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Healthy Campus

Amanda Stratton, RN
281-320-0500
Email: Nurse

Providence Classical School Campus Health Policies & Resources

Providence Classical School is committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff as we hold fast to our mission to train students to impact their culture for Christ. To that end, we ask that PCS parents partner with us in maintaining a healthy learning environment for all students. Please follow all health guidelines outlined on this page and in the Parent-Student Handbook. As always, we pray for God’s continued protection and provision over our school community.

ILLNESS POLICIES

For the protection of your child and others, parents are asked to keep children at home if they show any signs of illness. Please enter this absence into SchoolPass along with the symptoms your child is exhibiting.  If your child becomes ill at school, you will be notified by the nurse, and first aid procedures will be provided. If the nurse needs to send your child home, please make the necessary arrangements to have your child picked up within one hour of the notification.

A school nurse will be available on school days from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In the nurse’s absence, a school-appointed staff member will fulfill the nurse’s role. The nurse will notify parents via email about visits to the clinic.

Children should be kept home from school or will be sent home from school if they exhibit any of the following:

  • A child obviously ill or with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed to remain at school. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-suppressing medications before returning to school.
  • Uncontrolled cough, croup, croupy cough and/or difficulty breathing: Student must be free of croupy cough before returning to school.
  • Vomiting and/or repeated diarrhea. Students must be free of symptoms for 24 hours without suppressing medications. The only exception is athletically induced vomiting resulting from overexertion (as determined by the A.D., the nurse, or the Head of School’s designee).
  • Excessive symptoms of common cold (e.g., runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, body aches, low grade fever, loss of appetite, or earaches).
  • Severe headache or pain (e.g., migraine, earache, stomach cramps), especially with fever.
  • Pink eye or other infection; red eyes with discharge. Medication must be dispensed for a full 24 hours before returning to school and a doctor’s release must be provided prior to returning. (If preferred, the release may be emailed to nurse@pcsclassical.org.)
  • Sore throat accompanied by fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing. (To return from strep throat the student must receive an antibiotic and be fever free for 24 hours.)
  • Unexplained rash and/or skin infection.   A doctor’s release must be provided prior to returning.  (If preferred, the release may be emailed to nurse@pcsclassical.org.)
  • Head lice: Students who contract head lice will be sent home from school, and the parents of other students in that grade level will be notified via email. Students must be treated and free of all live lice and nits (eggs). Students must be rechecked by the nurse before being allowed to return to school. (This also applies to students who discovered they were infected away from school.)
  • Any symptoms of childhood diseases (e.g., scarlet fever, German measles, mumps, chicken pox).   A doctor’s release must be provided prior to returning.  (If preferred, the release may be emailed to nurse@pcsclassical.org.)  Some diseases must be reported per the Texas Department of State Health Services.

When symptoms that are not typical for your child are present, we ask that you keep your child at home for further monitoring.

VISITS TO THE NURSE

Due to space limitations, a student may be asked to wait on the bench in the front office or on the bench outside (depending on the severity of the illness and at the discretion of the school nurse or designated employee). A child obviously ill with fever or severe cough in the front office may be asked to remain in the health clinic or wear a mask for the health and safety of others.

PLEASE NOTE: A child who is sent home from school must display an improvement of symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose) and must be free of other symptoms (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea) without suppressing medications for a full 24 hours before returning to school.

WHEN A DOCTOR’S RELEASE IS REQUIRED

To allow us to best care for your child, we require a doctor’s note/release to be provided to the nurse under the following circumstances even if the event occurred outside of school. Doctor’s releases should be provided prior to returning.  (If preferred, the release may be emailed to nurse@pcsclassical.org.)

