How to tell Parents and Students about CF?

sue35

New member
As my other thread has stated I have come down with a rather serious infection, my third or fourth this school year. I feel like I need to write a letter to the parents explaining what is going on, and also tell the children.

I work at a small private school and I know rumors are flying around. Also, the kids know something is up because of my cough and I think would almost be put at ease knowing there is a reason.

I have no idea how to go about this. Are there any teachers that have? I am a horrible writer so any tips from anyone on what to include?
 

sue35

New member
As my other thread has stated I have come down with a rather serious infection, my third or fourth this school year. I feel like I need to write a letter to the parents explaining what is going on, and also tell the children.

I work at a small private school and I know rumors are flying around. Also, the kids know something is up because of my cough and I think would almost be put at ease knowing there is a reason.

I have no idea how to go about this. Are there any teachers that have? I am a horrible writer so any tips from anyone on what to include?
 

sue35

New member
As my other thread has stated I have come down with a rather serious infection, my third or fourth this school year. I feel like I need to write a letter to the parents explaining what is going on, and also tell the children.

I work at a small private school and I know rumors are flying around. Also, the kids know something is up because of my cough and I think would almost be put at ease knowing there is a reason.

I have no idea how to go about this. Are there any teachers that have? I am a horrible writer so any tips from anyone on what to include?
 

sue35

New member
As my other thread has stated I have come down with a rather serious infection, my third or fourth this school year. I feel like I need to write a letter to the parents explaining what is going on, and also tell the children.

I work at a small private school and I know rumors are flying around. Also, the kids know something is up because of my cough and I think would almost be put at ease knowing there is a reason.

I have no idea how to go about this. Are there any teachers that have? I am a horrible writer so any tips from anyone on what to include?
 

sue35

New member
As my other thread has stated I have come down with a rather serious infection, my third or fourth this school year. I feel like I need to write a letter to the parents explaining what is going on, and also tell the children.
<br />
<br />I work at a small private school and I know rumors are flying around. Also, the kids know something is up because of my cough and I think would almost be put at ease knowing there is a reason.
<br />
<br />I have no idea how to go about this. Are there any teachers that have? I am a horrible writer so any tips from anyone on what to include?
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I am a teacher, but I have never been through having to write a letter or anything. Do your bosses know about your CF? I am assuming they do since you have been so sick, so I apologize if that is a dumb questions. I cant say how I would want to tell people in that setting. In one point you dont want the parents to think you less able or too sickly. But at the same time if people are getting suspicious, you dont want the rumors going around.

I would say call your doctors office. Maybe the social worker will have some advice. I know when I got my current job as a building sub, I struggled with whether I should tell my bosses and colleagues. I did not because like you, its not a permanent position yet and I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting a permanent position.

You could just say something general if you dont want to get specific with the parents. Like I have an underlying condition and I am working to get it under better control. Or you could go into the whole schpeal...use it as a chance to educate the children and parents. Maybe do like an "Open Circle" discussion and invite the parents to join, in addition to writing a letter. I will bet you that some of the parents and maybe even the kids know what CF is already. Good luck and if you need someone to chat with PM me.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I am a teacher, but I have never been through having to write a letter or anything. Do your bosses know about your CF? I am assuming they do since you have been so sick, so I apologize if that is a dumb questions. I cant say how I would want to tell people in that setting. In one point you dont want the parents to think you less able or too sickly. But at the same time if people are getting suspicious, you dont want the rumors going around.

I would say call your doctors office. Maybe the social worker will have some advice. I know when I got my current job as a building sub, I struggled with whether I should tell my bosses and colleagues. I did not because like you, its not a permanent position yet and I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting a permanent position.

You could just say something general if you dont want to get specific with the parents. Like I have an underlying condition and I am working to get it under better control. Or you could go into the whole schpeal...use it as a chance to educate the children and parents. Maybe do like an "Open Circle" discussion and invite the parents to join, in addition to writing a letter. I will bet you that some of the parents and maybe even the kids know what CF is already. Good luck and if you need someone to chat with PM me.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I am a teacher, but I have never been through having to write a letter or anything. Do your bosses know about your CF? I am assuming they do since you have been so sick, so I apologize if that is a dumb questions. I cant say how I would want to tell people in that setting. In one point you dont want the parents to think you less able or too sickly. But at the same time if people are getting suspicious, you dont want the rumors going around.

I would say call your doctors office. Maybe the social worker will have some advice. I know when I got my current job as a building sub, I struggled with whether I should tell my bosses and colleagues. I did not because like you, its not a permanent position yet and I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting a permanent position.

You could just say something general if you dont want to get specific with the parents. Like I have an underlying condition and I am working to get it under better control. Or you could go into the whole schpeal...use it as a chance to educate the children and parents. Maybe do like an "Open Circle" discussion and invite the parents to join, in addition to writing a letter. I will bet you that some of the parents and maybe even the kids know what CF is already. Good luck and if you need someone to chat with PM me.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I am a teacher, but I have never been through having to write a letter or anything. Do your bosses know about your CF? I am assuming they do since you have been so sick, so I apologize if that is a dumb questions. I cant say how I would want to tell people in that setting. In one point you dont want the parents to think you less able or too sickly. But at the same time if people are getting suspicious, you dont want the rumors going around.

I would say call your doctors office. Maybe the social worker will have some advice. I know when I got my current job as a building sub, I struggled with whether I should tell my bosses and colleagues. I did not because like you, its not a permanent position yet and I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting a permanent position.

