School Nurse
The school nurse supervises the various health programs of the schools and works with children on current health problems. Each building secretary is always knowledgeable of the nurse's schedule.
Immunizations
By the day of enrollment, parents/guardians must submit the necessary data to show their child has completed his/her immunizations or qualifies for a provisional certificate according to Iowa Law. Board Policy 507.1
Dental and Lead Screening
All students entering kindergarten are required to provide proof of dental and lead screening prior to the first day of school. Another dental screen will be required prior to entry into ninth grade.
Administration of Medication to Students
Proper labeling
- Prescribed medication: All prescribed medications shall be maintained in the original prescription container and labeled with the following:
- Name of student
- Name of medication
- Name of physician
- Name and address of pharmacy
- Date of prescription
- Directions for use and storage
- Over-the-counter medications: All over-the-counter medications shall be maintained in the original container in which they were purchased.
Parent/Guardian written consent on a dated statement
- A parent/guardian signature on a statement requesting and authorizing the school personnel to administer the medication must accompany the medication.
Record of administration
- Each time the medication is administered, a record shall be maintained in the nurse's office. The record shall include the student's name, date, time, name of the medication, amount given, and the signature or initials of the person who administered the medication.
Medication reactions
- Any unusual conditions or behaviors following the administration of medication should be reported to the school nurse, if available or to the parent/guardian immediately. Reactions to medication should be recorded.
Definition of medications
- Those health products covered by the medication policy include all prescription medications and over-the-counter products, including but not limited to pain relievers, cold remedies, cough syrups, antacids, cough drops, throat lozenges, etc.
Security
- No medications are to be carried during school hours by students nor stored in pockets, purses, school bags, lunch boxes, lockers, teacher desks, sports equipment bags, etc. The only exception would be with a physician’s written orders and a parent/guardian written authorization for a student to carry the medication with him/her for self-administration as necessary (ie: inhalers, diabetic supplies, emergency medications).
- Prescription medication or over-the-counter must be brought to the school nurse by a parent or other authorized and approved adult. Absolutely no medications are to be transported to/from school by any student.
- All medications will be stored in a secure area, accessible only to those who are authorized to administer the medication.
- The building principal shall designate those in each building who are authorized to administer the medications. Those authorized will receive instructions from the school nurse concerning administration and confidentiality of medications.
- At the end of the school year or the end of the dispensing time, any remaining medication must be picked up by the parent or an authorized and approved adult within two weeks of the last day of school. All medication not picked up will be disposed of in an appropriate manner in accordance with medication disposal guidelines as set forth by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration.)
Tylenol/acetaminophen (Advil/ibuprofen – High School and Middle School Only)
- If you would like your child to have over-the-counter medication during school hours, please send in what you would like them to receive with a signed note by parent.
Alternative Medical Therapies and Supplements
- Alternative medical therapies and supplements will not be dispensed by school staff. Exceptions to the above may be granted by the Superintendent for religious conflict or other acceptable reasons. (BP 507.2 13)
Please note! Pharmacies will provide a second prescription container with a duplicate label when you request it. This can be used for school use and will remain at school until all medication has been finished. This procedure is safer than transporting medication daily to and from school.
Fever
Any child with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher should stay home from school. They should not return to school until they have had a normal temperature (without medicine) for 24 hours.
Accidents and Illness at School
When a child has a fever of 100.0 or greater, vomits, has diarrhea or gets an injury that requires medical attention, parents/guardians will be notified. It is very important that the information submitted online is as accurate, up to date, and as complete as possible. Parents/guardians should notify the school of any changes in information on the card from the beginning of school.
No child is sent home until prior arrangements have been made. In case the parents/guardians cannot be contacted, the school will contact the person designated on the registration card by the parent. If no one can be reached or in extreme emergencies, the school will transport the student, to the nearest physician or hospital, by the best transportation available.
Lice Policy
Please inform the school nurse or secretary if your child contracts lice. Please refer to the Head Lice Awareness page or contact us with further questions. Thank you.
Annual Screenings
Every student in kindergarten through 4th grade will be screened annually for vision and hearing. Any abnormal findings will be reported to the parent/guardian immediately. Students at the middle school in 5th and 6th grade will be screened for vision and hearing. If you would rather your student NOT participate in annual screenings, please submit your request in writing to the school nurse in the building your student attends before September 1 of each year.
