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HEALTH OFFICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
When do I keep my child home from school?
Parents often ask when should a child be kept at home from school for illness. Below are a few suggestions that will benefit the ill child and protect the health of other students and staff. Please check with your family doctor about specific guidelines for your child.
A child should be kept at home for the following:
1. A fever in the past 24 hours.
2. Vomiting or diarrhea, in the past 24 hours.
3. “Colds” with nasal drainage that is yellow, green, or copious in amount.
4. Frequent or persistent coughing.
5. Sore throats that persist for more than 2 days or accompanied by a fever, headache or stomach ache. Please contact your doctor to see if a "strep test" is advised.
6. An illness requiring antibiotics. Students should receive a minimum of 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school.
7. A crusted, draining rash (ie: impetigo) until prescribed medication has been administered.
8. Conjunctivitis ( “pink eye”) until prescribed medication has been administered.
9. Pediculosis (head lice) until treated.
Please emphasize good hygiene including frequent handwashing and proper disposal of tissues. If you have questions or concerns about your child, please call your school nurse.
What if there is an emergency with my child at school?
Emergency care in school is limited to first aid for accidents or illnesses occurring in school until the parent arrives to take the child home or for medical care. The school nurse may not treat any injury that did not occur in school. Please contact the school nurse if you have concerns about your child's health. It is important that the school have current home, work, and cell phone numbers should your child become ill or injured.
What if my child needs to take medications during school hours?
When students must take medication during school hours, a note from the physician specifying student name, medication, dosage, and frequency of administration is required. A written request from the parent is also required. The medication must be brought to the Health Office in its original bottle with the pharmacy label. No child may keep medication with him/her in the classroom. This applies to over-the-counter medications (cough syrup, acetaminophen, decongestants, etc.) as well as prescription medication. Students with a certain diagnosis, such as asthma, may self-administer medication if the student has been instructed by their physician and have submitted a written doctor’s and parent’s consent. All medication orders must be renewed annually.
What health exams are provided at school?
All elementary students will be screened annually for height, weight, blood pressure, and vision. Hearing screening is performed for students in grades K-3. Students over age 10 are required by law to be screened biennially (beginning grade 5) for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) unless parents request in writing that their child not be examined. You will be contacted about any finding that requires follow-up by your physician.
Are physical examinations required each school year for my child?
Physical examinations are required for kindergarten and new students. It is suggested that this exam be done by your family doctor who is familiar with your child's history. A completed physical exam signed by your doctor is required. Please contact the school nurse if you do not have a family health care provider or health insurance.
Can my child be temporarily excused from physical education?
A note from the parent must be sent to school when the child returns after an absence. A child may be excused from physical education class for three consecutive days with a note from a parent. A doctor's note is required to excuse the child for more than three consecutive days.
If you have any other questions, please contact your school nurse.
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