School Nurse | Mt Carmel Area School District

Junior/Senior High School Nurse – Mrs. Leanne Ryan

(570)339-1500 ext. 3129 email: ryanl@mca.k12.pa.us

Administering Medication During School Hours

The Mount Carmel Area School District recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. Although the district strongly recommends that medication be given in the home we realize that the health of some children requires that they receive medication while in school. Parents should confer with the child’s physician to arrange medication time intervals to avoid school hours whenever possible, but if it absolutely unavoidable, a Medication During School Hours Form must be completed by the physician and parents.

Is My Child Too Sick to Attend School?

Parents are confronted with a decision to make when their child complains of not feeling well. The guidelines here may be helpful to you. They will not cover every medical condition and do not take the place of seeking medical attention. Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice. Please note: Any absence of three or more consecutive days requires a doctor’s excuse.

100 degrees or higher – A fever is a sign of illness. A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher should not attend school. The child shouldbe free of fever, without medication, for 24 hours before returning to school.

Minor cold symptoms are common and usually don’t interfere with school attendance. A persistent, frequent cough and/or constant nasal drainage may affect your child’s performance at school, and he/she may be more comfortable at home. Cough drops/throat lozenges may be sent into school with students with a note from a parent/guardian directing proper usage.

A rash may cover the entire body or only one area. A child that has a rash that has open areas, is draining, or is causing the child to itch excessively should not attend school. A child with a rash accompanied with other symptoms such as: a fever, sore throat, irritability, vomiting, etc. should not attend school. Clothing should be worn which covers rash areas if the child is cleared to attend school.

A child who has vomited due to illness should wait 24 hours and be able to retain solid food before returning to school. A child who is having diarrhea stools or has cramping or abdominal pain should not attend school.

Screenings

Certain health screenings are administered by the nurses offices during the school year. Click on the tabs for more information.

ALL students will receive letters with their BMI (Body Mass Index) results. This is determined by the student’s height and weight ONLY. It is only a screening, so if there is a concern with the results, the student should see his/her primary care physician.

Weight Management Programs in our Community

All students will have vision screenings. Referral letters will be sent home for those who fail the screening. Again, this is ONLY a screening. Students who fail should see an Eye Care Specialist for proper evaluation.

Referral letters will be sent home for students who fail the screening.

Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. Referral letters will be sent home for students who fail the screening.

Required Immunizations and Examinations

Sixth grade students MUST give proof of a physical examination to the school. Students should have it completed by their Primary Care Physician. Letters will be sent home to remind parents about the mandatory physicals. All sixth grade students must have proof of a physical examination on file before they start Seventh grade. Private Physician’s Physical Form

Seventh grade students MUST give proof of a dental examination to the school. Students should have it completed by their Private Dentist. All seventh grade students must have proof of a dental examination on file before they start eighth grade.

Dental Exam form

Some students may receive a letter notifying them that their immunizations are not compliant. Please contact the student’s physician to determine if the student needs another vaccination or if they feel the student is compliant. If the physician determines another dose is not needed, please have the physician send written notification that the student is medically exempt from the vaccination.