As spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days, it also ushers in a spike of seasonal illnesses that commonly affect children. While the fresh air and outdoor play are welcome changes after winter, parents should remain alert to a range of health issues that tend to rise this time of year. Pediatricians across the country see predictable patterns in childhood illnesses during spring, from allergies to stomach bugs.

Here are the five most common springtime illnesses in children and how families can manage them effectively.

1. Seasonal Allergies

Pollen counts surge in the spring, making seasonal allergies the number one complaint among children during this time. Known medically as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, symptoms often mimic those of a cold: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.

“Allergies can really make kids miserable,” says Dr. Jennifer Holman, a pediatrician based in Tulsa. “We usually see the first wave of cases as early as March and they tend to peak in April and May.”

What parents can do:

• Keep windows closed on high pollen days.

• Encourage hand and face washing after outdoor play.

• Use over-the-counter antihistamines as directed by a pediatrician.

• Consult an allergist if symptoms are severe or persistent.

2. Common Cold

Although often associated with winter, colds are still prevalent in the spring, particularly when temperature swings are common. Cold viruses thrive in transitional weather, and the increased outdoor activity can lead to more contact with germs.

Unlike allergies, colds are caused by viral infections and can be spread through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat

• Sneezing

• Cough

• Mild fever

• Runny or stuffy nose

How to treat it:
There is no cure for the common cold, but rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for symptoms can help. Encourage kids to cover their mouths when coughing and to wash hands regularly.

3. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Spring also brings an increase in cases of gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu. This viral illness can spread quickly in school and daycare environments, especially when children are sharing toys and snacks.

Symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Fever in some cases

“Gastroenteritis is highly contagious and can spread fast,” says Holman. “Dehydration is our biggest concern, especially in younger children.”

What to do:

• Keep your child hydrated with water, electrolyte solutions, or diluted juice.

• Avoid sugary or dairy-based drinks.

• Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) once vomiting stops.

• Keep children home for at least 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

4. Strep Throat

Strep throat remains a common bacterial infection among children in spring, often confused with viral sore throats. It typically affects school-age children and spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets.

Signs of strep throat:

• Sudden sore throat

• Painful swallowing

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

• White patches on the tonsils

Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat requires antibiotics to treat. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.

When to see a doctor:
If your child complains of a sore throat accompanied by a fever and swollen glands, it’s best to visit your pediatrician for a rapid strep test.

5. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, making it a frequent visitor during spring months. It’s highly contagious and spreads quickly in classroom settings.

Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Red or pink discoloration in one or both eyes

• Itchy or gritty feeling

• Discharge, especially upon waking

• Excessive tearing

Treatment options:

• Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own.

• Bacterial pink eye may require antibiotic eye drops.

• Allergy-related pink eye can be managed with antihistamines and eye drops.

To prevent spread, teach kids not to touch their eyes and to wash their hands frequently.

Staying Ahead of Springtime Illnesses

While spring brings welcome relief from winter blues, it’s also a time when pediatric clinics see a spike in visits. The good news is that many of these illnesses are preventable or manageable with early action and healthy habits.

Here are a few general tips to keep your family healthier this season:

• Encourage frequent handwashing, especially before meals and after playing outside.

• Keep kids home when they’re sick to avoid spreading germs.

• Stay up to date on vaccinations and routine wellness checks.

• Teach children not to share personal items like water bottles, hats, or eye drops.

Springtime fun doesn’t have to be sidelined by sickness. With a bit of awareness and preparation, parents can help their children enjoy the season in good health.

Spring is here, and with it comes state testing season for Oklahoma students. Over the next month and a half, students in grades 3 through 8 and 11th graders across the state will participate in required assessments that help measure academic progress and readiness. For many families, this time of year can bring a mix of questions, concerns, and a desire to support their students in the best way possible.

Here’s what you need to know to help your child feel prepared and confident as they head into testing.

📚 What is Oklahoma State Testing?

Oklahoma’s statewide assessments are known as the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP). These tests are administered to students each spring to measure their understanding of grade-level standards in subjects like English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and U.S. history.