  • With the use of any type of health monitoring device (e.g., heart monitor, smart watch)
  • After any hospitalization or medical procedure (includes outpatient procedures)
  • After an Emergency Room visit
  • After a doctor’s visit or urgent care visit for a communicable disease
  • Following an illness lasting 5 days or more
  • Following any loss of consciousness
  • Following seizure activity
  • After a head injury where concussion related symptoms are present
  • After any fractures or broken bones

MEDICATION POLICIES

Due to the variety of medications and treatments administered in school settings, the nurse follows the guidelines provided by administration. At PCS, only the school nurse or an individual designated by the Head of School may dispense parent-provided medications to a student with an Authorization to Dispense Medication on file. This form is located on the Healthy Campus page of the school website.  (This requirement applies to all enrolled students regardless of their age.)

If the school nurse is unsure of the dosage or efficaciousness of the medication to be administered, she is required to seek clarification from the student’s prescribing practitioner.

If the nurse decides not to administer a medication, the ordering practitioner and parent will be notified of that decision.

  • Students are not permitted to carry medication of any type onto campus unless a signed form from the physician is on file with the school nurse (required a medical action plan).
  • PCS employees are not permitted to dispense medication of any type to students (exception: appointed personnel).
  • The nurse or appointed personnel may provide basic first aid including the use of germicidal cleansers, antiseptics, and antibiotic ointments.
  • Parents also can come to the front office to dispense medication to their own child (but not to other students on campus). When this occurs, the nurse must be informed for documentation purposes.
  • When medications are given BEFORE school, please email the nurse to allow us to safely care for your child(ren).
  • A signed Authorization to Dispense Medication Form (Healthy Campus page) must be on file with the nurse. Medication cannot be administered without this form on file and must be updated annually.
  • All medications should be brought to the school by an adult and checked in with the school nurse.
  • Medications must be brought in a new, unwrapped, sealed original container with the student’s name written on the outside of the container.
  • The manufacturer’s recommendations will determine dosage amounts based on the child’s age/weight unless a doctor’s order has been provided. Expired medications will be discarded.
  • Medications will be stored in a “spacemaker” box with the student/family last name labeled on the outside. Medicine may NOT be “borrowed” or shared from another individual’s box for your child at any time.
  • Emergency medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, EpiPen, seizure medications, cardiac medications) will be stored in a “SafetySack” with a child-resistant safety lock and slide zipper in the Health Clinic for quick access in the event of an emergency.
  • Herbal medications, home remedies, or dietary supplements will not be administered unless a doctor’s note is provided. Such medications will need to be brought in a new, sealed, and properly labeled container. Please give these to the school nurse (these may not be kept with the student).

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

  • The purpose of the prescribed medication must be provided before the nurse can dispense the medication.
  • A student who is approved to self-administer medication (per his/her action plan) must have back-up medication in the clinic.
  • PCS may not store or administer narcotic medications.
  • Medications prescribed or requested to be given three times a day or less should be administered at home if possible.
  • The following information is required on the prescription label: date of filling, pharmacy name and address, the serial (prescription) number, the name of the patient, the name of the prescribing practitioner, directions for use, and any cautionary statements.
  • All prescription medications will be counted or measured with the parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult present, and the initial quantity will be recorded in the student’s record.
  • Only a month’s supply of the prescription medication will be stored in the Health Clinic. A mutually agreed upon drop-off date will be discussed between parent and school nurse.
  • Prescription Controlled Substances provided to PCS with written authorization will be stored in a double-locked cabinet with limited access to school nurse, Head of School, or authorized staff member.
  • Controlled medications will be counted upon arrival to the school and daily by the individual administering the medication. Counts will be recorded in the student’s medication record and verified by a witness. A maximum of ten doses may be stored on campus.
  • When students participate in off-campus events, controlled substances may only be dispensed by the student’s parent or the appointed personnel communicated by the nurse in advance of the trip. Controlled substances may not be left unattended at any time. All doses must be logged, verified, and submitted to the nurse upon return to campus for documentation purposes.
  • Medications that require refrigeration will be stored in the clinic refrigerator.

DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS

  • If a medication is no longer needed, parents or legal guardians should notify the school and arrange to retrieve the medication from the school nurse.
  • At the conclusion of the school year, the school nurse will communicate when medications stored at the school may be retrieved.
  • If medications are not retrieved by a parent or legal guardian by the date specified or if medication has exceeded the expiration date, proper disposal of medication will occur.

