Tampico Middle School Student Handbook

A school health aide who is a registered nurse is employed by Unit # 3 to serve the students and their families in a number of ways.  The health aide is guided by directives from the state of Illinois and by school board policy.

It is the health aide’s responsibility to compile and maintain health records for each student.  The base of each record is the physical exam and immunization record.  It is required by Illinois State Law that all children entering kindergarten, fifth, and ninth grades receive medical examinations before they can begin classes.  The exam must be dated within one calendar year of when the school year starts.  A record of said examination is to be submitted to the school at the time of registration.  A dental exam is also required for students entering kindergarten, second and sixth grades.  Medical and dental forms are available in school offices.  Immunization requirements are STRICTLY enforced.  Make appointments with your doctor as soon as possible to avoid exclusion when school starts.

Illnesses and absences: Please do not send your child to school if he/she is not feeling well (sore throat, nausea, headache, cough, rash, fever, etc.)  This is for your child’s protection as well as for other students in that classroom.  All absences, for any reason, require a written excuse for readmission.  Please consult the nurse if you have a question regarding your child’s absence and the written excuse.

First Aid: In the event of injuries and illnesses, first aid will be administered.  First aid is defined as the immediate temporary care given in case of emergency.

Should your child become ill at school, the Health Aide (nurse) will decide:

• If the student should rest and try to return to class;
• If the student is able to participate in full school activities;
• If the student should go home.  The health aide will make arrangements for the student to leave. 

A parent or the designated individual on the emergency card must be contacted before the student is allowed to leave.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING

Screening services are available and completed by certified hearing and vision technicians annually according to state guidelines and as requested by parents or teachers.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

Parents have the primary responsibility for the administration of medicine to their children.  Medication that is required by a student shall generally not be administered at school.  Only those medications, which are necessary to maintain the students in school and must be given during school hours, shall be administered.  It will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian (not the student) to see that all medications are brought to school in a pharmacy or physician labeled container with the School Medication Authorization Form filled out and signed by the physician and the parent.  This written order form must accompany the medication.  The school form can be obtained from the school, physician’s office, and emergency rooms.  This policy will be strictly enforced in order to comply with state regulations.

Medication of any kind shall not be carried by a student for self-administration unless a School Medication Authorization Form is completely filled out and states that the student may do so.  Please send only the amount of medication that will be needed at school.  Prescription drug containers shall display the following: student’s name, prescription number, medication name and dosage, administration route or other directions, date and refill, licensed prescriber’s name, pharmacy name, address and phone number, name or initials of pharmacist.  The health aide (nurse) or authorized school personnel will dispense medication and document on the student’s health record.  Upon request by licensed prescriber, written feedback will be established.

Medication will be stored or refrigerated as requested in a secure area.  Parents or guardian will be responsible at the end of the treatment for removing any unused medication from school.  If the medication is not picked up by the end of the school year, the health aide (nurse) will in the presence of a witness discard the medication and document it in the student’s health record.  The school district retains the right to reject any request for the administration of medication if any guidelines are not met.