Health Services
SCHOOL NURSES AND SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
Your school nurses are here to help you! In addition to caring for students who are ill or have chronic health problems, or are injured at school, school nurses also administer medication, provide individualized health teaching, assessment and referral for health problems, provide classroom health education, and serve as a general resource to connect your child with other agencies or providers in our community. Your school nurse works closely with parents, student’s teachers, counselors, and principals to support your student in the educational setting.
Mandated School Health Services
The State Mandated Health Screening Program includes:
· Height, weight, BMI and vision measured every year
· Hearing screening for grades K- 3, 7, and 11
· Scoliosis screening for grades 6 and 7
· Dental exams for grades K, 3, and 7
· Physical exams for grades K, 6, and 11
Any problems noted in the screening programs are discussed with the parents and a referral is made to have further evaluation done by the appropriate professional.
Parents are encouraged to have their family health care providers, optometrists and dentists do the required exams, but documentation of these should be given to the school nurse.
Immunizations
Children in ALL grades (K -12) need the following immunizations for attendance:
• 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (DTaP or DTP or DT or Td)
o 1 dose on or after 4th birthday
• 4 doses of polio
o 4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given
• 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox or evidence of immunity)
Children in 7th through 12th Grade:
ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance:
• 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
o First dose is given 11 -15 years of age or prior to 7th grade.
o Second dose is required at age 16 or prior to 12th grade.
• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) prior to 7th grade.
If the required immunizations are not given and/or not submitted by the first day of school your child is at risk for exclusion.
(The only exemptions to the school laws for immunizations are medical reasons, religious beliefs; or philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak).
Medications
Please contact the nurse if your child requires prescription or over the counter medication to be administered during the school day. A medication form will need completed by the parent and the health care provider. The form is available on our website. The parent and/or guardian will need to transport medications to and from school. (See Medication Policy on our website)
Emergency Epinephrine
PA Act 195 of 2014 gives parent’s permission to Opt-Out of Emergency Epinephrine. Emergency Epinephrine is used to counteract anaphylaxis, a rapid, severe, life threatening allergic reaction that can cause skin itching and hives, throat tightness, wheezing, and inability to breathe, and may result in death. The school is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students with severe or life-threatening allergies and seeks to address allergy management in the school. At the request of a parent or legal guardian, a student shall be exempt from use of Epinephrine auto-injector. In order to request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.
Sunscreen
PA Act 105 of 2018 allows students to possess, apply and use topical sunscreen during school hours and at school-sponsored activities if we have the proper permission form on file at school. The sunscreen must be non-aerosol and must be approved by the FDA for over the counter use for purposes of limiting ultraviolet light-induced sun damage.
All students will be permitted to use sun-protective clothing (ex: hats) while outdoors. All sun-protective clothing must follow dress code guidelines.
What Else Do School Nurses Do?
- Assessment and management of illness and injury occurring at school, contact with parents, and if needed, transportation for emergency treatment.
- Administering over-the-counter medication as indicated, through standing orders and parental consent.
- Administering prescription medication at school. A written order must be provided to the school nurse by your child's health care provider.
- Health education and advice, both one-to-one and in groups.
- Nursing management at school of students with special health needs.
- School nurses are members of the Student Assistance Team and make referrals for emotional and mental health concerns.
- School nurses work closely with parents and other faculty members to ensure that health problems do not interfere with the students’ education.
If your child develops a new significant health problem during the school year, please make sure that your child's school nurse is aware. Both nurses have district email and phones (see District Directory).
Thank you,
Mrs. Kristie Berkebile, RN
North Star Central Elementary and High School Nurse
Associate Degree in Nursing: Allegany College of Maryland
BS in Nursing: Kaplan University
Central: 814-629-5627, Ext. 1128
H.S. 814-629-6651, Ext. 2150
Hours 7:30-3:00
Nurse Kristie
Mrs. Christy Weir, RN
North Star Middle and High School Nurse
Associate Degree in Nursing: Allegany College of Maryland
BS in Nursing: Ohio University
School Nurse Certification: Slippery Rock University
M.S. 814-893-5616, Ext. 3176
H.S. 814-629-6651, Ext. 2150
Hours 7:30-3:00
