Health Office

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome our new and returning parents, guardians and students to the 2023-2024 school year at James Monroe.  The global pandemic has altered the status quo as we knew it and invited us to move ahead with new purpose and ideas concerning our students and families welfare to ensure we continue to impact education through health and wellness.

My name is Kathleen Sclafani, I am your school nurse and have worked in the Edison school district for more than 16 years including the past 7 years at James Monroe Elementary School.  In addition to school nursing, my 36 year nursing career thus far has included backgrounds in clinical medical/surgical, emergency room & oncology nursing; private surgical practice office management, patient coordination, and operating room nursing; and public health nursing for the Edison NJ Department of Health, just to name a few.

I am passionate about playing a positive role in your student’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We all know how important our health is when it comes to learning, and my goal is to make sure each student is able to reach their optimum health potential while at school especially during these challenging times. Let us work together as a team to teach and remind our students and ourselves about self-care, something that we tend to forget when we are under stress.  The pandemic has proven that we succeed and excel because of our combined efforts and when we look out for one another.

I look forward to working with you and am here to address your students' health concerns either in person, by telephone and/or email. Please, please, please make sure your contact information is current, and try to keep new phone numbers updated in the office. This is very important in caring for your students!

Thank you and have a wonderful school year!

Warmly,

Mrs. Sclafani

• Physical Exam Community Resources
• Form 7: Medication Administration
• Form 7B: Physician Authorization of Self-Administration of Medication
• Form 7C: Parent/Guardian Authorization of Self-Administration of Medication
• Form 8: Medical Excuse (Elementary) - Doctor completes following injury
• Form 8D: Guidelines for Physical Activity - Medical Excuses
• Form 14A: Preparticipation Physical Evaluation - For Middle School Sports
• Form 14G Health History for Interscholastic&Intramural Sports - Middle School
• Form 15: Dental Health Form
• Form 16: Health Care Provider Examination - Elementary School Physical
• Form 16B: Health Examination
• Form 20A: Summary of Health Services Requirements
• Form 28: Health Information for Field Trips
• Form 30A: Physician's Form for Severe Allergy Emergency Treatment
• HS Form 31: Diabetes Medical Management Form
• Asthma Treatment Plan - Student

All Students new to Edison School District are required to provide the following to enrollment for review by the school nurse before being permitted to attend school:

1. Proof of required immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases according to the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4).  This must be in the form of an UPDATED IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENT in English, with student's name, date of birth, doctor and clinic name, and month, date and year of shots. Students who have not received at least one of each required immunization are not permitted in school until the immunizations are received and documents are reviewed by enrollment and the school nurse.

Click here for the Summary of NJ School Immunization Requirements

ANY IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS NOT MET MUST BE RECEIVED AND DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL NURSE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE STUDENT'S ENROLLMENT DATE TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF SCHOOL EXCLUSION.

2. Physical Examination Each student is required to have a physical examination upon enrollment to school. This examination document must be provided to the school nurse within 30 days of enrollment into school. Please have your medical provider complete the student Health Examination Form 16 after completing your child's physical exam within 365 days of the first day of school. The exam form must have all fields completed by your student's doctor including height, weight, BMI, Blood Pressure, notations of any medical, developmental or other health concerns including severe allergies, chronic health conditions, abnormalities in vision, hearing, obesity, malnutrition, etc. Please check the form before leaving the doctor's office as any omissions may delay approval of your student's enrollment. Please contact me if your child has any severe allergies, asthma, seizure, cardiac or other disorder/s that require emergency medications and care plans. These will require additional forms be completed by your child's doctor that you will need to drop off to me with his/her/their medication in person.

After the initial enrollment physical exam is received for entry to the district, it is important for your child to receive subsequent medical examinations at least once during each developmental stage and any time your child has developed a acute or chronic health condition

Early childhood (preschool through grade 3)
Pre-adolescence (grades 4 through 6)
Adolescence (grades 7 through 12)

If you do not have a family healthcare provider or clinic where your child receives his/her/their health care, please see the physical examination resources under the "Health Forms" tab and/or send me an email with questions or concerns..

