The Schrammie: A head-scratching decision
As if parents didn't have enough angst about their kids' education.
Come to discover, they're only scratching the surface.
I'd like to invite Jim McNally, Executive Director of Everett Schools, to quit picking at nits (that's what little lice eggs are called) and come on down.
Jim's leading the pack with a decision that many school districts could soon make: Allowing kids with head lice to stay in class.
Since the American Academy of Pediatrics has decreed that the tiny, blood sucking bugs aren't actually a run-for-the-hills, quarantine-your-family health threat, McNally the nit picker developed a sensitivity to the possibility that kids could end up being stigmatized if other kids find out one of their friends is not in school because they're all loused up.
Rather then risk having classmates taunt little Billy or Suzie because they have cooties, McNally rationalizes that one scalp, 10 scalps, 30 scalps is a risk worth taking.
That said, it needs to be noted that passing lice from one head to another isn't exactly easy, but it's not all that difficult either.
I'm betting that parents and teachers will be scratching their own heads as to the wisdom of McNally's decision.
So, for thinking its really okay if little tykes and teenagers louse up their classmates, and for giving parents and teachers another hair-raising reason to wonder what might be bugging the kids, take a bow Jim McNally, because this "Schrammie" is for you.
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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
Come to discover, they're only scratching the surface.
I'd like to invite Jim McNally, Executive Director of Everett Schools, to quit picking at nits (that's what little lice eggs are called) and come on down.
Jim's leading the pack with a decision that many school districts could soon make: Allowing kids with head lice to stay in class.
Since the American Academy of Pediatrics has decreed that the tiny, blood sucking bugs aren't actually a run-for-the-hills, quarantine-your-family health threat, McNally the nit picker developed a sensitivity to the possibility that kids could end up being stigmatized if other kids find out one of their friends is not in school because they're all loused up.
Rather then risk having classmates taunt little Billy or Suzie because they have cooties, McNally rationalizes that one scalp, 10 scalps, 30 scalps is a risk worth taking.
That said, it needs to be noted that passing lice from one head to another isn't exactly easy, but it's not all that difficult either.
I'm betting that parents and teachers will be scratching their own heads as to the wisdom of McNally's decision.
So, for thinking its really okay if little tykes and teenagers louse up their classmates, and for giving parents and teachers another hair-raising reason to wonder what might be bugging the kids, take a bow Jim McNally, because this "Schrammie" is for you.
---
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
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