HEALTH SERVICES
The Health Room is staffed by a nurse and/or a health aide each day from 8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
(Contact Information: E-mail: kgrater@groton.k12.ct.us Phone: (860)572-5825.
The nurse is available to answer questions or respond to your concerns as well as to assist
students requiring nursing services. Specific policies for emergency care of accidents or
illnesses are established by the Board of Education. Parents will be notified when a pupil’s
sickness or injury requires exclusion from school.
Please consult the “Groton Public Schools Handbook” for more details regarding school health
services and general health information.
HANDLING COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS
It is sometimes difficult to judge whether a child is well enough to attend school. We hope that
the following guidelines developed by the school nurse will help you to make that important
decision wisely.
1. FEVER: If a child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, he/she should remain
home for 24 hours after having an elevated temperature or after being sent home from
school with an elevated temperature.
2. RUNNY NOSES: A clear discharge is not usually a sign of concern.
discoloration might signify infection. Consult your physician.
Any
3. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: Any communicable disease, such as chicken pox,
strep infections, conjunctivitis, measles, ringworm, impetigo, mononucleosis,
hepatitis or German measles must be reported to the school health office. The
school nurse is required to report all communicable diseases to the Connecticut
State Department of Health at the end of each week. Certain diseases require readmission to school by the nurse. Please call if you have questions.
4. COUGHS: If a cough is deep or constant, it will be hard for your child to concentrate
at school, in which case, the child may do better to stay at home. Coughs that seem to
be uncontrollable or cause pain in the chest, back, or throat should be referred to your
doctor for treatment. Coughs lasting for more than one week should also be referred
to your doctor. Light coughs can usually be soothed with sips of water and should
only last a few days.
5. SORE THROATS: If a throat is bright red or small white blister-type spots are present
in the throat, contact your doctor for treatment or advice on attending school.
Slightly red or scratchy throats usually clear in 24 hours and can be soothed with cool
drinks and pain relievers.
6. EAR ACHES: Complaints of ear pain or discomfort around the ear area should be
checked by your doctor. Only by looking at the ear drum can infection be detected
and treated. Absence from school should be based on child’s level of discomfort and
consultation with the doctor.
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NAUSEA: If a child is vomiting or complaining of nausea, it would be beneficial, for
his/her comfort and the health of other students, that he/she not attend school
that day. If your child continues vomiting over a 24 hour period, it would be
advisable to notify your child’s doctor.
8. HEAD LICE: If a child is found to have head lice, he/she will be sent home.
The following procedures will take place:
1. The child may return to school once he/she has been treated with a
pedicalocidal shampoo or cream rinse such as NIX.
2. The parent must bring in used container of shampoo.
3. The school nurse will check student and readmit child to school if the
problem has been eliminated.
9. PINK EYE: If a student is believed to have a possible eye infection, i.e. conjunctivitis,
which is contagious, he/she will be sent home at the judgment of the nurse.
Medical attention is recommended. The child will be readmitted when the
condition has cleared or once the child is under treatment.
Prevention is the best medicine for colds and infections. Assist children with frequent handwashing and personal hygiene to help prevent the spread of germs. Please consult your family
doctor with any concerns or questions.
MEDICATIONS IN THE SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE ANY TYPE OF
MEDICATION ON THEM WHILE IN SCHOOL. This includes over-the-counter items such as
cough drops, nasal sprays, etc.
To ensure the safety of all students, any medications that are prescribed for students must be
delivered to the health room BY AN ADULT. All medication, even over-the-counter
medication, (i.e. cough drops, creams, pain relievers, etc.), require medication authorization
forms to be filled out by both parent and physician. The dangers of lost or mistaken medication
are obvious. In order for prescribed medication to be administered by school staff, the following
conditions must be met:
1.
An “Authorization for the Administration of Medicines by School Personnel” form must be completed
by the physician and parent/guardian. These forms are available from the school and must be completed
prior to any medication being dispensed.
2.
All medication must be in the pharmacy prepared container, properly labeled with the child’s name,
name of drug, strength, dosage, frequency, physician’s/dentist’s name, and date of original prescription.
3.
A new “Authorization” is required at the beginning of each school year, as well as for any changes in
medication.
NOTE: Medications and student health information are NOT available during afterschool programs such as
PTO activities, Boy/Girl Scouts, and Park & Recreation activities. Parents must make separate arrangements
with adult activity supervisors regarding student health needs.
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