Mrs. Hubert, BSN, RN, School Nurse
Welcome the crazy days of November!
It is getting to that time of year when all our little friends are starting to share illnesses. I do hope that everyone has found time to get their FLU SHOT. There is still time to get the vaccine to help prevent you and your loved ones from getting Influenza or at least decrease the severity of how sick you could become.
We have seen an increase in strep, stomach bugs and many viral illnesses. Good hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of these illnesses.
For the health and safety of all our students and staff the following guidelines exist:
- When your child has had a fever of 100.0 or greater they need to stay home for at least 24 hours from the last time their fever was above 100.0 without the use of any Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- If your child has had vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours they need to stay home for at least 24 hours from the last time they vomited or had an episode of diarrhea.
- If they have an undiagnosed rash that is accompanied by fever or itching they need to stay home until they have been diagnosed or deemed not to be contagious.
- If they have a sore throat, fever and/or swollen glands in the neck they should be evaluated by their physician. If it is determined they have strep, they will need to be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school. Remember to get them a new toothbrush after being on antibiotics for 24 hours as well.
- We encourage you to seek medical attention when your child is sick and to follow your health care provider's recommendations about returning to school and other social activities. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Medications at School
All medications administered at school require parent and physician authorization, this includes cough drops. Only FDA approved medications will be administered during the school day. If your child needs to take medication at school, including over-the-counter medications, here are some important rules and policies to follow:
1. Medications must be brought to school by the parent or another responsible adult in the original container.
2. All medication is to be taken to the nurse’s office for secured, locked storage.
3. Prescription medications must be in a prescription-labeled container, the label stating the child’s name, current date, medication name, and directions for administration.
4. Over-the-counter medications must be in their original containers.
5. Parent permission forms must accompany any kind of medication.
6. Physician permission also must accompany over-the-counter medications given for longer than 5 days and any prescription medication to be given.
7. All left-over medication stored in the school health office must be picked up from the school nurse by the parent or legal guardian at the end of the school year. No medications will be sent home with students.
Forms can be found on the Parkway Website under Health Services or I also have them in my office.
And last but most important, please remember to dress your students in long pants and long sleeves on these cold days. Always remember they should wear socks everyday, and have warm coats, hats and gloves. When it is safe weather-wise to go outside, they need to be dressed appropriately. Also remember they need to have tennis shoes with them at all times for PE and indoor recess, as this can happen on a daily basis.
