Q. What if my child needs medications at school?
A. No medications can be given at school until the school nurse or certified nursing assistant receives written orders from the student’s health care provider with the required parent signature. This applies to both prescription and over the counter medications including inhalers, ointments, eye/ear drops Tylenol, etc.
Parents must ensure the medications are in the original pharmacy labeled container and deliver the medications to school. The first dose of medications must be taken at home. After approval of the school nurse or certified nursing assistant , only physician ordered emergency medications may be carried by the student. Medication forms are available in all schools or from this website.
All questions regarding medications must be directed to the school nurse or certified nursing assistant.
Q. Does my child need a physical examination and lead testing before starting school for the first time?
A. According to Maryland Law (EA57-402), a physical examination shall be required of each child entering the Maryland Public Schools for the first time. The examination must be completed within the period of nine months prior to entrance or six months after entrance. Maryland State Law (HB 1221 and ED, § 7-403) requires documentation of Blood Lead Testing for all public pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade students in areas designated as at-risk for lead poisoning.
Q. What immunizations will my child need for school?
A. The required immunizations for school are based upon the child’s age. Maryland State Department of Education requires that all students have an official written immunization record on file in the school. Students that do not comply with this requirement will be excluded from school until the parent/guardian obtains documentation. For detailed information consult your school nurse.
Q. When will my child be sent home from school due to illness?
A. When your child is sent to the health room feeling ill, we will check your child’s temperature and assess his/her complaints. If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or above, you will be requested to pick your child up from school. The same request will be made if your child has vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, illness or injury that cannot be handled at school. If there are no obvious signs of illness, he/she will be asked to return to class and may come back if necessary. Often minor aches and complaints do subside after a visit to the Health Room. If your child needs special consideration (due to recent illness, injury or unusual stress) please let us know by calling or sending a note to school.
Q. How can I decrease the chance of my child becoming ill?
A. Many illnesses seen in the school settings also occur in the community. The risk of acquiring a disease in school is no greater than the risk of working in an office, going to the grocery store or attending church. Washing hands with soap and running water for 15-30 seconds and drying with a disposable towel is the single most important technique for preventing the spread of disease.
Q. When should I keep my child home because of illness?
A. We all agree that students need to be in school to learn. However, in order for our children to perform well they need to be healthy. There are some basic guidelines we use to determine when to send students home and that can be assist you to know when to keep them out of school. To minimize the spread of illness, do not send your child to school if they have: diarrhea, vomiting, uncontrolled coughing, trouble breathing or fever.
If a child has had a fever they should remain home until fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. If your child has an infectious illness which requires medication (i.e. strep throat, pink eye) the child should have received medication for 24 hours before returning to school. If your child has been injured at home and you believe the injury requires medical attention, please contact your private doctor. We cannot diagnose medical conditions.