Health Office

Stephanie Curran

Phone: 508-785-0480 x1042

"School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well-being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students. To that end, School Nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy and learning." - National Association of School Nurses

Communicable Diseases/Conditions
If a student is diagnosed with a communicable disease such as mono, strep throat, chicken pox or conjunctivitis, contact the school nurse. This information is vital to help protect the students and staff who may be medically at risk from exposure to these diseases. Students need to stay home until they are no longer contagious. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Health Office.

Chicken Pox
Notify the school nurse immediately if your child is diagnosed or suspected of having chicken pox. There are MA Department of Public Health guidelines that govern your child's return to school.

Conjunctivitis or "Pink Eye"
The student may return to school 24 hours after the medication has started and there is no drainage from the eyes.

Pediculosis(Head Lice)
This is an easily treatable condition. The school nurse should be notified when a case is identified or suspected. If you have any questions regarding lice we are more than happy to answer them.

Persistent cough or cold symptoms
The student must be able to participate fully in class without disrupting himself/herself or classmates by coughing. Many children have repeated upper respiratory infections (colds). If they are fever free and able to participate fully in class please send them to school.

Strep throat and Scarlet Fever
The student may return to school 24 hours after starting medication.

Temperature
The student must be fever free (temperature less than 99.0) without having taken Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin) within the last 24 hours.

Vomiting and Diarrhea
Students should be symptom free and able to keep down fluids and food for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Pediculosis(Head Lice)
This is an easily transmitted, but treatable condition. The school nurse should be notified when a case is identified or suspected. If you have any questions regarding lice we are more than happy to answer them.

American Association of Pediatrics Head Lice Policy

Additional Resources:

Head Lice Protocol

Head Lice Public Health Fact Sheet

Managing Head Lice

Physical Examinations: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires physical examinations and immunizations for all school-age children. They are performed by the student's health care provider or the school physician. A list of all immunizations must be included in the physical exam, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The student health forms must be filed with their school prior to the beginning of kindergarten and third grade.

Immunization Requirements:

Screenings:
The following screenings will be performed according to the Massachusetts Department of Health:

New Students:
New students in all grades must have written documentation of a valid physical exam done by a health care provider in Massachusetts within 6 months of entering school. Written documentation of current immunizations signed by a health care provider is also required, prior to admission. Students from other countries may have additional requirements that will be determined by the MDPH. No student may enter school until these requirements are completed.

Students with Special Medical Conditions:
Please contact the school nurse as soon as possible if your child has a special medical condition. A special medical condition may include the following: diabetes, seizures or a life-threatening allergy. In order to create a safe environment for your child, the nurse will meet with you and make an Individual Health Plan (IHP) for your child if needed. This plan will include input from the parent, the nurse and the child's health care provider.

If it is necessary for your child to have medication during school hours, the school nurse will administer it to your child at the proper time. The parent should bring the medication to the school nurse in a pharmacy-labeled container or a labeled manufacturer's container for over-the-counter medications. The medications may only be administered with a doctor's order and parent/guardian consent. (See link for medication administration form)

The parent/guardian consent or note should include the following information:

• name of student
• name medication
• dosage and route of administration
• time that the medication is to be given
• date the medication is to be discontinued
   

Massachusetts Department of Health Policy

Links to important forms:

Medication Administration Form

Parents who are out of town Authorization for Medical Care Form

Asthma Action Plan Form

Food Allergy Plan Form

Health Record Form

ENTEROVIRUS D68
DPH Advisory on Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 Fact Sheet
Mass.gov Enterovirus D68 Guidelines
Enterovirus D68 Fact Sheet
CDC Press Release

THE FLU / RECOMMENDED VACCINES
The Flu: A Guide for Parents
Recommended Vaccines for Teachers

LYME DISEASE
Lyme and Tick-Borne Illness
CDC Lyme Disease Info

CONCUSSION INFO
Concussion Information and Resources

HEAD LICE
Head Lice Protocol
Head Lice Public Health Fact Sheet
Managing Head Lice

SAFETY AND PREVENTION

Childhood/Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Massachusetts Department of Health
US Centers for Disease Control
American Academy of Pediatrics
Consumer Product Safety Commission (provides product recall and safety information)
SAFE KIDS- a national organization dedicated solely to reducing incidence of childhood injuries
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention
American Red Cross
American Diabetes Association
School Health Resources
Band-Aids and Blackboards- a site for kids with medical issues
Child Care Weather Watch