School Nurse
A certified school nurse or staff nurse is in each elementary school five days a week from 8:30 am until 3:30pm. In addition to the noted screenings listed below, the certified school nurse checks the height and weight and calculates BMI of each child each year, attends the IST (Instructional Support Team) meetings, and teaches in the Human Growth & Development curricula. The certified school nurse provides care to students who become ill or injured at school. If a child has symptoms of illness present, he/she should remain home. A child should be without a fever for 24 hours (without Tylenol or ibuprofen) before returning to school. Please let the school nurse know if there are any significant changes in your child's health. Children who have had an injury or illness requiring an emergency room visit, hospitalization, use of crutches, or wheelchair must have a note from MD regarding activity limitations for Physical Education and recess. Please inform the health office if any of the above occur.
Please keep all emergency information up to date. When a sick child must be sent home, the telephone number of a responsible adult to contact is essential.
Medical Examination
State of Pennsylvania mandated medical examinations are required upon original entry of a child into school and again in grade six, in accordance with the School Health Act. The examinations may be done by the family physician or by the school's physician. The required forms will be furnished by the school. Physical examinations completed by a private physician must be completed after September 1 of the previous school year. Students entering the district from out of state must either show proof of a physical examination within the past six months, or they will be required to have a physical examination upon entrance.
Dental Examination
State of Pennsylvania mandated dental examinations are required upon initial entry and in third grade. Examinations may be done by a private dentist or the school dentist. Dental examinations completed by a private dentist must be completed after September 1 of the previous school year. Students entering the district from out of state must either show proof of a dental examination within the past six months, or they will be required to have a dental examination upon entrance.
Vision
Each pupil has a vision screening done annually by the certified school nurse.
Hearing
Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade are screened for hearing yearly. Students in special education or with identified hearing issues are also screened yearly.
Immunizations
The current immunizations required by the state of Pennsylvania for entry to school are:
- Diphtheria & Tetanus - 4 doses. The last dose being on or after the 4th birthday.
- Polio - 3 doses
- Hepatitis B - 3 properly spaces doses.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - 2 doses. The first dose being given on or after the 1st birthday.
- History of varicella (chicken pox) or varicella vaccine for all children entering kindergarten and new first grade students. Also mandate for 7th grade students.
- Proof of immunization must be presented at time of registration.
Any parent, for religious/ethical or medical reason, that does not wish their child to be immunized, may sign the immunization card indicating they wish this exemption for their child.
Illness and Injury at School
School personnel will administer first aid in any emergency situation. If a child becomes ill in school or has a serious accident, the school will take appropriate action, including the procedures permitted by the parents as listed on the census verification form. Every effort will be made to notify parents of these situations.
Use of Medication in School
Students must bring all medications brought to school to the school nurse. This includes nonprescription medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, or cough medicine. With parent permission on the student's emergency card, acetaminophen and ibuprofen will be administered only in accordance with the manufacturer's suggested dosage. Administration of certain nonprescription medications is available to all students. These medications include cough drops, throat spray, Neosporin ointment, and antacid tablets.
Medications must be delivered to the nurse in the original prescription container.
The Central Bucks Medication Dispensing Form
must be completed and signed by both the parent and the physician. An adult must deliver all controlled medication to the school health office. Examples of controlled medication include: Ritalin, Adderal, and Concerta. These medications must be counted and signed off by the parent and the nurse. Students who have medications of any kind in their possession (purses, lunch box, school bag, etc.) may be considered in violation of the school drug and alcohol policy. However, with doctor's orders, students requiring emergency medication (Epi-pens, for example) may be permitted to carry and self-administer the medication.
A nurse in not available for field trips. If a parent requests medication to be administered during a field trip, this should be noted on the field trip permission form. Parents must package medications at home and deliver them in a sealed envelope to the teacher on the day of the trip. The child will self-administer the medication under teacher supervision. |