A NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

 

MEDICATIONS & COUGH DROPS AT SCHOOL

 

As a reminder, all medications, both prescription and nonprescription, must be hand-delivered to the school by a parent/guardian. Students should not be transporting medication to and from school in their backpacks or lunchbox.

 

Whenever possible, medication should be scheduled during non-school hours. However, in the event that your child needs medication during the school day, all medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must have a signed "MEDICATION REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FORM"  completed.

 

For prescription medications, a physician signature and parent/guardian signature is required. For all over-the-counter medications, only a parent/guardian signature is required, as long as the medication is age-appropriate by the container instructions. 

 

All medication must be brought in the original, UNOPENED container. Prescription medication must be brought in a current pharmacy labeled container with student's name, physician name, name of medication, strength, dosage, time interval and route when appropriate. No medication will be accepted loose in a plastic bag or otherwise unidentifiable container.

 

Controlled prescription medications must be counted each time they are brought to the school office. Please do not bring more than one month's supply. 

 

No student will be permitted to carry or possess any type of medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter,  at any time. The only exceptions are for emergency medications such as inhalers or Epi-pens that have been prescribed and authorized for self-administration by both the physician and parent/guardian.

 

All unused medications not picked up by parents/guardians by the last day of each school year will be disposed of. 

 

While we understand that coughing during school can be bothersome to your child, cough drops/throat lozenges will not be allowed at school for students in grades K4-5th. Cough drops/throat lozenges are considered a top choking hazard for younger children. Student's will be encouraged to sip water throughout the day, which has shown to be just as effective in suppressing a cough with increased hydration.  

 

If you feel that your child needs something to suppress their cough during the school day, we suggest contacting your physician for recommendations of cough medication that can be administered at home prior to coming to school. If a cough is so severe that it will be disruptive to the class in spite of cough medication, please keep your child at home and follow up with your child’s physician.

 

Our goal is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students during the school day. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines.

 

Have a safe and healthy school year!

Julia McAlpin, RN, District School Nurse