Latham Ridge Nurse’s Notes

When students miss school, they may fall behind academically and struggle with performing with their classmates.  We would like to lessen the days of missed school to increase learning time.  Children will get sick throughout the school year and need to stay home, but we would like to work with you to minimize the number of days your child misses school.

As the parent, be strong with your child and don’t let your child stay home when it is not necessary.  This will help your child be successful.

If your child has a chronic disease, make sure that the school staff is aware of the disease so the staff can assist your child if he or she becomes ill.  Information about your child’s chronic disease should be noted on the school emergency or health information form.

For students with asthma:  If your child has asthma, the school needs an Asthma Action Plan completed by his or her doctor that includes permission to carry or not carry an inhaler at school.  Make sure that all supplies (inhaler, spacer, etc.) needed are provided to the school.

For students that might need medication during school hours, we need a form from the Dr. to give the school nurse permission to administer medication, along with a parent signature.

School’s protocol for keeping your child home:

• An abnormal temperature in the past 24 hours; 100 degrees or above.
• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, loose or watery and your child is acting ill.
• Strep throat needs treatment of an antibiotic for 24 hours, please notify health office of any communicable disease including Strep, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
• Head Lice that hasn’t been treated. Nits are allowed in school though discouraged.
• Severe, uncontrolled, rapid coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Rash with fever. If rash is not healing, or has open weeping wounds.

School’s protocol for allowing your child in school:

• Parent, or pet, is sick, stressed, hospitalized.
• Chronic disease
• Child doesn’t want to go to school
• Cold Symptoms
• Strains, Sprains and Pains
• Menstrual Issues

We want to keep an open line of communication with school staff and teachers.  The more the school knows about your child’s health, the better prepared everyone will be to work together to benefit your child.

Call the school (518-785-3211) as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why your child will be out and for how long.  Please send in a written note, once the child returns to school.

Thank you for your cooperation and email me with any questions.

Stay healthy,

Joan Schneider, RN