Health Services

Is my child well enough to go to school?

Our health services are structured to keep students in school as much as possible so they can meet their educational goals. However, there are times when students MUST stay home to prevent exposure and the spread of illness to others.

On average, a young child can be ill 5-7 days during a school year. It is wise to have a back up child care plan in place for those days when your child is ill.

Remember that a child ill with an infectious disease can spread the disease when in contact with others in the family and community.

The following criteria should be used to keep your child home and will also be used to send your child home if noted at school:

• If the student has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, the students should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal (without the use of fever reducing medication).
• If the student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
• If the student has any rash that may be disease related or if the cause is unknown, it is important to check with your health care provider before sending the student to school. They must have a note from their health care provider allowing them to return to school.
• For any activity restrictions (in class or Physical Education) or special accommodations (water bottle, snacks, etc) note from the health care provider is required.

*Please note that during a pandemic, re-admittance and send home criteria for ill children and staff may be different than typical procedures. Please see pandemic response plan link for details*

Make your child’s health concerns known to the District School Nurse or Health Service Assistant. Bring current signed Health Care Provider’s orders and medication that will be needed each school year and with any changes that occur during the school year. Work with the District School Nurse to develop an Individual Health Plan for your child at school each school year and with any changes that occur during the school year. Provide permission for the school district nurse to communicate with your child’s healthcare provider by signing a Data Release Form, Individual Health Plan, and/or Action Plan for your child at school each school year and with any changes that occur during the school year.

Parents/guardians contact information and emergency contact phone numbers each school year should be updated annual, along with any changes that occur during the school year. If the school health staff are aware that your child has a medical concern, each year two attempts will be made to obtain current health information and/or medication. Health information about your child will be shared with school staff (and transportation staff) on a “need to know” basis only. If your child rides the bus or other school transportation, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to share with transportation staff any health concerns, health information, and emergency medication to ensure the safety of your child while being transported.

• Data Release Form
• Health Management Care Plan
• Authorization form for MA Billing
• Allergy Emergency Action Plan
• Asthma Emergency Plan
• Diabetic Care Plan
• Seizure Action Plan

Food Allergies - be aware that many people have allergies to foods (especially to peanuts, peanut products and other nuts). Some of the school buildings allow peanuts and nut products in classrooms. Some of the school lunchrooms have areas where students are allowed or not allowed to eat peanuts and nuts. Some school lunchrooms serve peanuts/peanut products. Check for the specific procedures here.

Latex - due to an increasing incidence of latex (rubber) allergies, non-latex balloons will be used during the school day and for school events in all buildings. These items are a significant concern because they allow latex particles to be dispersed into the air. Mylar, vinyl and other non-latex products are safe alternatives. Latex-free gloves and bandages are used in the school Health Offices.

Scents - many people have allergies to scents. Avoid using any products with strong scents: this includes perfumes, colognes, heavily scented deodorants and Essential Oils. No perfumes or scented spray type products are allowed in the school buildings.

• Special Dietary Accommodations Form
• Fluid Milk Substitutions in Child Nutrition Programs

1. A written order for the medication from the physician or health care provider for all prescription medications given for any length of time and any over-the-counter medication given longer than two weeks.
2. A signed parental release. (Forms provided by the school and available in each health office or downloadable on-line).
3. The medication supplied in the original labeled bottle in which it was purchased. (No baggies or other containers containing medication will be accepted). You may ask your pharmacist to divide into two bottles (with complete labels); one for school and one for home.
4. The medication sent to school in proper dosage for administration. (Tablets already cut if partial tablets are required to provide the correct dosage.)

Note: students are not allowed to carry their own medication during school hours except in special medical circumstances. In such cases, parent/guardian and medical caregiver signatures are required.

Primary & Intermediate: To assure safety, parents must bring the student’s medication to the school health office or send with a responsible adult. Do not send medication to school with your elementary student.

Middle & High School: To assure safety, parents should bring medication to the school health office or send with a responsible adult. If you are unable to bring medication in person, it is necessary to call the health office in your child’s building with the following information: Parent/guardian name, parent/guardian phone or contact number, student name, name of medication and amount of medication being sent to school. Messages may be left 24 hours a day.

• Authorization for Medication to be Given at School

Patient Assistance Programs

• Xubex Patient Assistance Program 407-671-7960
• Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program 1-800-652-6227

• Allergy Emergency Action Plan
• Asthma Emergency Plan
• Authorization for Medication to be Given at School
• Data Release Form
• Diabetic Care Plan
• Seizure Action Plan
• Special Dietary Accommodations Form
  • Fluid Milk Substitutions in Child Nutrition Programs
• Health Management Care Plan
• Authorization form for MA Billing

If you are having problems viewing these forms, please contact Health Services at 763-389-6195.