Nurse

Gainfield Elementary School

Maryann Ferguson, RN (203) 264-6811

The Nurse’s Office is supervised by a registered nurse. Students who feel ill or are injured in school should report to the nurse after obtaining permission from their teacher or a teacher-aide. If the nurse is out of the office, any emergency will be handled by the Main Office.

Absences

If a student is out absent, a parent or guardian needs to call the School Nurse at (203) 264-6811 before school starts. A message can be left on the answering machine if the nurse isn’t in her office. This is important so that your child's absence can be recorded as an excused absence. If you are going to be absent for three days or more, the nurse needs a written note.

Health Program

The goal of the School Health Program of Region 15 is to promote, protect, maintain, and improve student health. The school nurse is a health advocate for all students and coordinates the health services of school, home and community. The school nurse implements state laws, local board policies and administrative procedures relative to health services in assigned schools.

Physical Assessments/Immunizations

Physical assessments shall be completed for those students entering preschool or kindergarten, grade 6, and grade 10. The required Physical Assessments and Immunizations shall be recorded on the State of Connecticut form and filed with the school nurse by February 15th annually. Failure to meet the requirements will cause the student to be excluded from school.

Prior to enrollment, new students to Region 15 must present the written results of aphysical examination that is less than one year old on the day of entrance. Immunizations must be completed to meet the State of Connecticut requirements for school enrollment.

Medical Appointments

Pupil medical appointments should be made, whenever possible, so as to avoid taking a child out of school.

Health Records

A cumulative Health Record for each student will be maintained in a secure location in the Nurse’s Office. Access to these records is limited to the school nurse. The nurse will relay pertinent information to appropriate school personnel.

Screenings

The school nurse conducts screenings of vision, hearing and posture according to the following schedule. Referral letters will be sent to parents/guardians of students who fail the screening according to state guidelines.

• Annual Vision screenings Grades 1 - 6 inclusive, and grade 9

• Audiometric screenings Grades 1 - 3 inclusive, grades 5 & 8

• Postural screenings Grades 5 - 9 inclusive

Emergency Forms

Students will be given emergency forms at the beginning of each school year. It is important that this form be completely filled out and returned promptly. Three adult emergency contacts should be listed other than the parents. These contacts should be easily accessible in the parents’ absence. Babysitters, daycare providers, and neighbors should also be listed. If any change in the information occurs during the school year, please notify the school nurse immediately.

Emergency Notification and Transportation

When any severe accident or acute illness occurs, a parent or person listed on the student’s emergency card will be notified. Transportation for the student who must leave school will be provided by the parent/guardian except when the nurse determines that the student must be taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Recess and Physical Education

Children are expected to come to school properly clothed for weather conditions. Hat, coat, gloves, snow pants, and boots are required to play in the snow. For an excused absence from Physical Education for more than two consecutive periods during the school year, a doctor’s excuse, in writing is necessary. If the doctor’s written excuse states “until further notice,” a second written note is required to return to Physical Education.

Policy on Medications in School

The Board of Education of Regional School District 15 policy complies with the state of Connecticut’s health regulations.

1. Medications may only be administered in school with the written order of a physician or dentist, and written authorization of the parent/guardian.

2. Doctor’s orders are needed for all medications, including Tylenol or Advil and other over-the-counter medications. A form can be obtained from the nurse if a medication is required during school hours.

3. Students may self-medicate with doctor’s order.

4. Medications must be brought to the school nurse by a parent or other responsible adult and must be in the original container. Students are not permitted to transport medication unless they also have an order to self-administer the medication.

5. New medication orders must be written for every school year.

6. If your child is on medication during the school day and is going to need medication during a field trip, you, the parent/guardian, must contact the school nurse one week in advance of the trip to make arrangements for the administration of the medication.

Questions? The new medication policy can be very confusing. If you have any questions, please call Maryann Ferguson, RN at (203) 264-6811 between 8:35 and3:35 p.m.