 

Students entering a U.S. school for the first time in New Jersey or transferring into a New Jersey school from ANY country where there is a high incidence of Tuberculosis, must receive an IGRA or Mantoux Tuberculin skin test.

This TB test is also required of enrolled students who are returning to school following an out of school transfer for extended travel out of the United States to one of many countries with high TB incidences. Please notify the nurse if your child has experienced any symptoms of illness while traveling, and/or on return from travel, including those listed below.

If you have not already printed out the Tuberculosis form from enrollment (HS Form #11 "Parent Notification and Permission of  Tuberculin Testing") I can provide one to you via email to take to your child's doctor's appointment as it is due within  30 days of enrollment for all new students from out of country, and within 30 days of return from an out of country trip for returning students. If not received within the 30 days, you will receive notifications for impending school exclusion.

If your child's physician cannot perform the test, please contact the Tuberculosis Program of Middlesex County to arrange for your student's free TB test and documentation.

Information To Share With The School NursE

• Significant changes in student’s physical health, emotional health, family, or home environment
• Any health condition which may affect students during the school day or school activities Head lice, chickenpox, strep infection, or any other condition that may be communicable to another person Documentation of recent physical exam, vaccinations, or TB (Tuberculosis) test
• All medications which are taken at least once a week and/or prescribed by a medical provider
• Any persistent physical complaint(s) or symptoms(s)
• Any known head injury
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed
• Known or suspected vision or hearing difficulties
• Students who may need assistance, accommodation, or therapeutic intervention during regular school hours (i.e. medication, crutches, cast, physical education limitations, etc.)
• Hospitalization or emergency room visits for any reason
• Changes of Emergency Contact Information, phone number (Please inform the main office secretary)
   

When To Keep Your Student Home
Students learn best when they are healthy and alert in school. Keeping your ill student home helps your student recover quicker and helps prevent illness for other students.
This is a list of some conditions for which your student should be kept home from school:                                                                                                                        

• Fever of 100°F or higher in the past 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
• Vomiting the evening prior to or morning of a school day
• Significant pain or discomfort of any body part not relieved by medication
• Skin rash that is unexplained on student’s face or body that may be contagious (see a medical provider for diagnosis)
• Significant lack of sleep the night prior to school day
• Significant stomach cramping with or without eating, or bowel changes
• Sore throat with other symptoms of actual or impending illness
• Cough or runny nose which is frequent and persistent
• Physical complaints or symptoms that interfere significantly with his/her/their  usual daily routine
•  Hospitalization or emergency room visits for any reason that require rest per doctor's instructions.    

Illness or Injury
If your student is ill or injured during school hours, he/she will be assessed by the school nurse. You will not be contacted each time your student visits the school nurse, however, in the event your child appears to have a serious illness or injury, every effort will be made to notify you. 

If your child was injured outside of school hours, a conversation with the school nurse must take place either by email or phone BEFORE ARRIVING AT SCHOOL with the following information:

1. Date and approximate time of injury
2. Body part involved in injury
3. Cause of injury
4. First aid that was rendered since the injury, i.e. rest, ice, compression, elevation
5. Has your student been evaluated by a doctor (provide doctor's note with date of return to school and physical activity)
6. Is your student wearing any type of splint, brace, guard to support the affected area? (doctor's note must include how long it must be worn and when your student will be returning to the doctor for a follow-up appointment)

Elementary physical Education Grades 1-5 Program, Policies, and Procedures

If you find it necessary for your child to be excused from PE on a particular day for soreness from a fall for example but he/she/they is able to walk and function normally:
1. you must send in a signed note stating the problem – the note is good for one day and will also exclude your child from physical activity during their recess.
2. Any extended illness or medical condition requires a doctor’s note stating the specific ailment or diagnosis and when the student can return to PE activity. This note must be given to the nurse and PE teacher. This note is only valid for 30 days, at which time a new note will be required from the doctor.
3. Any daily complaints of illness will be handled by the PE teacher, who will send the student to the nurse to determine the proper action to be taken.
*All medical conditions (asthma, etc.) must be brought to the attention of the school nurse and PE teacher immediately.

