Mrs. Kelly Tappe
School Nurse
Elementary School Nurse – Mrs. Kelly Tappe
(570)339-1500 ext. 3103 email: tappek@mca.k12.pa.us
School Health
Every student will have growth measurements (height and weight) evaluated yearly. Vision screening is done every year for every student. Hearing screenings are conducted for all students in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1, 2, 3, and 7.
Either a private physician or school physician conducts physical examinations for students in Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, and grades 6, and 11. Dental examinations are conducted by either a private dentist or school dentist in grades Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, and grades 3 and 7. Students in grades 6 and 7 are screened yearly for scoliosis.
Either a private physician or school physician conducts physical examinations for students in Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, and grades 6, and 11. Dental examinations are conducted by either a private dentist or school dentist in grades Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, and grades 3 and 7. Students in grades 6 and 7 are screened yearly for scoliosis.
Administering Medication During School Hours
If medication/treatment must be administered during school hours, a medication permission form must be obtained from the health office. The following procedures must be followed:
1. The medication permission form must be completed by the physician and the parent and returned to the health office before any medication/treatment is administered.
2. All medication to be given during school hours must be delivered directly to the health office.
3. All medication must be brought to school in the original pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled
container.
4. All medication must be administered through the health office. No medication/treatment will be administered unless these procedures are followed.
1. The medication permission form must be completed by the physician and the parent and returned to the health office before any medication/treatment is administered.
2. All medication to be given during school hours must be delivered directly to the health office.
3. All medication must be brought to school in the original pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled
container.
4. All medication must be administered through the health office. No medication/treatment will be administered unless these procedures are followed.
Immunizations
Pennsylvania Immunization Law requires all students to be adequately immunized according to their age and grade level. Please check with your family physician/school nurse to ensure student immunizations are up to date. Forward records to the school nurse.
Accident Insurance
It is recommended that all students be covered by accident insurance. A school accident insurance policy is available to students for a nominal fee. These forms are distributed to all students at the beginning of each school year. Insurance forms can also be obtained through the principal’s office. If a student does not purchase the district accident policy, he/she will be held liable for any injuries occurring on school property.
Health Updates
It is very important for parents to update their child’s’ health information. Please notify the health office of any health- related problems occurring during the school year or summer months. Please also notify the health office of any immunizations received at any time during the calendar year.
Latex-Free Facility
The Mount Carmel Area School District provides a latex-free environment to accommodate staff and students with severe allergies. Please note that this prohibits the presence of latex balloons in any district buildings.
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.