Health Policies*

"A child should not be sent to school if he/she is ill. A sick child needs rest and care in order to recover as quickly as possible. It is very important not to expose other children to any more illness than we can possibly avoid. When your child is ill, please contact the school to let us know he or she will not be attending that day. State rules require schools to exclude students with certain illnesses from school for certain periods of time. If a child has a fever over 100 degrees, he or she must stay out of school until fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications. Students with diarrhea or vomiting illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea or vomiting free without use of suppressing medications for 24 hours. A parent should contact the school nurse if a student has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or may have COVID-19. Please review the current COVID-19 guidelines on the LHISD website at www.libertyhill.txed.net. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the school nurse. If a student becomes ill during the school day, and the school nurse determines that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the parent. In certain circumstances, the nurse may require a doctor’s note in order for the student to return to school. The campus will communicate with parents if this is required. The district is required to report certain contagious (communicable) diseases or illnesses to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or our local/regional health authority. The school nurse can provide information from DSHS on these notifiable conditions. The nurse may require a doctor’s note in order for the student to return to school. The campus will communicate with parents if this is required. The school nurse is available to answer any questions for parents who are concerned about whether or not their child should stay home. "

"A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained online at Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunization or by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student. The immunizations required are:

● Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

● Polio

● Measles, mumps, and rubella

● Hepatitis B

● Varicella (chicken pox)

● Meningococcal

● Hepatitis A

The school nurse can provide information on immunization requirements. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation. If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. registered and licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a lifelong condition. As noted at Bacterial Meningitis, entering college students must also, with limited exception, furnish evidence of having received a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five years prior to enrolling in and attending classes at an institution of higher education. A student wanting to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus may be subject to this or other vaccination requirements. [See the DSHS website: Texas School & Child Care Facility Immunization Requirements and policy FFAB(LEGAL) for more information.]"

"Head lice is very common among children. Although not an illness or a disease, it spreads easily through head-to-head contact during play, sports, nap time, and when children share things like brushes, combs, hats, and headphones. The district does not require or recommend that students be removed from school because of lice or nits. If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, the school nurse will contact the student’s parent to discuss a treatment plan using an FDA-approved medicated shampoo or cream rinse that may be purchased from any drug or grocery store. After the student undergoes one treatment, the parent should contact the school nurse to discuss the treatment used. The nurse can also offer additional recommendations, including subsequent treatments, how best to get rid of lice, and how to prevent lice from returning. The district will provide notice to parents of elementary school students in an affected classroom without identifying the student with lice. More information on head lice can be obtained from the DSHS website Managing Head Lice in School Settings and at Home. [See policy FFAA for more information.] "

"Prescription medications should be given at home in the mornings so that your student is comfortable and ready to start the school day. Most prescription meds are given 2- 3 times a day, at home before school, and /or at home after school and at bedtime. If additional doses are prescribed by your physician, medications may be administered at school with a parent’s written request (attached) expressing the need for such medication at school and the parent provides the medication. Non-prescription medications (OTC) must be in the original container. The dosing direction on the OTC packaging regarding age, amount and frequency of medication administered will be strictly followed. OTC medications taken on a “daily” basis (pain relievers, allergy medication etc.) need to be taken at home before school so your child will be prepared to have a successful day with the least amount of interruptions. Requests to alter the dosage, frequency or length of time recommended (most, no more than 7 days) of the medications to be administered must be accompanied by a physician’s order stating the dosage of medication to be given and that it is necessary to administer an alternative dosage at school. Prescription medications (this includes samples) must be in the original container, properly labeled with that student’s name, medication name, dosing instructions and prescribing date. Prescription must be ordered by a physician licensed to practice in the United States. Medications must be stored in the locked medications cabinet in the school health clinic and administered by Health Services personnel or other trained school employees. It is the students responsibility (if age appropriate) to come to the School Health Clinic at the appropriate time to take their medication. Narcotic pain relievers/Hydrocodone combination products (Lortab, Vicoprofen, Norco) will not be administered in the school setting. Pain requiring Narcotics for relief should be dealt with at home where your student will be safe and can obtain adequate rest to assist with healing. Parents/guardians must deliver and pick up all medications that are controlled substances to/from the school clinic. Controlled substances should not be transported by students and will be counted by the campus nurse upon receiving them and the count will be documented. The parent is responsible for obtaining these medications from the campus nurse at the end of the school year to avoid discarding. A student will be allowed to self-administer inhaled asthma medication, an Epi-pen, or diabetes treatments if the following conditions have been complied with:

• Written permission from the physician allowing the student to self-medicate or treat.

• Parent and Student understand the school’s inability to monitor the student’s health condition during the school day while self- medicating or treating.

• The student complies with all campus safety policies.

• Students will be responsible for possessing their own inhalers, Epi-pens or diabetic equipment / supplies during school hours and after school activities.

Health Services personnel will properly dispose of any medication remaining after the close of the school year. No District employee shall administer herbal substances, anabolic steroids, oil diffusers, or dietary supplements of any type except: “Herbal substances or dietary supplements may be administered as prescribed by the physician, provided by the parent, and only if required by the Individual Education Program or Section 504 plan of a student with disabilities”. Dietary Supplements and herbal substances are not FDA approved. The Nurse Practice Act; Texas Administrative Code, Section 217.11, states that the Registered Nurse and Licensed Vocational Nurse have the responsibility and authority to refuse to administer medications that, in the nurse’s judgment, are contra-indicated for administration to that student. "

"State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for physician-prescribed medical use only. Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense. "

"The district has implemented programs to address the following mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse concerns: ● Mental health promotion and early intervention;

• Building skills to manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and engage in responsible decision-making;

• Substance abuse prevention and intervention;

• Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (interventions after a suicide in a community);

• Grief, trauma, and trauma-informed care;

• Positive behavior interventions and supports;

• Positive youth development; and

• Safe, supportive, and positive school climates.