Students in grades 3–8 will take tests in ELA and math, with additional science tests in grades 5 and 8. High school juniors will take assessments in science, U.S. history, and a college- and career-readiness exam, typically the ACT with writing.

🗓️ When Does Testing Happen?

The exact testing dates vary from school to school, but most assessments will be held between mid-April and mid-May. Some high school testing may begin as early as the first week of April. Parents are strongly encouraged to check with their child’s school for specific schedules.

Most schools will send out information via email, school apps, or folders sent home with students, so keep an eye out for updates. Knowing your child’s testing days in advance is one of the best ways to reduce stress and prepare as a family.

💡 Tips to Help Your Child Do Their Best

Testing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few simple steps you can take at home to help your child feel calm and confident on test day:

• Get a good night’s sleep – Make sure your child is well-rested the night before a test.

• Eat a healthy breakfast – A balanced meal helps with focus and energy.

• Be on time – Getting to school a little early avoids the anxiety of rushing.

• Talk it through – Review testing strategies with your child, like reading directions carefully and pacing themselves.

• Stay positive – Encourage your child and remind them that their best effort is what matters most.

💬 Why It Matters

These tests help schools understand where students are excelling and where extra support might be needed. For high schoolers, particularly juniors, the assessments can also open doors to college admissions and scholarships. Many schools use the results to guide curriculum planning and determine areas where students may benefit from additional help.

As a parent, your role is essential. Supporting your child emotionally, physically, and mentally during testing season makes a big difference—and it can even turn this often-stressful time into an opportunity for growth and confidence.

Stay connected with your school, ask questions if you’re unsure about testing plans, and encourage your child to simply do their best. Testing season is just one chapter of their academic journey, and your support helps write a successful one.

Thirteen schools within the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) district have officially exited the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) designation, signaling significant progress in academic performance and targeted intervention efforts.

The announcement was made earlier this week by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters and TPS Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson, who jointly praised the schools’ educators and leaders for their dedication to improving student outcomes.

The CSI designation is reserved for schools performing in the bottom 5% statewide based on academic indicators such as test scores, attendance, and graduation rates. Exiting the designation means these campuses have made enough sustained progress to meet or exceed state expectations.

“This is a significant achievement for Tulsa Public Schools and, more importantly, for the students and families these schools serve,” said Dr. Johnson during a press conference. “Our teachers, principals, and support staff have worked tirelessly to analyze data, build relationships with families, and implement the right interventions to help our students thrive.”

Among the 13 schools that exited CSI status are Anderson Elementary, Cooper Elementary, Columbus Elementary, and Central High School, each of which had been previously identified as needing urgent support. These schools demonstrated marked improvement across a range of key performance indicators over the past two academic years.

State Superintendent Walters, who has often been critical of TPS leadership in the past, acknowledged the district’s progress in this instance.

“I have consistently said we will support and celebrate success wherever it happens, and today is a day to commend the progress made by these Tulsa schools,” Walters said. “There is more work to be done, but this is a clear step in the right direction.”

The improvements are the result of a strategic district-wide initiative launched under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, focused on academic rigor, data-driven instruction, increased family engagement, and professional development for educators. Johnson, who took the helm as superintendent in 2023, has made turning around low-performing schools a top priority.

“We’re not just focused on test scores,” she said. “We’re focused on the whole child—on making sure students feel safe, seen, and supported. That’s how sustainable improvement happens.”

The announcement comes as TPS works to rebuild trust and momentum following several years of scrutiny from state officials, including threats of accreditation downgrades. District leaders hope this development will be seen as a signal of renewed strength and resilience.

Parent groups and community organizations also welcomed the news. “It’s encouraging to see real progress,” said Maria Gutierrez, a parent advocate. “Our children deserve quality education, and this shows that when we all work together, we can get there.”

Dr. Johnson emphasized that while the district is proud of this milestone, it views the exit from CSI as “just the beginning.”

“We have much more to accomplish,” she said. “But today, we’re celebrating what’s possible when we keep students at the center of everything we do.”