 THE FRAMEWORK FOR 21st CENTURY NURSING PRACTICE “School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborates to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential “ (Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors, February 2017) Welcome to the Health Services page for Maynard Public Schools Here you will find health announcements, forms, and other information that we hope will be helpful to you and your family. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES School attendance is key to your child’s success in school. Children should be in school
if they are rested, eating normally, feeling well and are fever free. There are certain
circumstances, however, when your child should stay home from school. The following
information should give you guidance when making the decision to send your child to
school or keep them home. REMEMBER: Your school nurse is an excellent resource if
you need any guidance or direction when making this decision. Never hesitate to
consult with your school nurse. Illness Students receiving antibiotics for a contagious condition such as strep throat or
bacterial conjunctivitis must stay out of school until 24 hours of antibiotic therapy has
been completed. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive coughing, heavy nasal discharge and
generally not feeling well are additional indications that the child should remain home.
Students may return to school 24 hours after vomiting and/or diarrhea have subsided
and can tolerate a regular diet. Fever If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or above (taken orally) in the morning,
it is recommended that your child remain home. Students should remain home for 24
hours after a fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medication such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). If your child develops a fever during
school hours, they will not be allowed to return to the classroom and will remain in the
health office until dismissed to a parent/guardian or their designee. Rash If your child develops a rash please notify the school nurse. Rashes are very difficult to
diagnose and many are viral in origin and should not prevent your child from attending
school. There are rare cases of breakthrough chicken pox disease and a few other
diseases that would certainly influence your child’s attendance in school and impact
other students or staff who may be medically compromised so consultation with your
school nurse and your child’s Primary Care Provider is important. Injury A student who has sustained an injury that has been instructed by a physician or an
emergency room to restrict or limit their activity for a period of time (i.e. cast,
stitches, sprains, fractures, concussions, etc.), must deliver a note from the physician
stating the nature of the restrictions and when the student can resume participation in
Physical Education (PE) class, recess, and sports in the upper grades. The student will
not be allowed to return to PE, recess, or sport activities until this note is received.
Please note that students on crutches must have a Doctor’s note delivered to the
building nurse allowing crutch use in school.
If your child sustains an injury and you feel they should limit their activity for 1 – 2
days, a parental note or phone call to the nurse is acceptable. Dismissal Due to Illness or Injury Students who become ill or injured at school will be dismissed to a parent/ guardian or
their designee from the nursing office. The student will not be allowed to walk home
alone with the exception of High School students after consultation with the school
nurse and the student’s parent. It is the expectation that a sick or injured student will
be picked up as soon as possible. School Absence Please notify the school absentee line when your child will be absent and whether it is
due to illness or injury. By leaving detailed information about your child’s absence
allows for the school nurse to track and trend illness in the school and begin
interventions should a pattern of illness develop. Emergency Information Please keep the emergency information on your child current to facilitate contacting you
if your child is ill or injured. Work numbers, home telephone and cell phone numbers
change throughout the school year and the school needs to be informed of these
changes so that you or your designee can be contacted quickly in the case of an emergency. Massachusetts Department of Public Health
(MDPH)
School Requirements
Immunizations Massachusetts state law requires that students be fully immunized against DPT(Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus), Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B,andVaricella in order to attend school. Students MUST meet all the immunization
requirements before beginning school. The statute does include exemptions from this
law for medical and religious reasons. Your school nurse can answer any questions regarding your child’s immunization status. Immunization exemption and communicable diseases is addressed in Massachusetts General Law ( M.G.L. c.71, s.57) http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/. The law in Massachusetts does not allow philosophical exemptions. There are only two situations in which children who are not fully immunized may be admitted to school. 1. Medical exemptions are allowed if a physician submits documentation stating that an immunization is medically contraindicated for the child. 2. Religious exemptions are allowed if a parent/ guardian submits a written statement that immunizations conflict with their sincere religious beliefs. Physical Examinations Examinations by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant are
required for all students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten and any new student entering the
district regardless of age or grade. These examinations must be within one year prior to
entering school or within 30 days after school entry and documented proof of an
appointment. Examinations are also required for all students in grades 4, 7 and 10.
In order to participate in any interscholastic sport, documentation of a physical
examination within the last 13 months by the student’s primary health care provider
must be on file with the school nurse prior to tryouts. Screenings 1. Vision and Hearing Screenings are conducted according to guidelines provided by MDPH
(http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/). A referral letter is sent home
when the student does not meet the screening parameters recommending evaluation
by your physician or vision professional. Vision screening is performed in grades 1-5, 7 and 10. Hearing screening is performed in grades 1-3, 7 and 10. 2. Postural screening is conducted annually in collaboration with the Fitness and Health
Department for students in Grades 5 through 9. A report from the student’s doctor is
required in order to be excused from the school screening. A referral letter is sent home
when the student does not meet the screening parameters so that further evaluation
can be done. 3. Heights and weights are done on students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. Body Mass Index
(BMI) and corresponding percentile is calculated and recorded following guidelines from
the MDPH for each student. The results will be recorded in the student’s cumulative
health record at school. Parents are welcome to call the school nurse to discuss the
findings. Exemptions A student may be exempt from physical examination, vision, hearing, and BMI
screenings upon written request from the parent/guardian. |
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