School Nurses collaborate with Dr. David Watson, school physician, and the Westford Board of Health to provide confidential and prompt first aid, illness assessment, nursing care, referrals and health teaching.
Medication
If a student needs to take medicine in school:
- According to WPS Policy 5503, the school nurse is the only person allowed to administer medication to students in the Westford Public Schools.
- If medication is to be given at school, it must be in the pharmacy bottle with the prescription label attached.
- The parent/legal guardian must send a note to the nurse which contains: the parent/legal guardian’s printed name, signature and emergency phone number; list of medications the student is currently receiving; approval to have the school nurse administer the medication and names of persons to be notified in case of a medication emergency.
- The parent/legal guardian must send to the school nurse an order from a licensed prescriber which contains: the student’s name; name and signature of the licensed prescriber including telephone number; name of medication; the frequency and time of medication administration; date of the order and discontinuation date; diagnosis and other medical condition (s) and specific directions for administration. If appropriate, please have the licensed prescriber also provide the following information: any special side effects, contraindication and/or adverse reactions to be observed; any other medications being taken by the student and the date of the next scheduled visit to the physician, if known.
- Medications are kept in the Nurses Clinic.
- A medication administration plan should be developed with the nurse, including plans for class trips.
- If your child takes regular medication outside of school, it is suggested you contact the school nurse.
- If your child has an allergy requiring Epipen, please contact the nurse to develop an Emergency Health Care Plan.
- Please telephone or meet with the nurse regarding special medication situations: a student’s self administration of medications; short-term medications; over the counter medications and investigational new drugs.
- Parents/legal guardians should retrieve medications at the end of the school year.
Physical Examinations
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 71: 57) requires physical examinations of school children within six months before entry into school or during the first year after entrance (including when a student transfers to the school district from out of state), and in the 3rd, 7th and 11th grades. School nurses can provide forms for physical examinations, but all health care provider forms are accepted.
Immunization
Massachusetts School Immunization Law (M.G.L. 76:15) requires that students present documentation of immunization compliance in order to be admitted to school. Exceptions are made only for students with written documentation of medical or religious exemption.
Prior to entering kindergarten students must show proof of the following immunizations: 3 doses of Hepatitis B; 5 doses of DTaP/DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), 4 doses of Polio, MMR (2 doses Measles, 1 dose Mumps, 1 dose Rubella) and 1 dose of Varicella vaccine.
Students entering all other grades must meet current Massachusetts Department of Public Health immunization requirements. School health records are reviewed periodically to determine the immunization status of each student. If it is found that immunization updates are needed, school nurses will telephone parents/legal guardians or send notices home.
Verification of immunizations given at a doctor’s office or emergency room should be submitted to the school nurse to update the student’s health record.
Lead Blood Screening
Massachusetts law and regulations (105CMR 460.050,060) requires that children present evidence of having been previously screened for lead poisoning as a condition for entry into kindergarten. Lead testing is available at the Westford Board of Health (978 692-5509.)
Mandated Screenings
School Health Services staff conduct vision & hearing and height & weight screenings as follows:
- Vision: grades K-5, 7, 10
- Hearing: grades K-3, 7, 10
- Height and weight: K,1,3,7,11
- Postural screening is conducted annually for all students in grades 5 through 9.
The law (M.G.L. C. 71, s.57) requires that public school systems provide postural screening to all students in grades 5 through 9. If a parent or guardian refuses to have postural screening at school, written documentation provided by the family physician must be submitted to the school nurse.
Parents/legal guardians will be notified of screening results by letter or telephone only if the student failed a screening examination or requires further care from their health care provider. Findings of these referrals for follow-up should be returned to school to update a child's health record.
In collaboration with the Westford Board of Health, dental screenings are offered in school for students with parental permission. Free dental screenings are offered to kindergarten, grades1, 3 and 5. For grades 2, 4 and 6 dental screenings, cleanings and fluoride treatments are offered for a small fee. Permission slips are sent home to all eligible students.
Exclusion from School
A student may be dismissed or excluded from school for any of the following reasons:
1. Temperature over 100? (oral temperature)
2. Disruptive cough or cough with fever
3. Suspected infection of eye, ears, nose, throat, skin, scalp
4. Severe abdominal pain or headache
5. Suspected communicable disease
6. Suspected pediculosis (head lice)
7. Suspected fractures or any severe or disabling injury
8. Questionable need for sutures
9. Vomiting or diarrhea
10. Head injury
11. Antibiotic therapy started less than 24 hours before returning to school
12. Immunizations which are not up to date
Emergency Cards
Emergency cards are distributed to all students on the first day of school. Complete information is necessary to ensure your child’s health and safety while at school. All information is confidential and must be updated if there are any changes.
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