Please be sure all phone numbers, emergency contact persons are kept current throughout the school year. Please notify the front office secretary of any changes.

A student with symptoms of a possible communicable disease will be sent home from school at the discretion of the school nurse. If your student has been diagnosed with a possibly contagious illness, such as Covid-19, Flu or strep throat, for example, please notify the school nurse.

Communicable Disease Policy - 8451

Head Lice/Pediculosis

Head Lice Policy - 8454
-Head Lice Letter to Parents
-Head Lice Lesson 101

Influenza and Cold Season
Flu season can begin in September and last through to May, so it is not too late to get vaccinated for your child and you. For more information related to influenza check out www.cdc.gov/flu.There are several steps we can take to protect ourselves. First and foremost is vaccination. Hand washing is important all year round to prevent the spread of germs. Frequent handwashing and coughing/sneezing into a tissue or one’s arm rather than a hand remains the best practice to fight against spreading germs. As a reminder: Students, who have a fever, must be fever-free without the need for fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

Reminder to Take Action To Prevent the Flu
To be proactive during this year’s challenging flu season, we are providing the following information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually
-Fever or feeling feverish/chills
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Muscle or body aches
-Headaches
-Fatigue (very tired)
-Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.

Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes.

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu, Strep, Covid-19, etc. and anti-viral drugs that can help lessen the severity of a flu virus. Contact your family physician if you suspect that you, or someone in your family, may have the flu.

We ask that you help us in our efforts to keep our school environment a healthy one by encouraging your children to practice good hygiene – washing hands is an important preventive measure. PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HOME WHEN THEY ARE SICK. Our Health Office protocol is that an individual is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before returning to school.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter. For more information about the flu, please go to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools
A description of the roles and responsibilities of parent(s) or legal guardian(s), staff, and pupils to prevent allergic reactions and during allergic reactions are outlined in Policy 5331.
There will be occasions where food and/or beverages may be served as part of a classroom experience, field trip, and/or celebration. Because the ingredients of these food and beverage products may be unknown to the food preparation person and/or server, a pupil with anaphylaxis to food should not consume any food products that he/she/they is unsure of the ingredients. The teacher will provide, whenever possible, advance notice of the classroom experience, field trip, or celebration in order for the pupil to bring a food or beverage product from their home so they may participate in the activity.

Medication Policy
Medications that can be taken at home before or after school should be arranged in this manner. Medication may be administered during regular school hours with a current medical provider’s order on the Edison Township’s Medication form (HS Form #7). Please do not bring in prescription or over-the-counter medication without the proper medical provider’s medication order or the medication will be taken away and not be administered. The medication order from the medical provider must include diagnosis, dosage, and length of time the medication is to be given. All orders must be renewed each school year to ensure treatment is current. The parent signed permission will give the authorization to administer the medication as prescribed by the medical provider. An adult must bring the medication in the original labeled container and the signed medication form to the school nurse. (Refer to District Forms) Students are not permitted to transport medications; please call or email the nurse to make arrangements to do so.
All medication must be picked up by a parent/guardian on or before the last day of school or at the time the medication is discontinued. Any remaining medication will be disposed of at the close of the last school day.

Guidelines for Physical Education Excuses
Students with a physical activity excuse shall be excused when a note from an approved Healthcare Provider is given to the teacher and school nurse. Your medical provider may write their own note or use the Edison Township District Form, HS Form #8 - Elementary Medical Excuse.

Health Screenings
The district's School Health Services program supports your child's academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way to provide care for your child is by performing the health screenings as mandated by New Jersey State. The school nurse will provide a referral notification to the parent/guardian of any student suspected of a deviation from the recommended standard which may need medical follow-up.

• Visual acuity screening will be conducted for students in kindergarten, 2nd, & 4th grades.
• Hearing screening will be conducted for kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grades.
• Blood pressure, height, and weight will be conducted annually for all students.
• Scoliosis screenings will be conducted in 5th grade.

