Nurse Notes
Welcome to the School Health Office!
Pennsylvania State Mandated Screenings:
In grades Pre-K through 3rd, screenings include growth (height/weight/BMI), vision, and hearing. Please review the following link to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website indicating the type of screenings according to grade level including physical and dental exams requirements. PA DoH Mandated School Screenings
Immunizations:
Every student must have an up-to-date immunization/vaccination/shot record on file in the school health office within the first 5 days of school or risk exclusion from school. Here is a link to the vaccination requirements by age/grade level according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/School%20Health/SIR5.pdf (English)
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/School%20Health/SIR7.pdf (Espanol)
If your child is behind with their vaccination/immunization/shot schedule, a note signed by your child's physician must be included with the vaccination/immunization/shot record indicating a plan to catch up with the required immunizations.
Private Physician / Dental Examinations:
Physical examinations are required for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and all students entering school for the first time. Dental examinations are required for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, all students entering school for the first time, and for all 3rd grade students. It is encouraged to have your family doctor and dentist perform these examinations. They know your child best and will provide consistent follow-up care as needed.
Please include an updated immunization/vaccination record with your private physician examination form. If your child requires medication or treatments during school hours, obtain physician orders at this time and provide them to the school nurse for the current school year.
The Pennsylvania School Health Code requires a physical and dental examination in the specified grade levels or for any new student that does not have a prior physical or dental examination on file. The Pennsylvania Department of Health Physical Form may be obtained in the school office or at this link School Physical Form
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Dental Form may be obtained in the school office or at this link School Dental Form
Dr. Lubold will perform physical examinations at East Pike for students who have not had a physical to meet this requirement. Notifications will be sent home with students who have not presented documentation of a private physical. The parent or guardian may choose to be present during the school physical and dental exams. The parent/guardian must notify the school nurse in writing of their request to be present during the exams.
The school does arrange for school examinations for children who do not have their own doctor or dentist. Students not returning a private physical/ dental examination form will automatically be scheduled for an examination by the school district’s physician and dentist. Keep in mind, if any abnormalities found during the school physical or dental exams at school, the student will be referred to a private physician or dentist for further assessment/treatment.
Vision Screenings:
Research shows vision problems affect 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 4 school-age children. Therefore, early detection is key for the most effective treatment. The Pennsylvania Optometric Association indicates the results of the school screening may not always match the outcome of the comprehensive exam completed by the eye doctor. The vision screening completed in the school setting is strictly a screening tool. A referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive examination will help rule out or confirm any vision impairments or eye health concerns.
Hearing Screenings:
This is just a screening not an examination. Your child will be referred for a comprehensive examination by a physician/specialist if the screening indicates a need for a thorough examination.
Medications/Treatments During School Hours:
It is strongly encouraged for all medications/treatments to be administered at home. However, there are occasions where this may not be possible. All medications including those prescribed by a doctor and over the counter medications require a doctor's order. The order must include the student's name, date of birth, name of medication, dosage amount, frequency/how often (examples: once a day, as needed for shortness of breath every 4 hours), the route (how it is to be administered, examples: by mouth or inhalation), time of administration at school, and how long (examples: all school year 2022/2023, one week, one month), the symptoms/diagnosis for administration (examples: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, ADHD).
The parent/guardian must give permission in writing for the specified medication or treatment to be administered at school including a signature and date. The parent/guardian must bring the medication to the school in the original container and label. The medication should not be expired. All treatment supplies, snacks, drinks must be provided by the parent/guardian. Please contact the school health office with any questions or concerns.
Emergency Care Card:
Parents are required to complete and return a signed Emergency Care Card at the beginning of each school year. These cards need to be completed thoroughly and returned immediately. Please keep the school up to date throughout the school year of any pertinent information pertaining to your child, for example, change in phone numbers, addresses, allergies, any changes in health condition, and medications.
Note:
Medication and treatment orders expire at the end of each school year. Pennsylvania School Code requires new doctor's orders and parent permission be obtained each school year for all medications and treatments provided during school hours.
Illness:
Sore throats, upset stomachs, and colds are common this time of year. If your child is at school with any of the following, they will be sent home: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing that is interrupting the classroom or a sore throat, cold, headache accompanied by a fever. If your child is too sick to participate in learning, they will be sent home. Your child needs to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers before they can return to school. Your child needs to stay home if they vomited or had diarrhea. They must be vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated to help keep all children healthy and learning.
Sleep:
Your child should be getting at least 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night. This will help your child remain alert, focused, and keep their immune systems working well. Establishing a bedtime routine such as bathing, brushing teeth, and reading a book will aid in facilitating sleep.
Chronic Conditions:
Students with a chronic condition may need to have additional forms completed by their physician. Please contact the school health office for additional information.
Information Links:
Epilepsy Foundation Seizure Action Plan
Pennsylvania Department of Health Asthma Action Plan
CDC Managing Diabetes at School
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Food Allergy &Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan