The Health Suite is open during school hours for students with illnesses and injuries that occur during the school day. The school nurse also conducts a variety of screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis, blood pressure), assists students with chronic illnesses, and teaches health-related classes. Guidelines are as follows:

  • Children with a temperature over 100 or who have been vomiting within the last 24 hours should be kept home. Children diagnosed with a contagious disease such as strep throat or pink eye should be kept home until completing the first 24 hours of antibiotics.
  • District of Columbia law requires that any medicine to be taken during the school day, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must have a completed Medication Authorization Form on file in the Health Suite. There are no exceptions. Medication administration forms are available in the Health Suite.
  • All medications must be brought to the Health Suite by the parent and given to the nurse.
  • Medications must be provided as they come from the pharmacy (labeled with the child’s name, dosing instructions, etc.)
  • If a student requires an over the counter preparation such as Tylenol, this form is still required and a sealed bottle or box of the medication must be provided labeled with the student’s name.
  • Do not send medication in your child’s backpack or lunch box for self administration (children with severe allergies are excepted from this policy; please discuss your particular situation with the nurse).
  • No medication can be taken from the health suite on field trips. Additional medication should be provided for these experiences.
  • The following immunizations are required: DTP, polio, MMR, Hib, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (this may be waived if the child has had chickenpox). Students who do not have the required immunizations or proper paperwork may be excluded from school. Please call the Health Suite if you have questions about your child’s immunization status, or if you would like information on locations and hours of free immunization clinics.
  • Physical exams, dental exams, and current immunization certificates are required for all students entering pre-K, K, 1st, 3rd and 5thgrades. Parents must complete the first two pagesof the health certificate. Your child’s physician should complete pages 3 and 4.
  • Allergies: If your child has allergies, especially to food, medicine, or bee stings, let the school nurse know immediately in writing so it can be noted on the student’s health record and the teacher can be notified. If the allergy is life threatening, please see the nurse regarding the physician’s orders for medication at school.
  • Head lice: PTA volunteers check all students at the start of school and after winter and spring breaks. If your child contracts head lice, please notify the school nurse immediately so that his or her class can be checked as well. DC Department of Health policy requires that all eggs must be removed before returning to school. Information on how to deal with head lice at home and school are available from the nurse.

Questions about these guidelines or about your child’s health should be directed to the school nurse at 202- 282-0063.