All school buildings are in compliance with state board of health rules and regulations regarding the presence of persons who have been exposed to infectious diseases deemed dangerous to public health. A student is required to present evidence of his/her having been immunized in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health Required Immunizations. A student who has been diagnosed by a physician or is suspected of having an infectious disease may be excluded from the classroom or referred for medical attention. The district provides training to all employees regarding HIV/AIDS and has an Infection Control Program procedure.
BISD School Board Policies & Procedures
Find a broad range of information in the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Department of Health's Infectious Disease Control Guide for School Staff.
The Bainbridge Island School District policy regarding head lice (Pediculosis capitis) is based on recommended guidelines by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of School Nurses and the Harvard School of Public Health.
If live lice are observed, then parents will be asked to pick up their student and begin treatment. Once treatment has been verified (signing of document sent home with child), the child will be allowed to return to school. Upon return, school staff will re-examine the student before the child returns to the classroom. The student will be examined again in 7-10 days by school staff to confirm the absence of lice and nits.
If only nits (lice eggs) are observed, the student may remain in school for the balance of the day, parents will be notified and information will be sent home advising how to address the condition. Once treatment has been verified (signing of document sent home with child), the child will be allowed to return to school. Upon return, school staff will re-examine the student before the child returns to the classroom. The student will be examined again in 7-10 days by school staff to confirm the absence of lice and nits.
Treatment of head lice for many years has been based on old wives tales, misconceptions and marketing departments for companies who make products for profit from head lice hysteria. Head lice are small parasitic insects that are host-specific to the human head. Lice likely co-evolved with people, their claws are well adapted to grasping only the human hair shaft. In fact head lice have even been recovered from prehistoric mummies. Head lice are equal opportunity parasites, they do not recognize socio-economic class distinctions or lack of hygiene. They are primarily spread from head-to-head contact. In North America and Europe, children are more frequently infested than adults, and Caucasians more frequently than other ethnic groups. Head lice are not known to transmit infectious agents from person to person. They are not considered a vector for illness.
Combing the hair in the opposite direction of normal brushing will help you find more eggs:
Continue checking for lice and eggs for two weeks using the nit comb daily, until you no longer find any more lice or eggs. This process takes the most time, energy, and patience. Combing is the most important step!