Wellness Policy/ Nutrient Standards For Meals and Other Foods - 8505

 

 

Allergies

Asthma

Bed Bugs

-Resources

Cold/Flu

Fifth Disease

Gastroenteritis/Stomach Upset

Head Injury

Head Lice Policy

-Head Lice Lesson 101

-Head Lice Letter to Parents

Insect Stings

Nosebleeds

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Strains and Sprains

Strep Throat

Sty

 

NEWEST GUIDELINES9/6/23

1) Edison school district no longer mandates proof of Covid-19 test results to return to school. However, all parents and guardians are Strongly Recommended/Encouraged to test for Covid-19 when symptomatic.

 

2) If students or staff test positive, they should stay home, report it to their school and 

isolate themselves from others for at least 5 days. 

 

Prevention

Preventative measures to help reduce the spread of illness and keep us healthy

As we have been well reminded these past years with the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus, the nature of many diseases makes it possible for them to spread from person to person.

Please follow the simple protocols below:

-Continue to model good hygiene. Remember that hand-washing often with soap and water or if not available use hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, wearing a mask, and social distancing are still the most important means of preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Stay home if you are sick, especially with a fever.

-Avoid people who are sick.

 

Model healthy food choices. Decrease consumption of sugar and processed foods which compromise the immune system. Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Remember, foods are healthiest when they are consumed closer to how they appear in nature. A fresh apple is much more nutritious than a processed Apple Cinnamon

Pop-Tart in a foil pouch with a shelf life of over a year.

 

It is important to continue with yearly well-child health care visits during the pandemic to monitor growth and developmental milestones along with vision/hearing screenings especially with increased screen time and headphone usage.

 

Based on the best available evidence at this time, the CDC recommends that sick students should not attend school in person while they have symptoms of illness.

 

Vaccinate your child as per CDC and NJ State Guidelines

 

For up-to-date information about SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Edison School District refer to the website

 

For more information about COVID-19 visit the CDC website

 

7 Healthy Habits To Teacher Your Kids

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

American Academy of Pediatrics-Healthy Children Information

American Dental Association- Find Dental Care for Your Child

American Diabetes Association

American Lung Association E-Cigarette Education 1-800-LUNG-USA

Asthma & Allergy Network

Bedtime Routines

Bedtime Problems

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

CDC Positive Parenting Tips

Child Bedtime Routines Dos and Don'ts

Common Sense Media

Reviews for what your kids want to watch (before they watch it) Trusting ratings created with families in mind.

 

Edison Township Health Department

Edison Township website. Look at the Health Department for immunization clinic, school-age physical exams, etc. (732-248-7285).

 

Epilepsy Foundation

 

Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)-Food Allergy Network

Parent and student resource for persons with mild to severe allergic conditions.

 

Keeping Our Kids Safe, Healthy & In School

The website was updated to include six major areas – Student Health, Student Behavior, Safe & Positive Learning Environment, Afterschool Programs, Social Services, and Other Educational Services.

 

Kids Health

KIDSHEALTH.ORG is a website designed as a resource for parents, children, and teens regarding a variety of health-related issues. Parents and students will find factual information about a variety of health-related issues. Helpful information includes the most common and not-so-common child/adolescent health conditions and how to prevent and treat them.

 

The National Parenting Center

This website provides the most comprehensive and responsible parenting advice to parents everywhere. The advice provided is furnished by some of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of child-rearing and development.

 

Physical Exam Community Resources

Lists resources in the community for physical examinations

 

Toll-Free Hotlines and Helplines

NJ 2-1-1 or call 2-1-1 Connects you with various social services in your community

NJ State State Department of Children and Families Hotlines and Helplines

NCADD-National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Resources for parents, students, and educators. Information and Referral Helpline. (732-254-3344).

 

SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

1-800-662-HELP(4357)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Middlesex County (NAMI) 24/7 Hotline 1-800-950-6264 You Are Not Alone!

 

Poison Control 1800-222-1222

Information on poison prevention and treatments available from this resource

 

2ND Floor Youth Helpline 1-888-222-2228

2nd Floor is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. They are here to help you find solutions to the problems that you face at home, school, or at play.

