Waukee Parents Start Petition Regarding School District's Policy on Head Lice Notices

Parents upset about the 's lack of a policy regarding the reporting of head lice in the classroom are taking action.

An online petition is gathering signatures from parents in the district who want to see the changed so parents are notified when a case of head lice is reported in their child's classroom or school.

The petition states, "This petition is intended to provide the school with a list of parents that would like to see this policy changed, and for the classroom teacher to send out a parental notification letter or e-mail to the student's parent(s) once a case of lice has been identified in the student's classroom. While the primary responsibility of lice detection and treatment lies with parents, the parents that sign this petition believe providing this additional notification to parents will provide extra incentive for parents to check their child(ren)'s hair more carefully and frequently, and take the necessary steps to prevent and treat lice. We believe this additional information provided to parents may help reduce lice infection and reinfection in Waukee schools."

In addition to the online petition, parents supporting the change plan to attend the next meeting for the Waukee school board at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, in the office at 560 S.E. University Ave.

The petition says: "The Waukee district's current policy is to NOT notify parents when a case or suspected case of lice has been identified in a student's classroom, or even within the school. If you would like to see this policy changed, we would like to get as many concerned parents as possible to the next Waukee School Board meeting."

To sign the petition, go to: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/waukee-district-lice-notification-policy.html

Parents interested in attending the school board meeting are asked to show up on Monday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. For questions or concerns, contact Wendy Marsh at wkmarsh@nyemaster.com or by calling (515) 249-0422.