GARDNER SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES

SICKNESS & INJURY

Student Health Services are monitored by the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Education to insure that students receive mandated health screenings, immunizations, and physical exams. Each school maintains an emergency response procedure, with identified individuals who are trained in first aid and CPR. Any medical or hospital bills that may be incurred at school, from an accident or illness, are the responsibility of the parent/guardian of the student. For this reason, all students are encouraged to consider the insurance plans that are distributed during the first week of school. For students who may not be insured, the School Nurse has information on Mass. Health as well as Children’s Security Plan. Our goal is health insurance for every child.

 Health Services follow specific guidelines related to reportable and/or communicable diseases. If the nurse determines that a student is unable to remain in school, a parent/guardian will be contacted to arrange for dismissal. When a student returns to school after surgery, injury, or extended illness (5 consecutive days), a doctor’s note is required to indicate restrictions or nursing care needed. These are times when good communication with the School Nurse can set the stage for assistance with questions, concerns, or referrals that may be beneficial for the student. Each school nurse has expertise in childhood diseases, growth and development, and school requirements that may be helpful.

The school nurse is required to dismiss any student who may expose others to infection.

When should a student stay home from school?

Chicken Pox: 5 days after onset of rash, or when all lesions are dry.
Diarrhea: When contains blood or mucus, or if uncontrollable, causing incontinence.
Head Lice: 24 hours after treatment begun and nit free.
Hepatitis A: 1 week after onset of illness, or as directed by the Department of Public Health.
Impetigo: 24 hours after treatment is begun.
Measles: 4 days after rash appears
Mouth Sores: If saliva or exudates is excessive
Mumps: 9 days after onset of swollen glands
Pertussis: 5 days after antibiotics begun
Pinworm: 24 hours after treatment begun
Contagious Pinkeye: 24 hours after treatment begun (grades preK – 5)
Rash: Until diagnosed as non-contagious
Ringworm: Until treatment has begun
Rubella: 7 days after rash appears
Scabies: Until treatment has been completed
Strep Throat: 24 hours after treatment begun and 24 hours with no fever

If your child has been unable to sleep due to discomfort, flu symptoms, cold, symptoms, or fever, they should rest at home.
If your child has a fever, rash or pain of unknown origin, they should rest……..
if symptoms continue they should be evaluated by a physician.
If your child has a temperature of 100 or above he/she needs to be home in bed.