Child Abuse / Neglect Hotline 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) 24 hours a day - 7 days a week

Family Helpline 1-800-THE-KIDS (843-5437) 24 hours - 7 days a week

NJ Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) 24 hours - 7 days a week

 

NJ Familycare 1-800-701-0710

NJ Familycare is a federal and state-funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access affordable health insurance. NJ Familycare is for people who do not have employer insurance.

Professional School Nursing

As your school nurse, I am part of the integral team that supports your child to achieve academic success. Specifically, my goal is to keep your child in school learning by supporting their health and well-being with an emphasis on health promotion, health maintenance, and health restoration. I work closely with parents, faculty and students to maintain a healthy and safe environment for our students. Care coordination or the organization of supportive services can be paramount to achieving this goal as each student is unique and has individual needs.

Besides providing direct care to students I also assist in care coordination throughout the school process as needed. Feel free to contact me, if you have any questions or concerns.

 

What Do School Nurse's Do?
School nurses provide a wide range of services to students and school personnel. In addition to

• Mandated screenings of vision, hearing, and height/weight
• Administer medications
• Monitor students with chronic health conditions such as asthma, severe allergies, seizures, diabetes, cardiac, neurodiverse, etc.
• Administer first aid
• Train school staff on a variety of health issues
• Conduct AED and Emergency Drills involving James Monroe Emergency Response Team
• Serve on school and district committees to address student behavior and achievement
• Communicate with healthcare providers
• Develop individualized healthcare plans
• Create emergency treatment plans
• Collaborate with parents to provide care and support student attendance
• Conduct orientation and screening programs for kindergarten admission
• Assist students and their families to secure appropriate healthcare
• Provide formal and informal health teaching.
• Support school personnel with health problems.

Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice

Health and Safety slideshows were created during the home schooling days of the pandemic. They were created to help guide parents, guardians and students during a very challenging time and remain relevant today. Click on the interactive links and enjoy reviewing them with your student/s.

What Does Being a "Fit Kid" Mean?

Ways To Stay Active

Let's Appreciate Our Vision

Bike Safety

Let's Get a Good Sleep

Seasonal Allergies and Asthma

Funny Facts About Our Bodies

Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Flyer

 

 

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Key Times to Wash Hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before and after eating food

• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the toilet

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

• After touching garbage

• When returning back into your home

 

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from the beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

• Plain water and hand sanitizers are not effective in removing food allergens. Liquid soap, bar soap, and commercial wipes were very effective at removing peanut allergens from hands.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer

• Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

• Rub your hands together.

• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

For more information, please refer to the CDC Website

PaperwoRKIf your student has a severe or life threatening allergy and has been advised by his/her/their doctor to have an emergency medication/s on hand to treat Anaphylaxis, please print out the following pages to have the doctor complete:

Anaphylaxis Packet - 6 pages

On completion of documentation, contact the school nurse to arrange a drop off of these papers signed by you and the doctor (allergist, pediatrician, etc.) The school nurse will review them for completion and will need confer with you regarding the IHP, or Individual Health Plan. Please let the nurse know if:

1. You wish your student to eat lunch and/or snack at a separate table from their class due to this allergy
2. If you will be available for class or grade field trips if asked to be in the absence of nurse on the trip.  However a trained EpiPen delegate will be on the trip.

Medications

• Emergency medications must be dropped off together with the Anaphylaxis packet.
• Please do not send the papers in separately as medications are not permitted to be administered without the doctors orders.
• All medications must be received in their original pharmacy labeled containers.
• Children are not permitted by law to transport medications, please do not send them in with your student.
• You will be asked to sign the medication in on a drop-off log. 
• It is best to have 2 epinephrine injectors in the nurse's office to treat your child if in anaphylaxis where the 1st injector (pen) is ineffective after the first 10-15 min. Most doctors will indicate this in their orders on the forms.
• The medications submitted to the school nurse are not supplied to the before and after school programs. You must make separate arrangements if your student is in that program.

Individual Health Plan (IHP)An IHP is a plan of care written by the registered nurse for students with or at risk for physical or mental health needs (ANA & NASN, 2017).

