We at Abby Kelley know that students need to be in-person at school, continuously to support student learning. However, when a student is sick, it is in their best interest to put their health first.
When Should My Student Stay Home?
- If your student has had a fever over 100.4 degrees within the past 24 hours.
- If your student is vomiting or has had diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
- If your student has a rash that you are not sure of which is itching and spreading.
- If your student has a productive cough that is disturbing his/her sleep.
- If your student has draining and/or itchy eyes.
Parent/Guardians will be contacted to take their student home if, in the professional opinion of the school nurse, the student is unable to participate in school activities or puts other students and staff at risk for illness. Please keep your contact information up to date. Have a plan in place to pick up your student in case he/she needs to be dismissed from school.
District Policies
WellSAT Wellness Policy Evaluation January 2023
The AKFCS wellness committee is an action-oriented advisory group that focuses on the health and well-being of students, staff, and families in a school community. The school wellness committee implements the district wellness policy and leads other health-related initiatives. If you would like more information or are interested in joining the committee, please reach out to our Director of Nutritional Services, Stephanie Collins, at [email protected]
Medication Policy
- Prescription medications may be administered at school by the nurse with a written order from a licensed health care provider, with Parent/Guardian permission, and in the original prescription labeled bottle. All emergency medications such as EpiPens for allergies and Inhalers for Asthma must also be accompanied by an Emergency Action Plan provided by the Licensed Healthcare Provider.
- Over the counter medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) will be administered by the school nurse with a signed written permission form. This form must be submitted every school year.
- High school students may carry cough drops. Elementary and middle school students must leave them in the nurses office as they are considered an over the counter medication.
- There will be no exceptions to these requirements.
Role of the School Nurse at AKFCS
- Provides health assessments, first aid, and emergency care.
- Conducts state mandated screenings including vision, hearing, height & weight (BMI), and postural.
- Develops and implements Individual Health Care Plans (IHCPs) for students with special health care needs.
- Oversees administration of medication and assessment for prescription as well as over the counter medications.
- Maintains confidential student health records.
- Provides link to access community health services.
- Provides health counseling individually and in the classroom setting as appropriate.
- Monitors immunization compliance and communicable disease control.
Several screenings are done though the school year as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Vision and Hearing for grades 1-5, 8, 10
- BMI measurements for grades 1, 4, 7, 10
Parents/Guardians have the option of “opting out” of any screening by notifying the nurse’s office in writing.
We are required by the Department of Public Health to maintain current physical and immunization records on all students. Students who are in grades K, 4, 7, 9 are required to submit an updated form at the beginning of the school year. Most physician offices have a computer generated form that is acceptable. Please make sure the date of the most current exam and immunizations are clearly marked on the form.
