It’s School End-of-the-Year Field Day
Is it Fun in the Sun, or a Day of Dread?
AI is not used in the creation of this Substack. All writing is done by HI (human intelligence).
The new school nurse may feel a qualm or two, but many find it to be a great day.
Preparation is the key.
Make sure sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before the start of fun in the sun for children.
If we do not have permission or sunscreen from home a child, we send out a note to the parent to make sure they send in a light-colored long sleeve shirt and a hat.
Some school nurses have a pop-up canopy for an outdoor First Aid station, and a small table and a couple of chairs, one for the nurse and one for the student.
Supplies to keep on hand:
A cooler with cold packs—in case needed.
A well-stocked first aid kit with antiseptic wipes and bandages.
A lockbox storing children’s epi-pens and inhalers might be in order.
A portable battery powered fan.
A case or two of 4 0z bottled water. (I work with young children and anything more than that gets wasted. Each classroom teacher should also have a stash of bottled water closer to where their children are playing.)
Review signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke with teaching staff in the week prior to Field Day.
On Field Day remind teachers to have children take cool down breaks if it is a warm sunny day.
Have sources of flowing water, or spritzing water for children that might need cooling down.
Some schools do not have a First Aid station set up outside. In this case walkie talkies, or cell phones, are imperative for outside staff to get ahold of a nurse in the event of an emergency.
Where I work, we generally have a few minor scrapes or bruises.
Many other school nurses have reported Field Days result in quiet days for them. The children do not want to take a break from their fun to see the school nurse.
Reviewing age-appropriate activities for the age groups of the children is a must before Field Days.
Educating students about safety measures may help.
Involving parents may work in some schools but make a specific plan of what each parent will be doing.
Make it fun
Students need to be kept moving instead of spending the day in lines waiting for their turn.
Provide rest and water breaks scattered throughout the day.
Include water play if possible.
Make it a fun in the sun time for everyone.
If staff and nurses work together Field Days can be safe and fun for everyone!
Yes, it's generally the week before final exams week. It gives kids a day to blow off steam before they start cramming for exams. Activities are age based.
What exactly is Field Day? 😅 Just a fun outdoor event on the last day of school?