Head Lice

NASN Head Lice position statement

School Health Matters: Facts of "Lice"
This month's newsletter addresses the revisions to our head lice protocol reflecting the standards of practice recommended by the CDC, the AAP and the NASN

Additional information:

All information on the North Andover Public Schools website is for educational purposes only. Information on this website is not intended to be an endorsement of any organization or a replacement for professional medical advice.


When head lice is identified in a student:
  • Parent will be contacted for dismissal of student with live lice.
  • Student with nits may remain in school until the end of the day and parents will be contacted.
  • Parents will be educated in the procedure to eliminate head lice.
  • Students will be checked before returning to class for nits and live lice.
  • School Nurse will use current best practice guidelines to determine whether or not student can return to class.
  • Parents will not be routinely notified of cases of lice in classrooms due to privacy concerns and the low risk of transmission of lice.
What If My Child Gets Head Lice?
  • If your child has been identified as having head lice your school nurse will talk with you about current treatment options.
  • If you discover head lice in your child at home, contact your school nurse.
  • Follow treatment instructions, including careful combing with a lice comb, nit removal and daily re-checks for lice and nits.
  • Check other family members but do not treat unless active head lice are identified.
  • Family bed linens and recently used clothes, hats and towels should be washed in very hot water. Personal items such as brushes, combs, and hair clips should also be washed in hot soapy water or thrown away if they were exposed to the person with an active head lice infestation.
  • Do not use environmental sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
  • Consult your school nurse or pediatrician if you have any questions.