Medication should be administered at home whenever possible. If it is necessary for a student to take medication at school please follow the district policy as follows:
Non-prescription Medication
Turn into the school’s main office the Medication Administration form completed and signed by parents authorizing school staff to administer medication.
Medication must be in the original container. Dose of medication cannot exceed the manufacturer's recommended dosage; otherwise a physician’s signature will also be needed.
High School students may self-administer non-prescription medication if indicated by parents that the student is reliable to do so. Students may not share their non-prescription medication with other students.
Parents may check the appropriate box on the Annual School Health Form for students to receive stock medications (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) from the Main Office/Health Services Staff.
Prescription Medication
Turn into the school’s main office the Medication Administration form completed and signed by both parent/guardian and physician/dentist authorizing school staff to give medication.
Medication must be in a pharmacy labeled container indicating dosage and administration instructions.
If there is a change/discontinuation in a prescription medication, parents must have written direction from the physician.
Food Supplements, Natural Products
For the safety and protection of students, food supplements and natural products will not be given in the school setting unless approved by the FDA or prescribed by a licensed practitioner. The following criteria must be met:
An original container is provided.
Use for the student is indicated.
Appropriate dosing for the student is clearly stated on the label/packaging insert.
Possible untoward effects are listed.
Signed parent/guardian statement.
Signed practitioner consent if non-FDA approved.
Parents/guardians may come to school to administer natural products.
Emergency Medications
Students are allowed to carry the following emergency medication with them at school: Epi-pens and Asthma Inhalers. Medication administration forms will need to be completed and turned into the school’s main office for these medications.
Anytime an epi-pen is administered at school, either by school staff or a student self-administers, 911 will be called and the student will be transported to the nearest emergency room.
For the safety of our students, school staff will not be able to administer medication at school until the above steps are completed. Parents are responsible for restocking and safe delivery of medication to school. Parents will need to make arrangements for the removal of medication at the end of the school year or it will be disposed of by school personnel after the last day of school.
Medication Standing Orders
The medical advisor for the Whitewater Unified School District, has created medication standing orders for use at school. These orders are for Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), Epinephrine pen (an injection used in case of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions), oxygen, low dose aspirin (if heart attack is occurring), and naloxone (for use in an Opioid overdose). The purpose of these orders is to create an environment at school that is both safe and well equipped for emergency situations. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be given, as needed, with parent/guardian consent.
If a student has an allergic reaction at school he/she may be administered either Diphenhydramine or an injection of epinephrine. Every attempt will be made to contact parent(s)/guardians prior to administration of either of these medications. If a dose of epinephrine is administered to a student because of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, the rescue squad will also be called.
If a student shows signs that he/she is not getting enough oxygen and is complaining of feeling short of breath, oxygen may be used. This is delivered to a student by a mask that fits over the nose and mouth. Every attempt will be made to contact parent(s)/guardians when oxygen needs to be used. If oxygen is used, 911 will automatically be called.
If you have questions about medication at school, please contact the school health services at your child’s school.
Immunization Requirements
The Wisconsin Student Immunization Law mandates that all children in grades K-12 have the following vaccinations: 4 DTaP, 4 Polio, 3 Hepatitis B, 2 MMR and 2 Varicella or evidence of chickenpox disease. There is an additional immunization requirement for the following students as a result of change to the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law. One additional dose of DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis) will be required for students entering grades 6 through 12. If your child isn’t up to date on the required immunizations by the 30th day of the school year, they may be excluded from school until they have their vaccination up to date or you may sign a waiver (for personal, religious or medical reasons) located on your child’s immunization sheet. Immunization sheets are located in the school office.
Meningitis disease, commonly known as bacterial meningitis, is a rare but potentially fatal infection that can occur among teenagers and college students. While meningococcal disease is rare and difficult to contract, it is very serious. There is now a vaccine that may help to prevent this infection. The meningococcal vaccine is recommended by the Centers of Disease Control for students living in dormitories, children aged 11-15 and those planning to attend college. Please contact your health care provider or public health department for vaccine information.
School Health Services
Parents are to complete the Student Annual Health Update portion of the online registration at the beginning of each school year. Indicate on the Students Annual Health Update any medical/health conditions that your child has that you want the school staff to be aware of. Parents/guardians are encouraged to call the district nurse with any student health changes that may occur during the school year. Parents may check the box for Main office/Health Services staff to administer stock medications (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) to students as needed.
Health counseling is available by the district nurse and may be requested by parents, students or staff.
Regular school attendance is encouraged for optimal school success. However, if your child has a rash, fever, a significant cold with a hacking cough, vomiting or diarrhea, you are asked to keep them home from school and call your healthcare provider. In the event that your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify the school immediately.
All injuries on school grounds must be reported immediately to the teacher in charge. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the building Medical Emergency Response Team is summoned. For minor first aid, the student should report to the office for assistance.
If your child becomes ill or seriously injured at school, school personnel will try to notify parents/guardians by phone. In the event that parents/guardians cannot be reached by phone, the emergency contact listed by parents will be called. It is the parents/guardian’s responsibility to make arrangements to pick up their student. Students are not to leave school during the day without permission
If you have questions regarding medication administration at school, immunization requirements or school health services, please contact your child’s school.