May I send my child to school with a cold?

Your child must be fever free without fever-reducing medication for the past 24 hours. He/she should be able to control nasal secretions with proper use of tissues.  If there is a cough, it should be infrequent and not likely to be disruptive to the class.  If the nasal secretions are yellow/green, then you should consult with your child’s physician.  Your child should feel that he/she can get through the planned school day.

When is my child too sick to attend school? 

What do I do when my child needs to avoid or limit PE/gym activities?

A doctor’s order is needed for your child to avoid or limit gym and the length of time to avoid PE/gym activities/recess.  A doctor’s order written on any kind of form, such as emergency room instructions, or a note after a doctor’s appointment as a school excuse is sufficient.

What do I do when my child has a food and/or beverage allergy?

Parents should contact their child's school nurse to provide information about the food and/or beverage allergy.  Parents should also contact the school's lunchroom manager for any accommodations as required by the physician.  A special dietary form can be completed by the physician and faxed or mailed to the school nurse.

What happens to my child's medication that is in the school nurse's office at the end of the school year?

All medications that are not picked up by the parent/guardian by the last day of school will be destroyed per the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) medication disposal policy. 

Why must medication be in the original container?

The original container provides information from the manufacturer about over-the-counter medication, including the name of the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the medication can be given, possible side effects, and when the medication is no longer effective (an expiration date.)

Does the school provide medications?

No, the school does not provide medication. Any medication you want your child to have available must be brought to the school nurse's office by the parent/guardian. A "Prescriber Authorization Form" (for any prescription and/or over-the-counter medicine) must be completed as well.

Why can't I put medicine in my child's lunch box or book bag if he/she has to take medicine at school?

Medication in a lunch box or book bag could be lost or taken by another child. If a staff member found the medication, it could be considered as a drug with consequences according to the Code of Conduct. To ensure the health and safety of all of our students, all medication must be brought to the school nurse's office by the parent/guardian in the original and properly-labeled container.

Is there someone I can contact to discuss my child’s special health care needs?

Parents are encouraged to call or email their child’s school nurse.

How can I help my school nurse?

The following is a list of supplies school nurses’ use on a daily basis to care for student’s medical and health care needs.  If you would like to help support your local school nurse, please consider donating one or more of these items.  This is strictly voluntary and would be greatly appreciated.

• Band-Aids (assorted sizes): latex-free only
• Disinfectant spray (such as Lysol)
• Disinfectant wipes (such as Clorox)
• Antibacterial soap
• Kleenex
• Ziploc bags (snack, sandwich, quart, gallon sizes)