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Alternative Education Section » Health Room Services

Health Room Services

SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICE

Students must have an authorization form signed by their doctor and parent in order to  have medication (prescription or over-the-counter) at school. Without the signed authorization form the school nurse can NOT dispense medication. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, prescription medication, creams, nose sprays, and ointments. Parent/guardian must bring the medication in its original container to the nurse's office. Medications in plastic bags or containers other than their original pharmacy container are NOT acceptable. Children MAY NOT transport medication to school per district policy. To obtain the form, or if you have any questions, please contact the School Health Office at 610-881-1704.

Examinations


PA law requires that all children entering school for the first time show proof that they have had a physical exam. A physical exam is also required in grades 6 and 11. Please take the Private Physician's Report of Physical Examination form to your Health Care Provider for completion and then return to the school nurse.

Health Room Guidelines

To assist in maintaining a healthy learning environment and in accordance with Pennsylvania Code Chapter 27, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, your child should not come to school with the following symptoms: 

  • Keep your child home if they:
    • Have a fever of 100.0º or greater, students may return to school when they have had a normal temperature for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine
    • Have vomited in the last 24 hours. Keep home 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting
    • Have cold symptoms, including but not limited to increased colored nasal discharge and persistent cough.
    • Cough and difficulty breathing – do not send to school if the child has labored breathing (heaving of chest muscles with each breath), rapid breathing at rest, blue color to skin, or wheezing (if never previously evaluated and treated), and see a doctor. Keep home if your child has pertussis (whooping cough) until 5 days of antibiotics have been received, or tuberculosis (until treated). 
    • Has diarrhea (unless from medication or medical diagnosis). Keep home 24 hours after the last episode of diarrhea.
    • If your child has suspected Pink Eye (conjunctivitis), eyes pasted closed or colored discharge. If the student is diagnosed with Pink Eye, the child must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.
    • If your child has an undiagnosed rash, he/she will need a doctor’s note verifying they are not contagious to return to school.  If your child is suspected of having ringworm and it is in an exposed area, it must be treated and kept covered while in school.
  • For the safety of all staff and students who may have compromised immune systems, please notify the School Health Office of any cases of chickenpox, shingles, or strep infections.
  • Notify the School Health Office of any cases of Head Lice. Students will need to be checked by the school nurse prior to returning to class.
  • Notify the School Health Office if your student has received a serious injury (broken bone, concussion, severe joint strain, etc.). Doctor’s orders will be needed for use of crutches in school.
  • Notify the School Health Office of any dietary changes that will need to be addressed in school.
  • Antibiotics - Children who are placed on antibiotics for impetigo, strep throat, and several other bacterial infections, should be on them for a FULL 24 hours (longer for Pertussis/Whooping Cough) before returning to school to prevent the spread of those infections. If at any time you are unsure if your child's illness is contagious, you may want to call your child's primary care provider.

  • If you have further questions, please contact the school nurse at 610-881-1704.

Thank you for your continued support for the families in our school community. Please keep the School Health Office informed of your current contact numbers. It is very important to be able to reach you when your child is sick at school and needs to go home or when your child needs medical attention.