SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
Mission Statement
School Health Services will promote health and wellness in order that students and staff may work in an environment conducive to learning.
The school health team for the elementary schools consists of school nurses Bonnie McAlpine, R.N., Laura Brow, R.N., Noreen Davis, R.N. and Diane Meagher, R.N. Our school physician is Geraldine Rubin, M.D.
The primary responsibility for your child's health and well-being is the parents'. Your school nurse is available to assist students and families with questions and concerns that relate to your child's health. Parents are encouraged to call the nurse, Bonnie McAlpine (352-8012), for information and advice. The school nurse works closely with teachers and others to ensure that your child's educational goals are being met.
The school nurse collaborates with parents and others in the assessment process to help identify children with special learning needs. She may initiate referrals. The school nurse provides the necessary link between educators and the medical community.
A cumulative health record is maintained on each child K-12. This includes a required physical exam by the family physician and the following required immunizations (RSA 200:38).
The New Hampshire State Law requires that all students must have documentation of their immunizations. Minimum acceptable immunizations consist of:
- For children under 7, 4 doses DPT, DTaP or DT as long as the 4th dose is on or after the 4th birthday;
- For children over 7, 3 doses DTP, DTaP, DT, or Td as long as the third dose ison or after the 4th birthday;
- 3 doses of Polio vaccine (all elPV or all OPV) as long as the last dose is after the 4th birthday OR;
- 4 doses of Polio vaccine of any combination of elPV or OPV regardless of age of administration;
- 1 dose of MMR given on or after the 1st birthday. In addition, 1 dose of Measles-containing vaccine on entry to Kindergarten and for those in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade;
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B for children born on or after January 1, 1993;
- 1 dose Varicella (chicken pox) vacccine on entry to kindergarten and for those in 1st and 2nd grade. Documentation of Chicken Pox disease is an acceptable alternative to vaccine;
- In addition to the above, preschoolers are required to have 4 doses of Hib vaccine;
- Any other recommendations from the NH Division of Public Health Services, Immunization Program.
Students who have not been fully immunized will not be in compliance with the law and will be placed on a "Conditional Enrollment," provided there is documentation of a least one dose of each required vaccine. The parent or guardian will be asked to provide an appointment date for the next due dose of vaccine from a health care provider. This appointment date shall serve as the suspension date if the child fails to keep the scheduled appointment. This process shall continue until acceptable immunization status is attained.
The school health record also contains a health history, annual height and weight. GRADES 1, 3, and 5 include vision and hearing screening, and GRADE 5 includes scoliosis screening.
All transfer students must provide documentation of required immunization and/or a copy of the cumulative health records. A physicians report of physical examination is also required for all transfer students. Those students not in compliance will not be allowed to enter school.
Prescribed Medication
Prescription and nonprescription medication to be taken during school time must be delivered to school by the parent in the original container. Written permission from the parent/guardian must be sent to the nurse for any student who will be taking medication during the school day. Prescription medications require authorization from the physician. If your child is taking daily medication at home, please inform the school nurse. The nurse can monitor for possible side effects.
HEAD LICE
Head lice (Pediculosis) is an intermittent problem in school-aged children. When a case of head lice is identified at school, the child's parent or guardian will be notified, requesting prompt care. Students may return to school after receiving appropriate treatment.
If you suspect head lice (itchy scalp and/or exposure to another child with this condition), please check your child to see if there are signs of lice or nits (lice eggs). Look especially behind the ears and top of the head. Nits resemble dandruff but do not brush off. If you find lice, follow the recommendations below, or seek assistance from your medical provider or pharmacist. Also, please notify the School Nurse.
- Using an over-the-counter treatment containing Pyrethin, ie "Nix", is recommended. Carefully follow the written directions which accompany this treatment.
- It is important to use a fine tooth comb to remove all nits as they stick to the hair and do not wash out.
While the NH State Department of Education does not recommend routine exclusion of children with head lice, young children who have visible live head lice may need to be excluded if direct head to head contact cannot be avoided.
Health and Wellness
When in doubt about your child's health on any given day, please keep him/her home. Your child may be coming down with something that can be transmitted to other children. Any child with signs of illness (fever, rash, vomiting, etc.) should be kept home.
Children need fresh air and exercise. We expect that children will go out for recess breaks. Any long term request that a child stay in for recess will require a note from a physician. During inclement weather, the principal or the teacher on duty will make a decision whether the children should be kept in or out. A good rule to follow would be to always dress children for outdoor recess.
STUDENTS MUST REMAIN EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL WITH:
CHICKEN POX - For 1 week after the first skin lesions appear.
STREP INFECTIONS - For 24 hours after treatment has started.
ALL OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - pern NH State Law.
The school nurse will determine when it is safe for the child to return to school.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency we always call the parents first. If parents cannot be reached we will call your emergency contact person. Please write an emergency name and telephone number on your child's enrollment card. Use the enrollment card to inform us of any conditions or problems we should be aware of (ex., allergies, asthma, hearing loss, glasses, etc.). If you are going away, please advise the school what to do if your child becomes ill or injured.
INSURANCE
Each school child has the opportunity to participate in a school insurance plan. The insurance is handled by Lefebvre Insurance of Wrentham, MA. The school office has the forms for making any claim. Remember, the school does not carry accident insurance for pupils. |
