School Nurse

The average school aged child spends 6-9 hours per day on screens, this is more than any other activity except sleep! We have seen a significant increase in students with Myopia (nearsightedness) in the past 4 years. Increased screen time raises the risk of developing myopia and also developing it earlier than we may if only inherited.

According to Dr.Jennifer Cross, a Pediatrician and developmental and behavioral pediatrics expert at New York-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, “There is also evidence that children who watch a lot of television during the early elementary school years perform less well on reading tests and may show deficits in attention. “ Also noted effects of screen time is a decrease in melatonin which can delay sleep. The blue light from screens keeps our brains more alert and activated rather than preparing for sleep at night. Research has shown that children exposed to screens in the evening had shorter nighttime sleep.

Outdoor play and free play is so important for our children’s development. Let's ditch the screens and play some board games or play outdoors instead!

Traditionally Screen-Free Week has been celebrated in May however any time of year is a good time to take a well-deserved break from screens, to rest our eyes, minds, and to make time to play and get outside. Perhaps you’ve been decreasing screen time with your family for years or you’re thinking about giving it a try this year and dipping your toes into the screen-free world for a few days. The point of screen free time is not about going without, but about all the amazing things you can add into your life with your screen-free time while deepening your connection to your family and the world around us.

Let's focus on healthy activities, good sleep and keep our Nantucket children healthy!

101 Family Actitivities

100 Reading ideas

55 Nature Related Activities

Screen free Game Ideas

Screen Free Bingo

Up-to-date immunization record 

• All children in kindergarten through grade 5 must have two (2) doses of MMR and 2 doses of varicella vaccines. 

• The minimal age for the last dose of IVP (polio) is on or after the fourth birthday.

• 5 doses of DTAP, 4 doses are accepted if last dose is given after the fourth birthday.

• Hepatitis B 3 doses.

• Influenza vaccine is hightly recommended yearly. 

Physical examination:

• all children entering preschool and kindergarten

• all children new to the school system

• children entering the 4th grade

• Lead test is required for all children entering kindergarten and preschool.

• MIIS - Massachusetts Immunization Information System

Mission: Promote the health, safety, and well-being of the school community and to foster an environment for academic success.