If a student has been hospitalized or placed in residential treatment for a mental health condition or substance abuse, the district has procedures to support the student’s return to school. Please contact the district’s mental health liaison for further information. Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication that is intended to alter perception, emotion, mood, or behavior. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [See policy FFEB for more information.] For related information, see:

• Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation and Consent to Provide a Mental Health Care Service for the district’s procedures for recommending a mental health intervention and the mental health liaison’s contact information;

• Counseling for the district’s comprehensive school counseling program;

• Physical and Mental Health Resources for campus and community mental and physical health resources; and

• Policies and Procedures that Promote Student Physical and Mental Health for board adopted policies and administrative procedures that promote student health. "

"Temporary Restriction from Participation in Physical Education

Students who are temporarily restricted from participation in physical education will not actively participate in skill demonstration but will remain in class to learn the concepts of the lessons.

Physical Fitness Assessment (Grades 3–12)

Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12 who are enrolled in a physical education course or a course for which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year by contacting the campus principal. "

"For certain extracurricular activities, a student must submit certification from an authorized health-care provider. The certification must state that the student has been examined and is physically able to participate in the relevant program, including:

• A district athletics program.

• District marching band.

• Any district extracurricular program identified by the superintendent.

This examination is required to be submitted annually to the district. Students should be aware of the rare possibility of sudden cardiac arrest, which in athletes is usually caused by a previously unsuspected heart disease or disorder. A student may request an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to screen for such disorders, in addition to his or her required physical examination. See the UIL’s explanation of sudden cardiac arrest for more information."

"School-based spinal screening helps identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curvature at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities. Spinal screening is non-invasive and conducted in accordance with the most recent, nationally accepted and peer-reviewed standards. All students who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services criteria will be screened for abnormal spinal curvature before the end of the school year. As appropriate, students will be referred for follow-up with their physician. For information on spinal screening by an outside professional or exemption from spinal screening based on religious beliefs, contact the superintendent, or see policy FFAA(LEGAL). "

"Students are required to undergo a risk assessment for Type 2 diabetes at the same time the district screens students for hearing and vision issues or for abnormal spinal curvatures. [See policy FFAA for more information.]"

"State law requires the district to provide information about bacterial meningitis:

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is common, and most people recover fully. Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and life support management.

What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. Children (over 2 years old) and adults with bacterial meningitis commonly have a severe headache, high fever, and neck stiffness. Other symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body. The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases, it can be fatal, or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. They are spread when people exchange respiratory or throat secretions (such as by kissing, coughing, or sneezing). The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest, can help prevent infection. Using good health practices such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water can also help stop the spread of the bacteria. It’s a good idea not to share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss. There are vaccines available to offer protection from some of the bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. The vaccines are safe and effective (85–90 percent). They can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt medical attention.

Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, particularly the CDC’s information on bacterial meningitis, and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Note: DSHS requires at least one meningococcal vaccination on or after the student’s 11th birthday, unless the student received the vaccine at age 10. Also note that entering college students must show, with limited exception, evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five-year period prior to enrolling in and taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus. [See Immunization for more information.]

Note: Entering college students must show, with limited exception, evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five-year period prior to enrolling in and taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus. [See Immunization] "

"In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL) for more information.] "

"Parents should notify the district when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially an allergy that could result in dangerous or life-threatening reactions either by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy. The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy management plan, based on the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) “Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies At-Risk for Anaphylaxis” found on the DSHS website at Allergies and Anaphylaxis. When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts the student at risk for anaphylaxis, an individual care plan will be developed to assist the student in safely accessing the school environment. [See Celebrations and policy FFAF for more information.] "

"To address the care of a student with a seizure disorder while at school or participating in a school activity, a parent may submit a seizure management and treatment plan to the district before the beginning of the school year, upon enrollment of the student, or as soon as practicable following diagnosis of a seizure disorder. [See A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 and contact the school nurse for more information.] "

"Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or any other electronic vaporizing device while on school property or while attending an off-campus school-related activity. The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of all tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or any other electronic vaporizing device by students and all others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies FNCD and GKA for more information.] "

"Parents and students in need of assistance with physical and mental health concerns may contact the following campus and community resources:

● The district nurse: Michaella Ellis, RN at 512-260-5580

● The Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator: Jamie Richardson at 512-260-5580. "

"The district has adopted board policies that promote student physical and mental health. (LOCAL) policies on the topics below can be found in the district’s policy manual, available at www.libertyhill.txed.net.

• Food and nutrition management: CO, COA, COB

• Wellness and Health Services: FFA

• Physical Examinations: FFAA

• Immunizations: FFAB

• Medical Treatment: FFAC

• Communicable Diseases: FFAD

• School-Based Health Centers: FFAE

• Care Plans: FFAF

• Crisis Intervention: FFB

• Trauma-informed Care: FFBA

• Student Support Services: FFC

• Student Safety: FFF

• Child Abuse and Neglect: FFG

• Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: FFH

• Freedom from Bullying: FFI "

"During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) held four meetings. Additional information regarding the district’s SHAC is available online at www.libertyhill.txed.net. Notification of upcoming SHAC meetings will be posted at each campus administrative office at least 72 hours before the meeting. Notification of upcoming SHAC meetings, meeting minutes, and a recording of each meeting will be posted on the district website at www.libertyhill.txed.net. [See Consent to Human Sexuality Instruction and policies BDF and EHAA for more information.] "

"To encourage healthy habits in our students, the district has developed a board-adopted wellness policy at FFA(LOCAL) and corresponding plans and procedures to implement it. For questions about the content or implementation of the district’s wellness policy and plan, please contact Travis Motal at 512-260-5580. "