Parent/Guardian Medical Guidelines for

Rolling Hills Elementary School Clinic

Safety, Respect, & Responsibility

School Accidents or Illnesses

The school nurse provides emergency care and emotional support when a student has an accident or becomes ill during school hours.  However, if a student requires provider care or a restful home environment, it is critical that they are picked up from the clinic as soon as possible.  Therefore, emergency cards require current information including correct home phone numbers and parents’/guardians’ work and cell numbers, and alternate emergency contact information.  If any of this information should change during the school year, it is extremely important that Rolling Hills Elementary School is notified.

Absences

School attendance is important for a successful student.  Nevertheless, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has exclusion guidelines in order to provide a safe environment for students.  It can be difficult deciding when a child is too ill to attend classes. Exclusion guidelines are stated below:

·         - If a student is experiencing severe, uncontrolled coughing or wheezing, or having difficulty breathing.

·         - Diarrhea along with vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, etc.

·         - An oral temperature of 101°F or more accompanied by other symptoms such as a headache, sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.

·         - Severe abdominal pain resulting from a stomach ache or abdominal injury.

·         - Difficulty breathing or swallowing or a fever as a result of swollen glands.

·         - If a student has vomited two times in 24 hours, and/or vomiting with additional symptoms including head injury, fever, or diarrhea.

·         - An oozing rash or a rash accompanying behavioral change, fever, joint pain, or bruising not associated with an injury.

All medical forms stated below can be obtained from the Rolling Hills Elementary School Clinic or the district website: www.cherrycreekschools.org under the District Offices tab and then Health Services medical forms section.

Medication Policy

Medication must be in the original container appropriately labeled from the pharmacy, and should be brought to the clinic by a parent accompanied by the prescription medication permission form.  This form requires a health provider’s signature as well as a parent’s/guardian’s signature and should be dated.  If your child needs a non-prescription medication on a schedule, you will be responsible for providing this medication to the clinic.  Non-prescription medication must be brought in the original container and will be administered if accompanied by an over the counter medication form signed by a parent/guardian.

Allergies and Asthma

If your child has an allergy please note the allergen on the student’s Emergency Information/Contact Card.  If the student requires an Allergy & Anaphylaxis Action Plan Form it must be signed and dated by a health provider and parent/guardian.  This form is required when administering an antihistamine and/or epinephrine/EpiPen for mild to severe symptoms.  Colorado State Asthma Care Plan forms must accompany measured dose inhalers (MDIs) for those diagnosed with asthma.  These Care Plans must be signed and dated by a healthcare provider and a parent/guardian.

5^th Grade Students with Measured Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

One of the health goals for 5^th grade students with MDIs is preparing them to carry their inhalers when entering middle school.  The nurse will be happy to work with the parents/guardians and student in order to achieve this goal.

Immunizations

Colorado Immunization Law requires that all students, including kindergarten students, must show proof of immunizations on or before their first day of school.  The Colorado Department of Public Health 2012-2013 guidelines are available from the clinic and Cherry Creek website for your information regarding the required immunizations.  Medical, health, and personal exemptions require an exemption immunization form.

Basic Health Hints

It is astounding how effective good hand washing techniques are against the spread of viruses and infectious diseases.  Covering coughs and sneezes, wiping your nose with a tissue, and washing your hands before you touch your face, eat, after you sneeze/cough, and after you use the toilet are easy habits to teach and use with your child resulting in healthy children, families, and school communities. 

Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  Sub- acute hypothermia often happens in cool outdoor weather when wind chill, wet or too little clothing, fatigue, and/or poor nutrition lower the body’s ability to cope with cold.  Colorado can have extreme temperatures and it is imperative that children have the appropriate outerwear when attending school.

Valerie J. Hines, RN, BSN

Rolling Hills School Nurse

Direct Line: 720-886-3405

Fax Line:  720-886-3488