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School Health Services
School health services are designed to protect the health of each pupil and to enable each one to attain the maximum possible state of well-being. These services include the determination of health needs, follow-up and interpretation, care of emergency sickness and injury, and the prevention and control of communicable disease. The manner in which these services are provided must, of necessity, be adapted to the local community.
In the determination of health needs, the usual sources of information are: the history given by parents regarding the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the child; the medical and dental examinations, including nutritional status; continuous observation by teachers and school nurses; and, screening tests which include tests for acuity of vision and hearing done by the school nurse.
Parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. However, the school is in a strategic position to supplement the efforts of parents in this respect. Also, since law compels children under a certain age to attend school, the school must assume at least part of the responsibility for protecting the health and safety of the child while in school.
The health of the school child is dependent on many things: the health status of his or her family, his or her condition at birth, the health supervision received as an infant and pre-school child, and the overall health status of the local community. The successful school health program requires the active cooperation of many people, both in the school and in the community. The family, the family physician, the school nurse, a dentist, all school personnel, Public Health, voluntary health agencies and other interested community groups must all work together if a good school health program is to be achieved.
“A healthy child is a better student.” If the school health staff can help you in any way, please call Rhonda Sparks, R.N., Director of School Nurses, (505) 769-4490.
NURSING SERVICES
The nurse will check height, weight, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and blood pressure for any student who requests it. School policies relating to nursing services are:
- A student with a health problem or injury must notify the nurse. The nurse will inform teachers on a need-to-know basis.
- If illness occurs during school hours, students are to come to the nurse’s office with a written pass from a teacher.
- Students do not just “go home ill.” They must check out through the nurse or office and get a passport to be dismissed from school.
- A student who remains in the restroom all period instead of reporting an illness to the nurse is considered truant.
- ALL ACCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE NURSE.
VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS
The CMS nurses are now giving immunizations at school. This service is available to parents and students. Parents will be required to accompany the student when the vaccines are given. The school nurse will notify parents of their child’s vaccination needs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention sets the guidelines for the vaccinations of all students. New Mexico schools require that the Hepatitis B vaccine series be completed before entry into seventh grade. A Tetanus-Diphtheria booster is usually required in junior high in order to update a student’s immunization record. THESE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOLS AT NO COST TO STUDENTS!!
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MEDICATION POLICY
I. It is the policy of Clovis Municipal Schools to discourage giving any medication at school. In instances where medication must be given, the following guidelines will ensure students receive medications according to the doctor’s order and assure safety for all concerned.
A. Medication forms are available from the school nurse or school secretary. This form must be signed by a physician and a parent/guardian and include the following:
- Labeled, original container
- Child’s name
- Name of medication
- Strength of drug
- Dosage
- Time of day to be administered
- Specific procedure
II. Tylenol is to be administered by the school nurse only. The policy below must be followed for Tylenol use while at school:
A. The Tylenol medication form must be signed by a parent or guardian. These forms are avail-able from the school nurse or school secretary.
- Students may not receive Tylenol for more than three days in a row or more than three
times in one month.
- Contact of parent or guardian will be
attempted before medication is administered.
III. All forms must be updated at the beginning of each and every school year.
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