Health Services
The Fall River public school nurses are important and valued members of the educational team. They offer unique opportunities for students to learn healthy behaviors and to receive easily accessible health services within a school setting. They are specially trained in health promotion and assessment, respond skillfully to the ever-changing health care needs of today's students, and are knowledgeable in the most appropriate referral procedures.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL NURSE
School nurses look forward to speaking with parents and guardians about any health concerns they may have regarding their child. Communication between parents and school nurses ensures the healthiest outcomes for all of our students. Please feel free to contact your child’s school nurse at any time.
It is especially important to contact the school nurse if your child:
Has received a new medical diagnosis.
Has been hospitalized.
Has been treated for an infectious disease.
Has been started on a new medication.
Has an allergy to food or medication, or has developed a new allergy.
Has incurred a recent injury that requires accommodations for gym, transportation, etc.
Has been or may be absent for an extended period of time.
Has no health insurance and you need help with obtaining health insurance.
When To Keep Your Child Home
If your child has a contagious disease.
If your child has an antibiotic prescribed, for at least 24 hrs from the first dose of the medication.
If your child has had a fever over 100.4 within the past 24 hours.
If your child has a draining skin sore, eye, or ear.
If your child has a suspicious rash that needs to be seen by a physician.
If your child has an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
If your child has any COVID signs/symptoms (see COVID tab).
*The above symptoms are used as a guideline for parents. The school nurse retains the right, based on their medical judgment, to dismiss a child related to signs/symptoms of illness/injury.
Returning After Illness or Injury
Excused absences will be permitted under the following circumstances, and require the indicated documentation:
Absences with a valid doctor’s note specifying the dates to be excused.
Routine medical appointments with a doctor’s note specifying the date of the appointment. Wellness visits should be scheduled after school hours or at the beginning or end of a school day so students can still be in school for as much of the school day as is possible.
Death in the immediate family (accompanied by a parental note).
Religious holidays as determined by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (including parental note).
Legal matters that involve the student (must provide a note from the court officer; a copy of the summons will be filed in the school office).
Quarantine/Isolation as directed by the school nurse or public health officials.
Every absence from class or school will be considered unexcused until proper documentation is presented. Please note that doctor’s notes will be accepted when submitted to the school nurse within 2 weeks following an absence. Doctor’s notes are legal documents and may not be tampered with or altered in any way. School officials are authorized to verify all information presented.
Absence-Notification
On the day a student is absent, it is the responsibility of a parent or guardian to telephone your child's school within the first 90 minutes of the school day to give a valid reason for the absence.
Please reference the FRPS Attendance Policy for further questions.
Helpful Links & Resources
Emergency Cupboard rackcard rev.pdfHome Project Rack Card 2023.pdf