You could just say something general if you dont want to get specific with the parents. Like I have an underlying condition and I am working to get it under better control. Or you could go into the whole schpeal...use it as a chance to educate the children and parents. Maybe do like an "Open Circle" discussion and invite the parents to join, in addition to writing a letter. I will bet you that some of the parents and maybe even the kids know what CF is already. Good luck and if you need someone to chat with PM me.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I am a teacher, but I have never been through having to write a letter or anything. Do your bosses know about your CF? I am assuming they do since you have been so sick, so I apologize if that is a dumb questions. I cant say how I would want to tell people in that setting. In one point you dont want the parents to think you less able or too sickly. But at the same time if people are getting suspicious, you dont want the rumors going around.
<br />
<br />I would say call your doctors office. Maybe the social worker will have some advice. I know when I got my current job as a building sub, I struggled with whether I should tell my bosses and colleagues. I did not because like you, its not a permanent position yet and I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting a permanent position.
<br />
<br />You could just say something general if you dont want to get specific with the parents. Like I have an underlying condition and I am working to get it under better control. Or you could go into the whole schpeal...use it as a chance to educate the children and parents. Maybe do like an "Open Circle" discussion and invite the parents to join, in addition to writing a letter. I will bet you that some of the parents and maybe even the kids know what CF is already. Good luck and if you need someone to chat with PM me.
 

Jeana

New member
As a teacher, I have never had to write a letter or tell the parents. As someone with MRSA, frankly I'm afraid that with all the scare and hype about MRSA it wouldn't go over too well.

A few questions for you. Is this your first year teaching? If so, you're usually sick more the first year. Do you usually get sick 3-4 times a year?

I was hospitalized 4 times this year, but I was pregnant. I did talk with parents as I came in contact with them, and they knew that I had had difficulty with my pregnancy because of another condition I had.

The kids know bits and pieces. When they ask questions, I answer honestly, but don't get into any "progressive" or life expectancy talk. In fact, if they ask, I just say I plan to live to be a grandparent. I tell them that they will probably learn about CF in science. They know that I use an inhaler at school, have done IVs at school to help lung flareups and also that I take insulin for diabetes. Actually, it has allowed for a little bonding for kids that have asthma or diabetes.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I hope this helped. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Jeana

New member
As a teacher, I have never had to write a letter or tell the parents. As someone with MRSA, frankly I'm afraid that with all the scare and hype about MRSA it wouldn't go over too well.

A few questions for you. Is this your first year teaching? If so, you're usually sick more the first year. Do you usually get sick 3-4 times a year?

I was hospitalized 4 times this year, but I was pregnant. I did talk with parents as I came in contact with them, and they knew that I had had difficulty with my pregnancy because of another condition I had.

The kids know bits and pieces. When they ask questions, I answer honestly, but don't get into any "progressive" or life expectancy talk. In fact, if they ask, I just say I plan to live to be a grandparent. I tell them that they will probably learn about CF in science. They know that I use an inhaler at school, have done IVs at school to help lung flareups and also that I take insulin for diabetes. Actually, it has allowed for a little bonding for kids that have asthma or diabetes.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I hope this helped. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Jeana

New member
As a teacher, I have never had to write a letter or tell the parents. As someone with MRSA, frankly I'm afraid that with all the scare and hype about MRSA it wouldn't go over too well.

A few questions for you. Is this your first year teaching? If so, you're usually sick more the first year. Do you usually get sick 3-4 times a year?

I was hospitalized 4 times this year, but I was pregnant. I did talk with parents as I came in contact with them, and they knew that I had had difficulty with my pregnancy because of another condition I had.

The kids know bits and pieces. When they ask questions, I answer honestly, but don't get into any "progressive" or life expectancy talk. In fact, if they ask, I just say I plan to live to be a grandparent. I tell them that they will probably learn about CF in science. They know that I use an inhaler at school, have done IVs at school to help lung flareups and also that I take insulin for diabetes. Actually, it has allowed for a little bonding for kids that have asthma or diabetes.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I hope this helped. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Jeana

New member
As a teacher, I have never had to write a letter or tell the parents. As someone with MRSA, frankly I'm afraid that with all the scare and hype about MRSA it wouldn't go over too well.

A few questions for you. Is this your first year teaching? If so, you're usually sick more the first year. Do you usually get sick 3-4 times a year?

I was hospitalized 4 times this year, but I was pregnant. I did talk with parents as I came in contact with them, and they knew that I had had difficulty with my pregnancy because of another condition I had.

The kids know bits and pieces. When they ask questions, I answer honestly, but don't get into any "progressive" or life expectancy talk. In fact, if they ask, I just say I plan to live to be a grandparent. I tell them that they will probably learn about CF in science. They know that I use an inhaler at school, have done IVs at school to help lung flareups and also that I take insulin for diabetes. Actually, it has allowed for a little bonding for kids that have asthma or diabetes.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I hope this helped. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Jeana

New member
As a teacher, I have never had to write a letter or tell the parents. As someone with MRSA, frankly I'm afraid that with all the scare and hype about MRSA it wouldn't go over too well.
<br />
<br />A few questions for you. Is this your first year teaching? If so, you're usually sick more the first year. Do you usually get sick 3-4 times a year?
<br />
<br />I was hospitalized 4 times this year, but I was pregnant. I did talk with parents as I came in contact with them, and they knew that I had had difficulty with my pregnancy because of another condition I had.
<br />
<br />The kids know bits and pieces. When they ask questions, I answer honestly, but don't get into any "progressive" or life expectancy talk. In fact, if they ask, I just say I plan to live to be a grandparent. I tell them that they will probably learn about CF in science. They know that I use an inhaler at school, have done IVs at school to help lung flareups and also that I take insulin for diabetes. Actually, it has allowed for a little bonding for kids that have asthma or diabetes.
<br />
<br />Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I hope this helped. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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