UNASSIGNED MEDICATION

Unassigned Epinephrine auto-injectors are stored in secure, easily accessible areas for emergency anaphylactic responses to an allergen. School personnel are trained and authorized to administer an unassigned Ephinephrine auto-injector to a person who is reasonably believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis on campus. EMS will be notified, followed by parent notification.

Unassigned opioid antagonist (Narcan) is stored in secure, easily accessible areas for suspected opioid overdose emergencies.  School personnel are trained and authorized to administer an unassigned opioid antagonist to a person who is reasonably believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose.   EMS will be notified, followed by parent notification.

MEDICATION ERRORS

If a medication error occurs in the school setting, the following procedures will be performed:

  • The student will remain with the school nurse or appointed staff member in the Health Clinic for observation.
  • The Head of School and parent or legal guardian of the student will be notified, and proper documentation performed.
  • If necessary, the medication error will be reported to the Poison Control Center to determine if the student should be transported to receive emergency care services.

INJURIES

PCS students are active learners, especially in our younger grades. Minor bumps, abrasions, and bruises may occur during the school day. If the student needs to be assessed or medical intervention is necessary, the teacher will send the student to the school nurse.

Due to privacy laws, when a notification of an injury comes home, you will not see the name(s) of any other children involved. Although we will manage any situations that may arise, we are not at liberty to share the names of any parties involved.

If your child becomes injured at school, first-aid procedures will be provided if needed. Once your child has been assessed and cared for, you will be notified by the nurse or a member of administration.

Students who have fractured or broken any bones and have been placed in a soft cast will be unable to participate in athletics, PE, or recess activities. Students who have been placed in a hard cast will be unable to participate in athletics, PE, or recess activities unless authorized by their physician.

EMERGENCIES AT SCHOOL

More serious injuries or situations may result in a call for EMS. This decision is typically made at the discretion of the nurse or a member of the administration. Should EMS be contacted, the Head of School, a member of the academic administration, or the Head of School’s designee will contact the parents. In the event student transport is necessary, and the family is not on campus at the time of departure, an employee will either ride in the ambulance or follow behind for transport. An employee will remain at the hospital until a family member arrives.

EMS will be called immediately if a student has the following conditions (the nurse or appointed personnel may call in other circumstances if deemed necessary):

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Use of an Epi-Pen
  • Use of Narcan
  • Seizure activity for those without an action plan
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Signs of a concussion or traumatic head injury

PLEASE NOTE: A doctor’s release is required before returning to campus.

DIAGNOSED OR SUSPECTED COMMUNICABLE CONDITIONS

To protect the health of all children, it may be necessary to exclude children that are displaying symptoms or suffering from a contagious disease or illness. An individual who has a suspected communicable illness will be separated until he/she can be taken home. When a case is confirmed, communication will be sent to families with the student’s name protected (non-disclosed).

Prior to the student returning to school, please contact the School Nurse to determine if a physician’s note is required stating that student does not currently have signs or symptoms of a communicable disease and that the disease is not communicable in the school setting or by re-admission criteria as listed here on the Healthy Campus page of the school website.

DIAGNOSED MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Students with a diagnosed medical condition (e.g., cardiac conditions, bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic disorders) are required to meet with the school nurse to discuss an individualized care plan for the year before the first day of school.  The completed care plan along with the required medications must be provided to the nurse on or before the first day of attendance.   The presence of the parent or a designee may be requested at any school-related activity that is scheduled off campus or after school hours. Current daytime phone numbers and appropriate medical forms must be provided on FACTS (formerly RenWeb).

PCS discloses diagnosed emergency medical conditions for safety purposes. This list is shared with all PCS employees, substitutes, coaches, and off-campus drivers/chaperones. Please refer to the Healthy Campus page on the school website for more detailed information.

Asthma

A student diagnosed with asthma will need an Asthma Action Plan on file that is completed by the healthcare provider in conjunction with the family with the goal of preventing or helping to manage asthma episodes.

