| Clinic Corner Kim Correa RN, BSN 898-0322 As the school nurse at YMS, I am proud to be part of the team effort that supports student success and well being. As I work with you and your child this year, I need your assistance and cooperation in preparing for the possibility that your child might need to take medication, become ill, or have an accident during school hours. Students who come to the clinic for various reasons usually request that their parents be called. Just because you receive a phone call does not mean you must pick up your child, unless the child is obviously ill or injured. Middle School is a time of change, growing up, and developing responsibility. Students have to learn that sometimes we have to deal with discomfort and remain at school. Helping them to understand this will help them develop attendance and work habits that carry over into adulthood. Our goal is to keep students in class to learn to their full potential. However, if a child is really sick, they should stay home. Academic success is directly related to the good health and emotional well being of each student. There are certain rules and procedures for the clinic and the school. Knowing some of them will help to avoid confusion and make things a little easier for everyone. I have listed information below on various topics to help guide you through the process. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's health needs and care, please call me at 898-0322. Attendance Please report all absences to the attendance office at 898-0520 After hours, voicemail is available. A note should accompany your child upon their return to school. It is important to us that your child returns to school as quickly as possible. However, we want them to be healthy so that they are at their most capable for learning. Children with an infectious or contagious disease should stay home until the danger of transmitting the disease has passed. Here for some things to keep in mind when considering to keep your child home or send to school:
Please be sure to fill out and return the orange "Health Update" form in the beginning of the school year. They are distributed through your child’s PE classes on the first day of school. This allows us to be aware of any new health concerns or changes with your child. Throughout the school year, if a new health concern/condition arises or contact information changes, please call the clinic to update. Administration of Medication Administration of medications, especially short term, should be done at home whenever possible. However, if a student is required to take prescription or non-prescription medication during the school day, the following guidelines must be met:
*Annual
Contract for Self-Administration of Inhaled Medications for Asthma Form
*Emergency Alert Plan for Self Administration of Epi-pens Form *Annual Contract for Self-Administration of Epi-pen Form Health Care Plans If your child has a severe allergy, asthma, diabetes, seizures or other chronic health condition which may require medication, we recommend you and your healthcare provider complete and sign a Health Care Plan to assist us in caring for your child during the school day. Some common Health Care Plans are available below or from the Clinic. *Diabetes Management Plan *Asthma Emergency Action Plan *Allergy Emergency Action Plan *Seizure Emergency Action Plan Food Allergies If your child has food allergies, please have your doctor complete the "Special Dietary Needs" form so our cafeteria and clinic staffs are aware of your child's needs. Physical Education Exemption A written note from a parent/guardian is required to excuse or limit your child’s participation in PE class. Per the student handbook, “The only acceptable excuse from physical education for more that three consecutive days is a doctor’s excuse.” School personnel do not diagnose and do not exempt students from PE classes on a routine basis. |