Letter to School

This is similar to the letter I sent last year to Chloe's school. I left certain areas blank for you to copy and past it. You must change the letter around to fit your child's needs.

Dear [insert Principal’s name],

My name is [insert your name] and I am the mother of [insert child’s name]. [Insert child’s name], will be attending [insert school’s name] in [insert the month and year] for [insert grade level].

First, I would like to bring to your attention that my child has some health issues. [Insert child’s name] was born with Heterotaxy, Polysplenia Syndrome. However, even though he/she has three spleens her immunologist is treating it as Functional Asplenia. This means that her spleens do not work at 100 percent and [insert child’s name] is prone to bacteria infections. [Insert child’s name] takes a daily dosage of Amoxillin to help prevent bacteria infections. The Amoxillin sometimes does not work. [Insert child’s name] has a Fever Plan and an Asthma Action Plan for which I will supply to your nurse once I meet with her. I would like [Insert child’s name] also to have an IHCP so that your staff (teachers, subs, office staff, and nurse) will know what to do if [Insert child’s name] becomes ill. I have spoken to the school nurse and will be meeting with her before school starts in [Insert month]. I would also like (if possible) for you to attend the meeting as well as [Insert child’s name] teacher. [Insert child’s name] wears a medical alert bracelet in case of an emergency that may arise. [Insert child’s name] also has abdominal situs inversus, GERD,Chronic Recurrent Infection, [and any other medical issues. Make sure to explain what each medical issue is]. [Insert child’s name] tends to have chronic infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, including the lungs, the ears and the sinuses, are the primary problems with [child’s name].

Second, we stress the importance of hand washing with [child’s name] and discourage him/her from close contact with sick individuals. This will help to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. A cold for a healthy child can easily become pneumonia for a child like [child’s name].

Third, hearing loss is a common consequence of chronic ear infections with [child’s name] We monitor [child’s name] hearing closely, but at times fluid can collect behind the ear drum and cause subtle hearing changes that he/she may not be aware of. If you notice changes consistent with hearing problems like lip-reading, talking loudly, failing to respond when called, etc., please let us know. If possible, a seating assignment close to where the teacher presents information would be helpful.

Forth, because of repeated infections, kids with Functional Asplenia may have multiple absences from school. We will work with you to try to minimize the number of absences and to help with any make up work that may be required due to absences.

Most of all, I would like [child’s name] to be tested for learning disability when school starts. Just in case, [child’s name] will need an IEP for school.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at the above numbers noted above.

Sincerely,


Mrs. [insert your name]
Mother of [child’s name