BLS Nurse Blog
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
CONCUSSION
Updated ITAP form
Return to PE form
PE form use recommendation:
State law requires that physical activity restrictions be put in place immediately upon notification. But ODE did not provide guidance on how to determine those restrictions.
Schools cannot require medical clearance for students to return to P.E. – we can only require it for athletes who want to play a school sport.
Depriving students of physical activity can cause harm. It deprives them of social connection. It may increase anxiety. And appropriate levels of physical exercise can actually promote recovery, which in turn helps students get back to full participation in their academic classroom sooner.
This form is intended to provide a tool to assist staff responsible for supervising a student’s physical activity – whether that’s in P.E., during a “movement break” in the classroom, or at recess. Who the supervising individual may be at a given school will depend on the school, but in most cases it cannot be the nurse because most schools do not have a full-time dedicated nurse.
Moreover, just as classroom teachers are the experts in differentiating learning in the classroom (remember, accommodations are not prescribed and it’s always at the discretion of the teacher when and whether to add or remove accommodations), physical education teachers are the experts in determining the appropriate level of participation for their student – they do this all the time for students with varying levels of physical fitness and ability.
Some staff may have concerns around liability. As nurses, we know the best way to legally protect ourselves is to document the steps we have taken to protect our students from harm. If we didn’t document it, it didn’t happen. This form is a tool for teachers and administrators to do just that.
CULTURE OF CARE
“Start the Conversation” workshops
“Start the Conversation” workshops are a family engagement opportunity for families of students with Tier 2 and Tier 3 needs. There will be repeat offerings of this 3-hour workshop in Feb – March.
The “Start the Conversation” workshop will improve families’ abilities to start difficult conversations with their student about topics such as mental health, attendance, substance use, and sex. The workshop is provided by Dr. Amy Yillik, HDESD Culture of Care.
The workshops are centered on developmental needs of middle school students, but are open to families of all BLS students.
Promotion fliers
How to Start a Difficult Conversation with Your Student
Have you ever struggled with how to talk to your student about difficult topics? Conversations with questions about drugs, sex, mental health, school attendance, etc.
Culture of Care and Shared Future Coalition have partnered to bring this Parent and Caregiver ‘Start the Conversation’ workshop to BLS Families. Some of the topics covered in the 3 hour workshop (food included!) are:
- Leading conversations with love
- Strengthening listening skills
- Engaging the youth in problem solving, collaborative and restorative conversations
- Differentiating high-priority and low-priority concerns
- Learning about community resources and asking for help
- Workshop will include non-stigmatizing ways to honestly and appropriately address youth questions about parent/caregiver history with substances and/or risky behaviors
There is also time built into the workshop for parents and caregivers to practice new skills and engage with other families experiencing the same challenging dynamics of raising adolescents. Please make sure to register so we have enough food and space for all registrants!
WEATHER
Cold Weather Reminders
Human Resources
While our winter has been relatively mild thus far, we wanted to share a few helpful reminders – just in case Old Man Winter decides to show up! Please be sure to review our Inclement Weather Guidelines.
If winter weather does roll in, remember to:
- Don’t forget to walk like a penguin – short steps, slow and steady wins the race.
- Give yourself extra travel time (driving and walking),
- Bundle up and wear weather-appropriate footwear,
Safety
Reminder for recess/lunch winter weather guidance: When the outside temperature falls to 20°F or below (not including wind chill), the administration will use caution when allowing outdoor school activities(This information is found in the Quick Reference Guide for Emergencies aka “the Red Green”). See the NOAA Windchill chart here.
Administrators have the discretion to send students outside in inclement weather. For example, it could be above 20°F but extremely icy, so you may decide to keep students inside.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Upcoming Nurse Events/Meetings
| DATE | EVENT | TIME | LOCATION |
| 1/29/26 | Middle School Nurse Meeting | 930 | Microsoft Teams |
| 1/29/26 | High School Nurse Meeting | 1030 | Microsoft Teams |
| 1/30/26 | Nurse Meeting (Skills Day) | 845-12 | BOARD ROOM |
| April 10, 2026 | |
| February 6, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
| March 6, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |