Health Services

The school nurse is available to assist students and staff for health care needs. Teachers are encouraged to call the office before sending a student to the clinic.

Important information for parents and services to students include the following:

ANNUAL HEALTH REPORT - At the beginning of each school year, students will be given a health information sheet to be completed by the parent. Please provide us with accurate up-to-date information. The information provided makes it easier for us to help a student when he/she requires medical attention. Please contact our school nurse any time your child has a change in his/her medical information.

CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS - If a child has a chronic health problem (such as asthma, seizure disorder, homophile, diabetes, etc.), please notify his/her teacher, the principal and the school nurse. It is very important that school personnel are aware of the medical needs of students so we can provide the necessary interventions as needed.

ILLNESS - Often times a student becomes ill in school. If it becomes necessary and the student cannot continue in school, you will be notified. Please be sure we have the correct information on the emergency form regarding emergency contact people in case you are unavailable. If your child contracts a contagious disease (common ones include: chicken pox, conjunctivitis, head lice, impetigo, etc.), please notify the school. If you are uncertain if your child should return to school after an illness, please contact the school nurse.

NOTE: Except for extreme circumstances, once a child is sent back to school, he/she will be expected to participate in all regular activities including physical education and recess. Only a written doctor’s excuse co-signed by the school nurse will excuse a student from physical education and/or recess.

MEDICATIONS - If at all possible, please arrange medication times so they can be given at home before and after school. If it is necessary for a student to take medication at school, there is a written medication policy which must be adhered to. Prescription and nonprescription medications (non aspirin, Advil, etc.) must be in the original containers, properly labeled and with written instructions from the parent before they may be dispensed. A medication consent form must be signed by the parent and returned to the school by the second day of the medication. If this procedure is not followed, we will be unable to dispense the medication. Any prescription medication needed for more than two weeks duration also requires the signature of the prescribing physician on the medication form. All medicines must be kept in the clinic or principal's office, except for emergency medicines (epi-pens, inhalers, etc.) which may be necessary for the student to carry with them at all times.

FIRST AID - Whenever possible, the school nurse will treat any injuries or mishaps a student might sustain at school. Sometimes the building principal, office secretary or teachers will administer basic first aid (washing cuts, Band-Aids, and ice packs). If your child has a significant injury while in school, you will be notified as soon as possible. This is another important reason the emergency form needs to have current information.

PHYSICALS - Physicals are required for students to participate in sports. Physicals must be obtained prior to practice, issuance of equipment or competing in athletics. Union #90 has a specific form which must be completed by the physician. This form is the only form we will be able to accept.

Please see that your child is dressed properly for the weather conditions. Often times, students do not wear hats, mittens, socks or boots and in very short periods of time can develop frostbite to exposed areas.

OTHER HEALTH SERVICES PRESENTLY AVAILABLE to students include:

Immunization status - Insuring all students are immunized in compliance with the State of Maine Law;

Vision, hearing, spinal screenings according to State of Maine requirements;

Assisting teachers in health education classes and group discussions to encourage healthy lifestyles;

Consultations to individual pupils and their families.