Please indicate your student's abilities, knowledge and experience for the following areas  on Pages 1, 2, and 4 of the Anaphylaxis Packet and sign and date on Page 4.  It is important to know if he/she/they has experienced a prior anaphylaxis event including treatment with an antihistamine (i.e. Benadryl, etc.) and/or epinephrine injector (I.e. EpiPen, Auvi-Q, etc.) and if your student wishes confidentiality of the severe allergy from classmates and friends.

Self-care:
___Ability to avoid allergens (triggers)
___Level of knowledge of symptoms and treatment
___Ability to alert others to possible reactions and to assist with treatment
___Ability to self-medicate
___Ability/responsibility to carry medication with him or her (bus, field trips, family activities)
___Perception of dangers of a severe reaction
___Compliance with IHP

Psychosocial and cultural:
___Perception (parent’s) of the dangers of severe reaction
___Perception (student’s) of the dangers of a severe reaction
___Fear of an anaphylactic episode
___Feelings regarding outcome of reactions and treatment
___Involvement with support systems
___Peer reactions to anaphylactic episodes and treatment

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES:     Anaphylaxis: Severe Allergic Reaction
The student will:
___identify triggers that can cause potential severe reactions (ND 1, 2, 4, 5)
___avoid sharing food with or taking food from peers. (ND 4, 7, 10)
___identify avoidance measures at school. (ND 1,2, 4, 5)
___identify sources of potential hidden allergens. (ND 1, 2, 4, 5)
___identify his or her symptoms of an allergic reaction (from mild to severe). (ND 1, 2, 6)
___describe steps to take if an allergic reaction occurs. This includes informing school personnel immediately when there is possible ingestion/exposure to allergen or symptoms occur. (ND 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
___discuss allergy with peers, describing assistance needed if allergic exposure occurs . (ND 1-6)
___acknowledge symptoms of an allergic reaction immediately. (ND 2, 4, 6)
___inform nurse of any change of symptoms immediately. (ND 1, 3, 4, 5)
___actively participate in healthcare management and EAP at school. (ND 1, 2, 4, 5)
___demonstrate proper technique of self-medicating when appropriate. (ND 1-5)
___wear allergy alert bracelet/ necklace. (ND 1-5)
___participate in all school activities with modifications made when necessary. (ND 1, 3, ___Feelings of being different and needing food alternatives Page 2 of 4
___Age/developmental level
___Cultural or religious beliefs, practices, and needs
Academic:
___Past attendance concerns
___Regular vs. special education
___Past patterns of academic performance
___Possible need for a 504 plan
___School attendance/academic performance patterns
___School staff perceptions, information the student and parent feel teachers need to know
___School staff perceptions and education/training needs
___School staff comfort level with a life-threatening situation and what to do if an episode occurs
___Past experiences with school food services (positive and negative)
___Specific modifications in the classroom as needed
___Involvement of school food service department if food allergy is involved
___Involvement of school transportation services, if appropriate
 

PaperwoRKIf your student has Asthma, Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), etc. and has been advised by his/her/their doctor to have emergency medication/s on hand to treat it, please print out the following pages to have the doctor complete:

Asthma Treatment Plan - Student - 2 pages

On completion of documentation, contact the school nurse to arrange a drop off of these papers signed by you and the doctor (allergist, pediatrician, etc.) The school nurse will review them for completion and will need confer with you regarding the IHP, or Individual Health Plan. Please let the nurse know if:

1. Your student has ever been hospitalized as a result of an asthma attack.
2. If you your student's doctor has approved that they can self-carry and/or self-administer their own inhaler. If approved, see below for forms*
3. If you will be available for class or grade field trips if asked to be in the absence of nurse on the trip and a lack of doctor permission to self administer. Under NJ State Law, inhalers cannot be delegated to a teacher to administer
4. Your student needs to use the inhaler medication before gym and recess

• Form 7B: Physician Authorization of Self-Administration of Medication
• Form 7C: Parent/Guardian Authorization of Self-Administration of Medication

Medications

• Emergency medications must be dropped off together with the Asthma Treatment Plan
• Please do not send the papers in separately as medications are not permitted to be administered without the doctors orders.
• All medications must be received in their original pharmacy labeled containers.
• Children are not permitted by law to transport medications, please do not send them in with your student.
• You will be asked to sign the medication in on a drop-off log with the nurse.
• The medications submitted to the school nurse are not supplied to the before and after school programs. You must make separate arrangements if your student is in that program.

