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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES |
| Mission Statement
The school health team for the elementary schools consists of school nurses Bonnie McAlpine, R.N., Noreene Davis, R.N. ,Diane Meagher, R.N., Emily Nichols, R.N. and Karen Nickerson, 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, Laura Brow, 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 immunization consists of: 3 doses of Polio vaccine (all eIPV or all OPV) as long as the last dose is after the 4th birthday 3 doses of Hepatitis B for children born on or after January 1, 1993 1 dose Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine on entry to kindergarten and for those in 1st & 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 at 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 physician’s 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 non-prescription 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 (Pediculosis) is an intermittent problem at the elementary level. Pediculosis “infected children and persons should be excluded until the initial treatment is completed and no live lice are seen” - NH State Dept. of Education, School Health Resource Manual 2000. We need the help of parents to prevent an epidemic of head lice. 1. Please check your children weekly to see if there are signs of head lice or nits. (Look especially behind the ears and top of the head. Nits resemble dandruff but do not brush off.) If you find them, either seek medical attention or the assistance of a pharmacist. Also, please notify the School Nurse. 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. 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.
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