The school nurse is available during the school day. Students should report to the nurse for health emergencies, illness assessment, first aid/injuries, emotional support, medication administration, health record updates, and any health-related concerns. School health records and information in the health office are kept confidential. Federal law permits information in a student’s school health record to be shared with school officials on a “need to know” basis and with a limited number of other persons, including those who could help in an emergency. In other circumstances, parental or designated adult consent will be required.
Student Health and Emergency Information Form
A Student Health and Emergency Information Form must be completed, signed and returned to the School Nurse at the beginning of every school year. This form gives information on how to reach parents in case of emergency and provides updated health information on each student. Parents/DAs and students should keep the health office aware of any health related updates (e.g., change in primary care, change in health insurance, recent medical developments, medications, etc.). In the event of an accident or illness, the school must be able to reach the parent or another person who will assume responsibility for the student.
Immunization/Lab Test Requirements:
School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts requires that all immunizations must be up to date for school attendance according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. Massachusetts General Law allows for the school district to exclude any student from school whose immunizations are not up to date.
- A certified record of immunization and a TB risk assessment from your child’s physician is required for entry into school.
- All immunization records must be provided in English and include all dates in full.
- Immunizations are reviewed by the School Nurse. In the event of missing or incorrect information, your prompt attention in addressing the error/omission is imperative to assure compliance with state law.
- Requirements:
- 4 doses DTaP/DTP or ≥3 doses Td plus 1 Tdap (given within the last 10 years)
- 2 MMR
- 2 Varicella or physician documented case of chickenpox
- 3 Hepatitis B
- At least 3 doses Polio
- 2 Meningococcal (MenACWY or formerly MCV4)
Physical Exam Requirements
School Entrance: Within 1 year prior to entry to LMACS or within 30 days after school entry.
Illnesses/Injuries/Exclusion from school
A student may be dismissed or excluded from school for any of the following:
- Temperature over 100.4° (oral temperature) – stay home until fever free (Temp
<98.6) without fever reducer (ex, Tylenol or advil) for 24 hours. - Disruptive cough
- Suspected infection of eye, ears, nose, throat, skin, scalp
- Severe abdominal pain or headache
- Suspected communicable disease
- Suspected pediculosis (head lice)- Student will be sent home for treatment if live lice or nits are found. Students should visit the school nurse on returning to school.
- Suspected fractures or any severe or disabling injury
- Questionable need for stitches
- Vomiting or diarrhea within past 24 hours
- Head injury
- Antibiotic therapy started less than twenty four (24) hours before returning to school
- Immunizations which are not up to date
In a case where the school determines a student needs emergency treatment, emergency transportation (911) will be called to transport the student via ambulance to the hospital. Every effort will be made to notify the student’s parent/DA and a copy of the student’s Health and Emergency Information Form will be sent with the student.
A note from a healthcare provider will be required in certain circumstances stating the student is healthy and able to safely return to school. Examples of this are, but are not limited to, suspected contagious illness, emergency transportation via ambulance to the hospital from school due to illness or injury and/or hospitalization.
Medications
Medications (both prescription and over the counter) should not be taken during school hours, if it is possible to achieve the medication regime at home. For example, medication to be taken three (3) times a day can be given at home before school, after school and at bedtime.
To insure student’s safety:
- All medications at school must be in a pharmacy-labeled container (ask the pharmacy to provide separate bottles for home and school).
- A parent/DA must deliver medications to the school, never with the student (except for emergency medications such as Epi-pens or inhalers).
- Medications that arrive in baggies or envelopes are not acceptable.
- All medications which must be taken during school hours, either long or short term, require the following forms to be on file in the school health office before any medication can be administered at school:
- A current medication order, signed and dated by the prescribing physician
- A signed and completed parent consent and medication administration planStudents are allowed to carry prescription medicine if granted permission by the school nurse.
- All medications, prescription or over the counter, must be taken in the school nurse’s office with the exception of emergency medications (ex, Epi- pen, inhalers)
Vision and Hearing Screenings
LMACS performs vision & hearing screenings throughout the school year. Parents/DAs will be notified of screening results by email or telephone only if the student has failed a screening exam or requires further care from their health care provider. Findings of these referrals for follow-up should be returned to school to update a student’s health record.
School Health Records
All LMACS graduate students will receive their entire School Health Record between their last day of school and graduation. Please safely store these important documents, as they may be needed for college, military service and/or employment.
Return to the Parent and Student Handbook.