It's hard to believe that it's time to return to school. The 2019-2020 school year promises to be both exciting and challenging.
The National Association of School Nurses has posted a checklist to help families with the transition back to school. Some helpful points include:
For All Parents/Caregivers:
- Make sure required and recommended immunizations are up-to-date including an annual flu vaccine.
- Review hygiene tips to prevent the spread of infections.
- Establish a bedtime and wake-up time to ensure adequate and consistent sleep.
- Develop a routine for homework and after-school activities.
- Eat breakfast each day at home or at school.
- Help make appropriate clothing choices, e.g., wear comfortable and safe shoes.
- Keep an open line of communication with your child to ensure that he/she remains safe at school. If a concern arises, e.g., bullying, contact the appropriate school officials immediately.
- Get involved! Sign up for the parent organization (PTA/PTO), mark events such as back-to-school night and parent/teacher meetings on your calendar.
- Ask about the school or district’s wellness policy, e.g., how are nutrition, activity, stress and/or mental health concerns addressed? h concerns addressed?
- Know the specialized instructional support personnel available to your child including the school nurse and school counselor.
- Know your school’s policy regarding when to keep a sick child home and make arrangements for sick child care
If Your Student Has A Health Concern:
- Make your child’s health concern known to the school and school nurse.
- Bring current, signed healthcare provider orders for treatments and all medications to be given at school. Bring the medical supplies and medication in the original container.
- Together with the school nurse and other appropriate school officials, develop an individualized healthcare plan or other educational plan as needed, e.g., 504 and IEP.
- Give permission for the school nurse to communicate with your family’s healthcare provider.
- Provide parent/caregiver contact information and update the school with any changes.
- Ask if non-nurses will be providing care and how these authorized individuals will be supervised, e.g., verify who will administer medication.
- Confirm the school’s disaster and/or emergency plan. Make sure your child’s medication and/or medical devices, e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma inhalers, and insulin, will be readily available in an emergency.
- Introduce yourself and your child to the school nurse. Your school nurses' office is staffed by Nurse Lisa and Nurse Michelle.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Please remember to include the nurses in any e-mail you may send to your child's teacher concerning illness, injury or an event that may make your child upset. Good communication helps to ensure that your child receives a positive school experience. The nurses e-mail addresses are:
Nurse Lisa- ltrask@northschuylkill.net
Nurse Michelle- mohearn@northschuylkill.net
