Community Health E-Newsletter

Issue 5 | September 2025

Back to School in Barnstable County!

This newsletter includes:


Health and Vaccine Information


Getting to School Safely


Online and Phone Safety


Bullying and Suicide


Clubs and Activities


Back to School Checklist

 

Health and Vaccine Information



As the school year begins, it's important to make sure your child is up to date on routine vaccines and annual health checkups. Immunizations help protect students from preventable illnesses and are often required for school attendance. Now is also a good time to schedule physicals, vision and hearing screenings, and discuss any health concerns with your child’s provider. Keeping kids healthy sets them up for a successful, focused year of learning. Call the Barnstable County Immunization program to schedule your vaccines today: 508-375-6617


Public Health Nursing - Barnstable County


Massachusetts School Immunization Requirements 2025-2026




Getting to School Safely



As students head back to school, it's important to review safety tips for getting there and back—no matter how they travel. Whether walking, biking, riding the bus, or using other transportation, kids should stay alert, follow traffic signals, and use crosswalks. Bikers should always wear helmets and ride in designated bike lanes, while bus riders should wait safely at stops and cross in front of the bus when it’s safe. A few simple precautions can help ensure every student arrives at school safely and ready to learn.


Getting Your Child to School Safely - Safewise


Getting to School Safely - Safe Kids Worldwide


Back To School Safety Checklist


Online and Phone Safety



With the new school year underway, it’s a great time to talk to kids about staying safe online and on their phones. Remind them to keep personal information private, use strong passwords, and think carefully before clicking links or sharing content. Encourage open conversations about social media, cyberbullying, and how to recognize online scams. Setting healthy screen time limits and using parental controls can also help create safe, balanced digital habits for the school year.


50 Internet Safety Tips

Bullying and Suicide


As students return to school, it's crucial to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Bullying—whether in person or online—can have serious emotional effects, and it's important for students, parents, and educators to recognize the signs and speak up. Open conversations about mental health and suicide can help break the stigma and ensure students know they’re not alone. Encouraging kindness, connection, and seeking help when needed can make a big difference in a student’s well-being.


Preventing Suicide: Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet


Teen and Adolescent Mental Health on Cape and the Islands


Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition

chemistry-boy.jpg

Clubs and Activities



Back to school is the perfect time for students to explore new interests and get involved in clubs and activities. Whether it’s sports, music, art, robotics, drama, or student government, extracurriculars help students build friendships, learn new skills, and feel more connected to their school community. Encouraging kids to try something new can boost their confidence and make the school year more fun and rewarding. There's something for everyone—so get out there and get involved!


Visit your school website for more!

Vaping & Youth Health

Vaping is on the rise among students, and it’s important to remember that no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development up to age 25. Vaping also exposes kids to harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and particles that can damage lungs. Many youth report starting because of stress or anxiety—but nicotine can actually make these feelings worse.


Talk to your child about the risks, what they see at school, and how to make healthy choices.


CDC: Health Effects of E-Cigarettes


Learn the facts: Massachusetts "Get Outraged!"


Need help quitting? Massachusetts Get Help to Quit Vaping


Youth Support

My Life, My Quit™ – Call 855-891-9989 or text “Start My Quit” to 36072, or visit mylifemyquit.com for free, confidential help.




Back to School Checklist


Health & Vaccines

  • Schedule routine health checkups and physicals
  • Ensure all required vaccines are up to date
  • Arrange vision and hearing screenings
  • Discuss any health concerns with your child’s provider


Getting to School Safely

  • Review safe walking routes and use of crosswalks
  • Make sure your child wears a helmet when biking
  • Teach bus safety rules and proper behavior at stops
  • Discuss general traffic safety and staying alert


Online & Phone Safety

  • Talk about keeping personal info private online
  • Set strong passwords and enable parental controls
  • Discuss responsible social media use and cyberbullying
  • Encourage balanced screen time habits


Bullying & Mental Health

  • Watch for signs of bullying or emotional distress
  • Foster open conversations about feelings and mental health
  • Provide resources for support if needed
  • Promote kindness and peer support


Clubs & Activities

  • Explore school clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities
  • Encourage your child to try something new
  • Help your child connect with friends through activities
  • Support involvement to boost confidence and school connection




A note from Mary Ellen Reed, Director of Health and Wellness, MBA, RN, BSN, NCSN, School Nurse, Nauset Public Schools District


“As students return to school each fall, the season brings excitement, new opportunities, and the occasional challenge. Adjusting to new routines, navigating friendships, and taking on fresh academic goals can sometimes feel overwhelming, but these experiences also help students grow in resilience and confidence.


For some children with ongoing medical needs, strong communication between families, schools, and health providers helps ensure that students receive the care and support they need to thrive. Families can play an important role by providing their school nurse with up-to-date vaccination and physical exam records, as well as any necessary doctor’s orders for daily medications or allergy, asthma, or medical care plans. Establishing healthy sleep routines, balanced nutrition, and thoughtful screen time habits can also go a long way in setting children up for success.


Most importantly, the back-to-school season is a time of fresh beginnings. It offers students the chance to build meaningful friendships, discover new strengths, and establish healthy habits that will carry them through the year. School nurses and health staff are proud to partner with families during this exciting time, providing support and encouragement so every child can flourish both in and out of the classroom. Together, we can make this school year a healthy, positive, and successful one.”


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