By Laura Kostin
As some parents are aware, Greenwich Public Schools no longer notify families of lice cases in classrooms, which is a departure from previous practice. In a recent email to families, Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones said, “While it is a nuisance, it is not infectious and is not disease carrying… School notification letters are not sent home because communications highlighting cases of head lice have been shown to increase community anxiety and social stigma, while having little effect on the prevention of lice infestations.”
In prior years, parents were notified of a lice case in the classroom and advised to check their children for the next 14 days. It also recommended mitigation strategies for the home, including vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture; washing linens and towels and drying them on high heat; as well as storing stuffed animals in sealed bags for two weeks.
GPS parent Stefanie Annunziata said, “It is deeply disappointing and unacceptable that the Greenwich Public Schools eliminated parent notifications for head lice cases in the classroom… This policy change strips parents of their fundamental right to know when their child is being exposed to a contagious condition at school. Head lice may not be a disease, but they are a real burden for families, and transparency is not optional—it is essential.”
Students with lice were also previously required to be examined by the school nurse to ensure the hair was “free of infestation.” No such requirement exists currently.
At least one neighboring town appears to have a slightly different approach. While school notification letters aren’t sent home about lice in Darien Public Schools, a memo from the district’s head of nursing states, “Teachers and staff are advised to modify activities to minimize close head‑to‑head contact and continue reinforcing our no‑sharing policy for hats, combs, brushes, and clothing.”
Lice guidelines published by Greenwich Public Schools do not mention staff notifications, if any exist, or how and when they might occur. Additionally, they do not address what modifications might be made in different subject areas, such as art (if smocks are stored in classrooms) or in physical education, which takes place in a highly communal environment.
One parent, Brittni Wulfsohn, became aware of lice cases in her child’s classroom and notified class parents on her own: “In a situation like this, with something that is highly contagious, knowledge is power. Not telling parents is detrimental to everyone involved. I don’t see how not knowing helps anyone. I took matters into my own hands, emailed our class, and said they should be proactive at home. Everyone has said thank you.”
Another parent, who, due to the sensitive subject matter, asked to be identified only by the initials “ML,” said early notice is essential because dealing with an infestation can cost time and money: “As parents, we need every tool in the toolbox to deal with our kids’ health and wellness. To eliminate a potential area of prevention just because it may cause hurt feelings or stigma is really not in the interest of a community. All parents understand that lice is transferred regardless of cleanliness or socio‑economic background. It is so time intensive and costly to clean lice out of upholstery, clothing, and closets that the earlier we receive awareness, the better.”
GPS guidelines also state, “If lice are discovered at school, a phone call will be made to the family notifying them of the presence and recommendation to treat. Students may stay in school (unless the parent opts to take them home early). Students should be treated at home PRIOR to returning to school.”
