Health Services

HEALTH SERVICES

Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our students and staff. A school nurse is available during school hours and serves as a liaison between school, home, and community agencies to advance the health and well-being of students. 

Physical Examinations and Immunization Requirements

Students who enter Blake Middle School from another school system, and all students entering seventh grade, must submit a current physical examination with an updated immunization record to the school nurse prior to attending school.  Per Massachusetts State Law, exemptions can only be granted if an immunization is documented as medically contraindicated or due to a religious objection, which should be stated in a letter from the parent/guardian to the principal.

Documentation of a student's recent physical examination should be furnished to the school during sixth grade in order for each student to have a current physical on file by the first day of seventh grade.

State Mandated Screenings

Vision and hearing screening and Body Mass Index (BMI) screening, based on height and weight measurements, is performed annually on all seventh grade students, and as needed. Postural screening is conducted annually by the physical education teachers on all students, and re-screening is done by the school nurse as needed. The school nurse will notify the parents of any abnormal findings and follow up on physician reports as necessary.

Self-administration of Medication

Students may not carry or self-administer ANY medication in school without prior approval from the school nurse, and documentation from their health care provider.  Written approval from the student’s health care provider should be indicated on the Medfield Public Schools Medication Authorization Plan and reviewed with the school nurse.  

Field Trips

The Department of Public Health regulations allow nurses to delegate responsibility for the administration of Epinephrine auto-injectors and scheduled medications to trained teachers. The regulations do not allow for delegation of any other medications that are given on an as-needed basis on field trips, such as Benadryl, Tylenol or inhalers. Students may self-administer medication on field trips ONLY if the student's health care provider has checked off the box on the Medfield Public Schools Medication Authorization Plan and subject to the approval of the school nurse. 

Under no circumstances may students share medication or dispense medication of any kind to other students.

Medical Dismissal Procedure

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, he/she will be sent to the school nurse’s office for evaluation.  If the nurse determines that the student needs to be dismissed from school, the nurse or other school personnel will contact the student’s parent/guardian(s) or designated adult.  If the student’s parents/guardians cannot be reached within a reasonable time frame, then the Emergency Contacts listed on the student’s Emergency Health Information form will be contacted to pick up the student from school.  The school nurse may also consult with the student’s health care provider and/or the school physician.  When immediate hospital treatment is required as determined by the school nurse or school personnel, an ambulance will be called and parents/guardians will be notified.  Emergency forms for the Main Office, cluster and school nurse will be sent home on the first day of school each year to be completed by parents/guardians and returned to school.  parents/guardians are responsible for updating this information as needed (a new health concern, new telephone numbers, change in address etc.). All injuries, while at or going to and from school, should be reported to the office immediately. 

Communicable Diseases

Please keep your student home and notify the school nurse if your student has been diagnosed with a communicable disease. 

Head Injuries and Concussions

Protocols have been developed to provide standardized procedures for students incurring head injuries and concussions, including the assessment of each student, medical referral, classroom accommodations, and authorization to resume athletic participation. These protocols are in accordance with MA 105 CMR201.000, approved by the Massachusetts legislature prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. Per DPH guidelines, all students diagnosed with a concussion must submit a clearance letter from their doctor when they have recovered, or be cleared by the Athletic Trainer. For more information on head injuries and concussions, please go to the Nurses’ webpage at Medfield.net.

School Committee Policy on Medication

All medication, including over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medication, requires a health care provider’s (physician, nurse practitioner, orthodontist etc.) and a parent/guardian’s written authorization. 

All medications, with the exception of inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors (Epi-Pens), and other approved medications, must be kept in the School Nurse's office and be dispensed by the school nurse. All prescription medication must be brought to school in the original labeled pharmacy container. Over-the-counter medications must be brought to school in original, unopened containers. Pharmacies will provide an extra prescription bottle for the school upon request.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

By law every student is required to participate in physical education classes unless excused for medical reasons upon the receipt of a doctor’s certificate. P.E.-ready attire  and sneakers must be worn for classes.  Notes from parents/guardians to excuse students from classes may be honored at the instructor’s discretion for one week.  Prolonged absences or permanent excuses require a doctor’s note which will be filed in the nurse’s office.  All permanent excuses must be renewed before the start of the next school year.