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The members of the Nursing Department collaborate with parents and staff to
provide the fullest possible educational opportunity for all students by
providing services to support their health, well being and safety in school.
The comprehensive school health program includes screening procedures,
protocols to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, emergency care; and
procedures to facilitate school attendance of children with special health
care needs. The nurse may act as liaison between schools and physicians
and/or refer students to appropriate resources either within the school or
community.
The purpose of the comprehensive school health program is to encourage the
best possible health outcomes for each student and to teach concepts that help
students make responsible decisions regarding their own health in the future.
Guidelines regarding Illness, Injuries, and school attendance.
1. Absence - notify the school when your child will be absent due to illness
or injury. Students receiving antibiotics for a contagious condition (such as
strep throat, bacterial conjunctivitis, etc.) must stay out of school until 24
hours of antibiotic therapy has been completed.
2. Injury - any student who has sustained an injury that has been treated by a
physician or in an emergency room and will now have restricted activity for a
limited period of time (stitches, sprains, fractures, etc.), must bring a note
from the physician stating the nature of the restrictions (i.e. whether
physical education class allowed, recess, stairs, etc.). A note from the MD
treating the student is also required when full activity can be resumed, if
this information was not included in the original note. If your child
sustains an injury, or you feel (s)he should limit her/his activity for 1 - 2
days; or that will affect her/his school performance, you will need to send an
explanatory note to the nurse.
3. Fever - If your child has a temperature of 99.4 degrees or above (taken
orally) in the morning, it is recommended that (s)he remain home. Students
should remain home for 24 hours after a fever has subsided. If your child
develops a fever during school hours, (s)he will not be allowed to return to
the classroom; and will remain with the nurse until dismissed to a
parent/guardian or their designee.
4. Chicken Pox (Varicella)- If your child develops chicken pox, please inform
the school nurse. She will advise you about the appropriate time for your
child’s return to school following MDPH guidelines.
5. Dismissal - students who become ill or injured at school will be dismissed
to a parent/guardian or her/his designee from the office. (S)he will not be
allowed to walk home alone.
6. Immunizations - Massachusetts state law requires that students be fully
immunized against DPT, Polio, Measles, Mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B; and
Varicella. A Massachusetts School Health Record is maintained for each student.
7. Physical Examinations - examinations by the student’s primary care
provider are required within one year of entry into Kindergarten, new
entrants; and every three to four years thereafter. For participation in
interscholastic sports documentation of a Physical examination by the
student’s primary care provider dated within 13 months must be on file with
the nurse prior to tryouts and/or practice.
8. Emergency Cards - please keep the information on your emergency card
current to facilitate contacting you if your child is ill or injured.
9. Screenings - Vision* and hearing screenings are conducted for entering
grade and every school year through grade 8; and once in high school. Routine
annual height and weight measurements occur in grades K - 8 and grade 10.
Postural screening is performed every school year grades 5 through 9.
*Entering Kindergarten students must provide documentation of vision screening
from their Primary Care Provider (Pediatrician or Pediatric Ophthalmologist)
Medication Policies:
1. Medication must be supplied to the school nurse in its appropriate dosage
and in the original pharmacy container. No more than a 30-day supply should
be maintained at the school.
2. Medication is administered only by the school nurse and is stored in a
locked cabinet (with the exception of EpiPens and inhalers). The nurse may
delegate administration of student medication during field trips.
3. A written “Order” from the student’s licensed health care provider; and a
written “Consent” form signed by the student’s parent or guardian must be
submitted to the School Nurse. This applies to inhalers; EpiPens and
medications administered ‘prn’ (as needed), as well as daily medications.
4. For their own safety, students should never transport medication to and
from school; or keep medicine, except an inhaler, in their possession during
the school day.
5. Ibuprofen 200 mg., (1-2 tab.) or Acetaminophen 325 mg., (1-2 tab.) may be
administered by mouth once during the school day at the discretion of the
school nurse for students at the WMS and WHS
- for dental related pain, headache, menstrual cramps or muscle soreness
- written parent/guardian permission on file at the school
- medication tablets supplied by the school. Parent/guardian will supply
chewable or liquid medication, if required,
6. Nurse may administer children’s acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen once during
school day for dental discomfort to students in elementary school.
- OTC container of medication supplied by parent/guardian
- dosage according to student age and weight as recommended on container
- written parent/guardian consent provided to nurse
7. Allergy eye drops may be administered at the nurse’s discretion once during
the school day for treatment of allergy symptoms.
- OTC container of medication supplied by parent/guardian
- written parent/guardian consent provided to nurse
8. Decongestant and/or cough suppressant may be administered at the nurse’s
discretion once during the school day for up to three days. The nurse will
understand the contraindications and potential adverse effects prior to
administration of medication.
- OTC container of medication supplied by parent/guardian
- dosage according to student age and weight as recommended on container
- written parent/guardian consent provided to nurse
9. Herbal and/or homeopathic medication will not be administered in school.
10. Nurses and trained non-nursing personnel can administer EpiPen to
students with identified severe allergic reactions. In acute allergic
reactions, not involving respiratory distress, the nurse may administer 1 - 2
tsp. Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride).
3/06
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