News from the Nurse

  • The school nurses are looking forward to the new school year! As your child heads back to the classroom, here are a few reminders to help them have a healthy start.

    Medications: 

     Whenever possible, medication should be scheduled during non-school hours.  If your child needs to take medication during school hours, please be sure to complete a medication authorization form.  This can be found by clicking on the Student Health Forms link.

    • Parents can fill out the Non-Prescription Medication Authorization Form for over the counter medication such as tylenol, ibuprofen, cold medicines, etc).
    • Prescription medication requires the Prescription Medication Authorization Form to be signed by your child’s doctor.  
    • If your student has an emergency medication like an EpiPen, inhaler, or seizure medication, be sure to provide that to the nurse’s office at the beginning of the year. Please also provide an Action Plan written by your child’s provider.

     

    When to stay home: 
    One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness is to stay home if you are sick.  

    • Temperature of 100 degrees or above without the use of fever reducing medication in the last 24 hours
    • Undiagnosed skin rash
    • Strep throat. Students must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning.
    • Vomiting or diarrhea. Students may return 24 hours after symptoms resolve.
    • Persistent cough that interferes with learning.


    Screenings:       

    • Vision screening is completed in the fall for students in grades KG, 1, 3, 5, & 7.
    • Color vision screening is completed for KG.
    • Hearing screening is completed in the fall for all students in grades 1, 3, and 5.
    • If you have concerns at any time about your child’s vision or hearing, you may contact the nurse to request a screening.

    Head checks:

    Head lice are a common problem among school age children.  They are not dangerous and they do not transmit diseases.  The Minnesota Department of Health encourages parents to check their children’s heads for lice or nits(eggs) on a regular basis throughout the year.  Families should not depend on someone else to check a child’s head as this may delay treatment.


      

    As always, feel free to contact us with concerns or questions. We wish you a healthy and safe school year! Go Bombers! 

     

    Carly Grems, RN, LSN, PHN

    Middle School/High School Nurse's Office:  507-263-6800 ext. 1435

    Sheila Lawless, LPN

    Elementary Nurse’s Office:  507-263-6800 ext. 1262