Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) is offering their Tick Smart Program to Dutchess County elementary school teachers and health teachers on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 4:30PM to 7:30PM.  Through the assistance of the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center, DCDOH will be training teachers about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

This free dinner workshop will include the instruction of the Tick Smart lesson plan that enables teachers to educate students about transmission, prevention, and symptoms of Lyme disease.  All participants will receive a packet of information, a lesson plan outline, a CD containing program materials, a children’s video, and literature on Lyme disease.

In addition, each elementary school that attends will receive a Tick-Check Harry, a sheep dog stuffed-animal with seeds hidden in his fur.  Children are encouraged to do a “tick check” and find the “ticks” on Harry. 

Tick-Check Harry was the concept of Christen Hertzog, DCDOH Public Health Advisor, with the guidance and assistance of a Special Education teacher, Tom Rigney, MS Ed., with financial support provided by a New York State Department of Health grant.

To register for this program, please log onto http://www.mhtc.dcboces.org/ and select Online Registration, and look for Tick Smart Program for Dutchess County Educators.  Registration Deadline is March 7th.