SCHOOL HEALTH

As one component of a coordinated school health program, school health services provide prevention, education, emergency care, referral and management of acute and chronic health conditions.  The School Nurses promote the health of students, identify, prevent, and treat health problems and injuries, and ensures care for all students.

Schools and their Nurses

^{Nursing coverage at all of the Schools during regular school hours.}

Health Services & Health Education Coordinator
Pam Ciborowski
Office in Cowing School
263-3476

School Physician Group:
Pediatric Associates of Hampden County, West Springfield, MA.

Yellow Emergency Cards- if completed and sent in the School Nurses will be able to administer specified over-the-counter (OTC) products.  If they are not signed by the parent, no child will be given any OTC products including: betadine, solarcaine, antibiotic ointment, eye wash, tylenol, advil, anti-itch cream and vaseline. It is important to update the Nurse with any changes during the year regarding medical conditions, medications, allergies, and list of emergency contacts.         

First Aid:  If an accident or sudden illness occurs, the school nurse will be summoned immediately.  First aid will be administered to the child and the parent/legal guardian will be notified when necessary.                                                 

School Insurance is available to all students at a low cost.  Flyers are sent home in the September.

Immunizations- In compliance with Mass. General Law, CH71/Sec.57, all students must have documented proof of up to date immunizations. Exemptions: a physician’s medical exemption letter or a religious exemption letter prior to admission to the WSPS.  Immunizations must be kept up to date throughout their school years or by law should be exempt from school.  For specific requirements call your school nurse.

Per MA Law 105 CMR 200, Physical Examination of Children:  Physicals are required in grades K, 4th, 7th, and 10th. 

Heights/Weights & BMI - grades 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th
Hearing screening: grades K-3rd, 7th and 9th
Vision screening:  grades K-5th, 7th and 9th
Postural Screening:  all students grades 5-9

If any problems are detected you will receive a note from the Nurse with specifics regarding condition and recommended follow-up with your physician.
 

Medication at Schools: For prescription medication, contact your child’s school nurse to get the correct forms. The parent/legal guardian completes and signs one section and the doctor the other. The order must be renewed as needed and at the start of each school year. Medicines are to be delivered to school in a pharmacy labeled container by the parent or responsible adult. Ask your pharmacist to provide separate home and school bottles. No more than a 30 day supply of medicine should be delivered to school. For over the counter (OTC) medication, the parent/legal guardian must complete the yellow nurse data card with their signature if they want the school nurse to use the OTC medications as needed for their child. No OTC medication will be given at school without the parent/legal guardian’s signature. Contact your school nurse for more information.

• Children with inhalers at school: 80+
• Students with food allergies: 80+
• Hearing & vision screenings: 2,400+
• Postural screening: 1500+
• Heights/Weights & BMI: 1200+
• Students with daily medications & prns: over 170 students

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• They have a fever >100
• Have a severe runny nose, congestion and cough
• If they have a contagious rash
• Strep throat- antibiotics for 24 hours before returning
• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): treat for 24 hours before returning - for infectious bacterial type
• Active case of head lice & viable nits
• If you feel that your child is sick enough that they will not learn in a classroom and that they will be spreading germs to other well children and staff.

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