The MRH School District, based on recommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, the St. Louis County Department of Health, and the National Association of School Nurses is revising its lice/nit procedures to incorporate these new recommendations and best practices. The focus is on treatment and keeping students in school. It is no longer recommended to exclude students from school once they start the treatment process. We know this is a departure from past practices, but it aligns with current best practices nationally and in our area.

HEAD LICE/NIT PROCEDURE: If there is evidence of live lice at school, the student may remain at school and the family will be contacted. The school will notify families in the classroom so they can monitor and check their students at home. Treatment must be started prior to returning on the next school day. Per current public health guidelines, it is no longer recommended that schools have nit-free policies. Students are encouraged to remain in school as long as they have started the treatment process. Students must not ride the bus until they have been checked by the nurse and cleared to return to school. Upon returning to school, an inspection by the school nurse will be completed before entering back into the classroom to assure treatment has begun and to assist with any questions. Continue to monitor your child for lice and inform the school if any is found.

Resources to learn more about lice and current best practices: