthday and at least 2 months since dose #2 OR 1 dose on/after 15 months of age

4 doses of PCV2 with one given after 1st birthday OR 1 dose on/or after 24 months of age

3 doses of Hepatitis B1

1 dose of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)

2 doses of Hepatitis A1 on/after 1st birthday (must allow 18 months between doses)

Kindergarten – Fifth Grade             Ages 7 years and older, 3 doses of DTP containing vaccine with one dose on/after 4th birthday.

5 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT with one on/after 4th birthday OR 4 doses if one dose is on/after the 4th birthday

4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday

2 doses of MMR1 on/after 1st birthday

3 doses of Hepatitis B1

2 doses of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)

2 doses of Hepatitis A1 on/after 1st birthday (must allow 18 months between doses)

Sixth Grade

Ages 7 years and older, 3 doses of DTP containing vaccine with one dose on/after 4th birthday.
5 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one on/after 4th birthday OR 4 doses if one dose is on/after the 4thbirthday

4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday

2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after 1st birthday

3 doses of Hepatitis B1

1 dose of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
Seventh Grade
3 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one on/after 4th birthday, AND 1 dose of Tdap within the last 5 years.  Td is acceptable in lieu of Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.

4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday

2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after 1st birthday

3 doses of Hepatitis B1,3

2 doses of Varicella1,4 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)

1 dose of Meningococcal
Eighth – Twelfth Grade
3 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap5 with one on/after 4th birthday, AND 1 dose of Tdap is required within the last 10 years. Td is acceptable in lieu of Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.

4 doses of Polio5,6 with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday

2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after the 1st birthday

3 doses of Hepatitis B1,3

2 doses of Varicella1,4 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)

1 dose of Meningococcal

 

This chart summarizes the vaccine requirements in Title 25 Health Services, §§ 97.61-97.72 of the Texas Administrative Code. This chart is not intended as a substitute for consulting the Texas Administrative code, which has other provisions and details.http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=25&pt=1&ch=97&sch=B&rl=Y

***All vaccine doses administered up to and including 4 days before the minimum interval of age will satisfy school entry immunization requirements

1 Serologic confirmation of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, or Varicella or serologic evidence of infection is acceptable in place of vaccine.

2 Other schedules may apply.

3 2 doses of adult formulation Hepatitis B (Recombivax) administered to a child 11-15 years old are acceptable if manufacturer and mL are clearly documented.

4 Two doses of Varicella are required if student received the first dose on or after 13 years of age. Previous Chickenpox illness may be documented with a written statement

from a physician, school nurse, or the child’s parent or guardian containing wording such as: “This is to verify that (name of student) had Varicella disease   

  (chickenpox) on or about (date) and does not need Varicella vaccine.” This written statement will be acceptable in place of any and all Varicella vaccine doses required.

5 Doses of DTaP/Polio administered the month of or prior to the 4th birthday are acceptable for students in 11th -12th grade(students enrolled in school prior to 8/1/04).

6 Polio vaccine is not required for students 18 years or older.

DSHS Region 7                                                                                                                                                                              S:\IMM\AUDITNEW\SchoolRequirements                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Revised 03/04/2014

NOTE: This Reference Guide is subject to change depending on immunization requirement c

Notes

  • All vaccine doses administered less than or equal to four days before the minimum interval or age shall be counted as valid.

  • Does not need a dose of Polio after the 4th birthday if 4 doses of clearly documented combination of IPV and OPV were received before 4 years of age.

  • HIB and PCV7 are not recommended for children 5 years of age or older.

  • Polio is not required for age 18 and above.

Religious and conscientious exemptions can be requested by mail or online:

Mailing Address:
Immunization Branch
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347

Hand Delivery:
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX  78756

Secure online request form for exemption affidavit:

https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm

For more information regarding immunizations and exemptions:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/default.shtm

Religious and Conscientious Exemptions will be valid for only two years. These students may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemics declared by the commissioner of public health.

Medical Exemptions must be signed by an MD or DO. In the statement it must state that the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the well being of the child or any member of the child’s household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician, not the date you receive it.

Resources for Parents

Resources for Parents

Where to get a flu shot for adults & children.
Flu Shot Information & Locations

A comprehensive site for parents to learn about their child’s
health. Covers many topics such as illnesses/injuries,
nutrition/recipes, growth & development, safety, parenting tips,
etc.  
Kids’ Health for Parents

The Texas Dept. of State Health Services offers steps you can
take to stay healthy.  This site discusses the differences
between seasonal flu and pandemic flu, while offering other links
for family preparedness.
Steps to Stay Healthy

A fun web site that offers great tips on meal planning/shopping
tips, family recipe ideas, and even a live blog where you
can “ask the expert” your questions about nutrition.   
Fruits & Veggies: More Matters

Calculate your child’s BMI in a snap and see where he/she falls
on the BMI growth chart in percentiles.  
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

Order replacement or additional glasses online at discounted
prices.  
Lost or Broken Glasses?

 

Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.  Know when to seek
medical care.
Concussion Fact Sheet

Watch this child friendly video with your kids to help prevent
the spread of germs.
How to Sneeze Video

The Choking Game is a misunderstood activity causing death and
suffering for thousands of families worldwide.  G.A.S.P. is a
nationwide campaign set up to fight this “game” with the most
powerful weapon at our disposal: education.
Help Stop the Choking Game

Resources for Kids

A comprehensive site for kids to learn about their own health.  
Covers many topics such as illnesses/injuries, feelings, common
questions kids have, safety, etc.  
Kids’ Health for Kids

Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
for kids 9-13 years old.  Provides comprehensive information for
kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.  
BAM! Body and Mind

Contains fun games and activities to help kids get excited about
eating more fruits and vegtables.  Includes healthy snack recipes
easy enough for kids to make.
Fruit & Veggie Color Champions

Nutrition education for kids to learn through games/activities.
Nutrition Explorations

Dental health facts and information, includes games and other
useful links for kids.
Kids’ Stuff

Online games and activities for elementary aged kids to learn
about dental health.
Colgate Kids’ World

Watch the right and wrong way to sneeze, in order to prevent the
spread of germs.
How to Sneeze Video

Free Athletic Screenings

The Scott & White Specialty Clinic – Georgetown Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation offers free weekly screenings for athletes.  The screenings are held every Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. and are designed to provide athletes with quick access for injury assessment and treatment recommendations.  For more information, call 512.819.5000.