Student Health Services

REMINDERS:

• If your child goes home because they have a fever and/or vomited they need to stay home for at LEAST 24 hours. They need to be fever free and vomit free for minimum 24 hours before coming back to school. (See tab IS MY CHILD WELL ENOUGH TO GO TO SCHOOL)

• If your child needs to take medication during school hours, we need a medication authorization form filled out to be able to administer those medications. 

UPCOMING:

• Plan for next year! Schedule medication checks, vaccine updates, and action plans for anyone who has an inhaler, epi pen, diabetes, or seizures! They expire every year and the school needs a new one each year at the beginning of school!

NEEDS/DONATIONS:

• The nurse's office needs girl and boy size 6, 7, and 8 pants. If you can donate any used/new pants send them with your child or drop them off at the Plainview office. 

• In need of bottled water for the Plainview Nurse's Office.

Plan for next school year and check to see if your child needs updated vaccinations.

Age 4-6: DTap, IPV, MMR, Varicella

Age 11-12: HPV, Tdap, MCV

Age 16: MCV

Action Plans expire every year! Action plans for anyone who has an inhaler, epi pen, diabetes, or seizures will need a new updated plan by the first day of school.

If your child takes medication at school and there are any left over an adult will need to pick them up. We cannot send home these medications with your child, plan accordingly.

1. DOUBLE CHECK MEDICATION

• • • Parent --> School: communicate with your school nurse to acquire the necessary school forms. The daily medication form or self carry form needs to be completed and signed by physician or parent.

    • Physician--> School: Action Plans for Asthma, Allergy, Epi/Inhaler, Diabetes, Seizure needs to be updated annually!

2.  IT'S OKAY TO STAY HOME

Did you know that getting sick with the flu can actually impact academic performance? Think about it, more missed class equals harder time keeping up with the curriculum. It’s okay to stay home and focus on getting better.

• Wellness starts at home. Plan your sleep routine, daily schedule, and at home nutrition to help your child succeed in the classroom. This includes keeping them home on days they are not feeling well.

• Become familiar with your school guidelines for exclusion related to illness. (Fever free for 24 hours, vomiting, etc).

• See a doctor quickly. If your regular pediatrician is busy or if you just need a same-day appointment that fits your schedule.

• Add the school number and the clinic number to your contact list so you will not miss a call when the nurse needs you most.

3.  EVEN IF IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF INFORMATION, TELL THE NURSE

Update your health information annually with the school or district.

• We want to know if you had a rough year with seasonal allergies, if you have medication for asthma at home, if you had a food allergy exposure, if you are receiving oral immunotherapy treatment, etc. The necessary staff want/need to know about your child to offer care and assistance during the school day.

Back to school is an exciting time for families and the success of the year hinges on the health of your children! The school nurse is an invaluable resource and partner for parents and students alike and we hope these tips help you feel prepared for each upcoming year.

With school germs aplenty and unavoidable seasonal bugs, sickness may enter the picture. However by being prepared and knowing what to do when you are sick, you can improve and expedite the process. Next time your child is feeling sick or you get that dreaded call from the school nurse requesting an early pick-up, it is in the best interest of your child and the rest of their class to keep them healthy.

4. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

Is your child going to be participating in athletics or need P.E. approval?

• Following any injury with medical intervention please provide a Dr.’s note with their activity restrictions, concussion management plan determined by the provider, or clearance to participate.

5. Update your immunization records

Are your immunization records compliant with state standards? 

• Submit any updates to your child’s immunization record. If you are new to the school district, schools will require complete records. If you have incoming Kindergarteners, 7th graders or 12th graders, it is very important to communicate with your Provider about immunizations that are required for the grade level. For example, additional TDAP and meningococcal are due for 7th grade compliance, and some 12th grade students will receive addition meningococcal vaccinations as well. If your child is going to college and never received a TDAP booster, he or she should get a single dose before going

• Schedule or plan to schedule your vaccination for flu season. 

What should parents do if their child needs medication during the school day?

• Parents should communicate with the school nurse in advance to acquire the necessary school forms. They should also ensure that any necessary action plans are updated annually by a physician, and that the medication is in a properly labeled container and is not expired. 

What kind of health information should parents provide to the school nurse?

• Parents should update their child's health information annually with the school or district. This includes information about seasonal allergies, medication for asthma, food allergy exposure, or if the child is receiving oral immunotherapy treatment, ETC. 

How can parents prepare for the possibility of their child getting sick during the school year?

• Parents can prepare by familiarizing themselves with their school's illness policies, ensuring they have the school and clinic's contact numbers, and using services like Solv to make same-day doctor's appointments.