A student with asthma is entitled to possess and self-administer prescription asthma medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity if:

  • The prescription medication has been prescribed for that student as indicated by the prescription label on the medication.
  • The student has demonstrated to the student’s physician or other licensed healthcare provider and the School Nurse the skill level necessary to self-administer the prescription medication, including the use of any device required to administer the medication (e.g., aerochamber).
  • The self-administration is done in compliance with the prescription or written instructions from the physician or other licensed healthcare provider; and
  • A parent of the student provides to the school:
  1. A written authorization, signed by the parent, for the student to self-administer the prescription medication while on school property or at a school-related event; and
  2. A written statement from the student’s physician or other licensed healthcare provider,signed by the physician or provider, that states:
    1. That the student has asthma and is capable of self-administering the prescription medicine;
    2. The name and purpose of the medicine;
    3. The prescribed dosage for the medicine;
    4. The times at which or circumstances under which the medicine may be administered; and
    5. The period for which the medicine is prescribed.

The physician’s statement, Asthma Action Plan, and an Authorization to Dispense Medication Form must be kept on file in the Health Clinic with a backup inhaler in a “SafetySack” with a child-resistant safety lock and slide zipper for quick access in the event of an emergency.

The student is required to have a prescription inhaler checked in before the first day of school and stored in the Health Clinic. Prescribed breathing treatments may be administered with physician orders, provided the family supplies the nebulizer machine and the child-specific tubing (cleaned and in a Ziploc bag).

Diabetes

A student diagnosed with diabetes will need a Diabetes Management and Treatment Plan developed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s diabetes treatment. Blood glucose level checks must be performed in the Health Clinic under nurse supervision.

A diabetes management and treatment plan must:

  • Identify the healthcare services the student may receive at school;
  • Evaluate the student’s ability to manage and level of understanding of the student’s diabetes; and
  • Be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s diabetes treatment and submitted to the school nurse:
  1. Before the first day of attendance
  2. As soon as possible when a new diagnosis for the student is received from a physician.
  • State the ability of the student to attend to his/her management and care of the student’s diabetes including:
  1. Performing blood glucose level checks;
  2. Administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses;
  3. Treating hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia;
  4. Possessing any supplies or equipment necessary to monitor and care for the student’s diabetes;
  5. Management and care of the student’s diabetes in the classroom, other areas of school grounds, or at any school-related activity.

The student is required to have prescription diabetes medication checked in before the first day of attendance and stored in the Health Clinic.

Seizures (Epilepsy)

A student diagnosed with a seizure disorder will need a Seizure Management and Treatment Plan developed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s seizure treatment.

A seizure management and treatment plan must:

  • Be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s seizure treatment and submitted to the school nurse:
  1. Before the first day of attendance.
  2. As soon as possible when a new diagnosis for the student is received from a physician.
  • Identify the healthcare services the student may receive at school or while participating in a school activity;
  • Evaluate the student’s ability to manage and level of understanding of the student’s seizures.

The student is required to have prescription seizure medication checked in before the first day of attendance and stored in the Health Clinic.

Severe Allergies

A student diagnosed with a serious allergy (e.g., food, dyes, insect stings) will need an Allergy and Anaphylaxis Plan developed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the treatment of the student’s allergy. Please note PCS employees cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from an allergic reaction.  A copy of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan should be given to the school nurse who will provide information to teachers, coaches, classroom substitutes, and front office personnel.  Please refer to the Healthy Campus page on the school website for detailed information.

An Allergy/Anaphylaxis Plan must:

  • Be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s allergy/anaphylaxis treatment and submitted to the School Nurse:
  1. Before the first day of attendance.
  2. As soon as possible when a new diagnosis for the student is received from a physician.
  • Identify the healthcare services the student may receive at school or while participating in a school activity.
  • Evaluate the student’s ability to manage and level of understanding of the student’s allergens.

