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February 6, 2025

Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

As we continue to navigate the coldest winter of the past few years, our unwavering commitment to supporting healthy students and families remains strong. In addition to our ongoing efforts, we are excited to highlight that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral health for our beloved students. Below are important reminders, updates, and resources to help families stay healthy throughout the season. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

Tips for Keeping Warm for Winter

• Layer up: Make sure to wear several layers of clothing, gloves, and a hat, especially when outside for recess and waiting for the bus.
• Watch your step: Wear winter footwear. Take small, slow steps on icy surfaces to prevent falls.
• Stay hydrated: You can still get dehydrated in the winter, especially when playing outside in layers. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink water before you become thirsty.
• Don’t forget sunscreen: Snow can reflect sunlight and give you sunburn. Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher on exposed skin.

Colds, Flu, and Preparing for Sick Season
Viral illnesses like colds, Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 spread more easily during winter months.

• Students can attend school if they are generally healthy and able to participate in their usual day-to-day activities.
• Students with colds, Flu, RSV, or COVID-19 should remain home if they have an excessive runny nose, excessive coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, or if they look or act ill.
• Students may return to school when they are feeling well, as long as symptoms are not present or have improved, and they are fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication.
• It’s important to stay home when sick, wash hands regularly with soap and water, and cover coughs and sneezes. You can find more health guidance regarding school attendancehere.
• Stay up to date on the Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Talk to your child’s doctor about these vaccinations.

Resource Hubs are available throughout the city that offer free COVID-19 test kits, masks, hand sanitizer, and even children’s books! Find a location here.

Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Did you know that dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in children and affect their ability to learn and attend school? Here are a few tips to prevent cavities and keep your child’s teeth healthy:

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes and floss once a day. Younger children may need help brushing and flossing. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste.Here are fun calendars to help your child stay on track with brushing twice a day.
• Visit the dentist at least twice a year. Bring the dental report to your school nurse so they have a record of your child’s dental health.
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks as these can cause dental cavities.
• Make your home and car smoke-free. Children who are around secondhand smoke are more likely to have dental cavities.
• Make an appointment at the School District’s dental clinic – Appointments are available at W.D. Kelley Dental Clinic on Monday and Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Services include dental screenings, checkups and cleanings, fillings, crowns, fluoride varnish, and extraction emergency care. Families can call 215-707-0231 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. More information is available here.

Thank you for your attention to the above information. Please continue to have a safe and healthy winter!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kendra B. McDow MD, MPH, FAAP
School District Medical Officer
Office of Student Support Services