Individual Health Plan (IHP)An IHP is a plan of care written by the registered nurse for students with or at risk for physical or mental health needs (ANA & NASN, 2017).

Please indicate your student's abilities, knowledge and experience for the following areas-

Self-care:
___Ability to avoid triggers such as allergies, dust, dirt, extreme changes in temperature, etc.
___Level of knowledge of symptoms and treatment
___Ability to alert others to possible reactions and to assist with treatment
___Ability to self-medicate
___Ability/responsibility to carry medication with him or her (bus, field trips, family activities)
___Perception of dangers of a severe reaction

Psychosocial and cultural:
___Perception (parent’s) of the dangers of severe asthma attack
___Perception (student’s) of the dangers of a severe asthma attack
___Fear of an asthma attack
___Feelings regarding outcome of reactions and treatment
___Involvement with support systems, (parents, doctor, friends, and classmates)
___Peer reactions to asthma attack and treatment

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES:     Asthma, RAD
The student will:
___identify triggers that can cause potential severe reactions
___avoid triggers
___identify avoidance measures at school.
___identify his or her symptoms of an asthma attack
___describe steps to take if an asthma attack occurs. This includes informing school personnel immediately when symptoms occur. I.e., Teacher, lunch aide, nurse
___discuss asthma with peers, describing assistance needed if difficulty breathing occurs
___acknowledge symptoms of an asthma mmediately.
___inform nurse of any change of symptoms immediately.
___demonstrate proper technique of self-medicating when appropriate.
___wear allergy alert bracelet/ necklace.
___participate in all school activities with modifications made when necessary.

___ report feelings of being different

Academic:
___Past attendance concerns
___Regular vs. special education
___Past patterns of academic performance
___Possible need for a 504 plan
___School attendance/academic performance patterns
 

PaperwoRK

If your student has been observed to have seizures at any time and has been advised by his/her/their doctor to have emergency medication/s on hand to treat them, please print out the following pages to have the doctor complete:

 Seizure Action Plan - 8 pages

On completion of documentation, contact the school nurse to arrange a drop off of these papers signed by you and the doctor (Neurologist, Pediatrician, etc.) The school nurse will review them for completion and will need confer with you regarding the IHP, or Individual Health Plan. Please let the nurse know if:

1. your student takes any medications at home on a daily basis for seizure prevention.
2. your student has had any recent seizure activity and what that looks like.
3. your student wears a medic alert bracelet to alert others to their emergency needs
4. your student is keeping their condition confidential from classmates and friends.
5. If you will be available for class or grade field trips if asked to be in the absence of nurse on the trip. NJ State Law prohibits teachers from being trained as delegates to administer emergency medication for seizures.

Medications

• Emergency medications must be dropped off together with the Seizure Action plan and packet.
• Please do not send the papers in separately as medications are not permitted to be administered without the doctors orders.
• All medications must be received in their original pharmacy labeled containers.
• Children are not permitted by law to transport medications, please do not send them in with your student.
• You will be asked to sign the medication in on a drop-off log. 
• The medications submitted to the school nurse are not supplied to the before and after school programs. You must make separate arrangements if your student is in that program.

Individual Health Plan (IHP)An IHP is a plan of care written by the registered nurse for students with or at risk for physical or mental health needs (ANA & NASN, 2017).

Please indicate your student's abilities, knowledge and experience as best you can for pages 3-8 of the Seizure Packet. It is important to know when he/she/they first experienced seizures, how many have occurred since the first episode and when the last seizure activity took place. You will discuss pages 3-8 with the nurse either in person or over the phone to confer on your student's present and anticipated medical needs.