A parent of the student must provide to the school:

  • If applicable, a written authorization, signed by the parent, for the student to self-administer the prescription medication while on school property or at a school-related event. A back-up EpiPen and antihistamine must be provided and stored in the clinic; and
  • A written statement from the student’s physician or other licensed healthcare provider, signed by the physician or provider, that states:
  1. That the student has an allergy or anaphylaxis and is capable of self-administering the prescription medicine;
  2. The name and purpose of the medicine;
  3. The prescribed dosage for the medicine;
  4. The times at which or circumstances under which the medicine may be administered; and
  5. The period for which the medicine is prescribed.
  • The physician’s statement, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Action Plan, and an Authorization to Dispense Medication Form must be kept on file in the Health Clinic with an EpiPen and antihistamine in a “SafetySack” with a child-resistant safety lock and slide zipper for quick access in the event of an emergency.
  • The prescription and OTC medication (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Benadryl, etc.) to treat a reaction must be received before the first day of school. The number of EpiPens required varies based on age and weight. There will be several designated individuals trained to administer an EpiPen if needed.

Grammar School parents of students with a life-threatening medical condition are requested to attend off-campus activities such as field trips.

FOOD ALLERGIES

PCS cannot be held responsible for the contents of student lunches. However, in the light of Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we ask fellow students to be mindful of their peers’ needs.

Parents are required to provide current and accurate health information (must be updated annually) from their child’s physician regarding the child’s food allergen, reaction to the allergen, and emergency treatment in case an exposure to a food allergen occurs.

Parents are required to report as soon as possible after a child is diagnosed with a food allergy that places them at risk for anaphylaxis.

Parents are responsible for educating their child on strategies for avoiding the allergen (e.g., not sharing food, reading food labels), symptoms of an allergic reaction, the importance of washing hands before and after eating, and how and when to tell an adult that a reaction is occurring or that a circumstance might expose the child to an allergen.

Parents are requested to provide all snacks for their child with food allergies. For the safety of all of students, teachers are not asked to manage individualized food plans. However, we are happy to serve the alternative snack each time a snack is served. Although we want all students to participate in class activities, the student will not be able to participate in the food activity if alternatives are not available.

(Teachers will do their best to plan activities that include all students.)

PCS cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment; however, we do make the following appeals.

Morning Snacks (Grammar School only)

  • For Pre-K & K, families will be asked to avoid certain snacks if a student in the homeroom class has a life-threatening allergy to such snacks. If this applies to your child’s class, communication will be sent by the principal.
  • For First – Sixth grade, students and teachers will be asked to wash their hands or use a hand wipe after eating snacks if students with life-threatening allergies are in the class. Teachers will do their best to remind students.

Lunch (Grammar School only)

  • Students with life-threatening allergies will sit at the far end of the grade-level lunch area to avoid allergens.
  • Classmates of students who have severe allergies will be asked to wash their hands or use hand wipes after lunch, prior to recess time. Teachers will do their best to remind students.

REQUIRED HEALTH SCREENINGS

PCS conducts annual health screenings for select grades. If your child needs additional testing, you will be contacted, and further testing with your child’s physician will be recommended.

Vision and Hearing:

  • PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades
  • All new students

Spinal Screening:

  • Females: Fall semester of 5th and 7th grades
  • Males: Fall semester of 8th grade

Antes:

  • 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students must have one of the following on file with the school nurse before the first date of attendance:

  • Current immunization records.
  • Current, original, notarized affidavit
  • Medical exemption statement from a physician that clearly states a medical reason exists and that the student cannot receive specific vaccines. Additional information may be found HERE.

A student may be enrolled provisionally if the student has an immunization record that indicates the student has received at least one dose of each specified age-appropriate vaccine required. To remain enrolled, the student must complete the required subsequent doses in each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as it is medically feasible and provide acceptable evidence of vaccination to the school. A grace period of 1 week is given from first date of attendance to receive needed vaccination(s).

Immunizations will be reviewed every 30 days to ensure continued compliance for provisionally enrolled students. If at the end of the 30-day period, a student has not received a subsequent dose of vaccine, the student is not in compliance and the school shall exclude the student from school attendance until the required dose is administered.

The list of required immunizations may be found HERE.