Elementary Health Office

Many students and staff suffer from allergies. If your child has an allergy, please be sure to indicate that on his/her Emergency Care Card that is on file within the nurse’s office. In order to 18 maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for all, it is also advised that parents/guardians notify the classroom teachers of any allergies, especially those related to food. A peanut-free zone is provided within the cafeteria for students that suffer from peanut or nutrelated allergies. Items containing fragrances (sprays, lotions, mists, hand sanitizer, etc.) should not be brought into school because allergies and/or respiratory conditions can be exacerbated by these products. In addition, students are asked not to wear cologne or perfume to school.

The school attempts to create an environment where the child will be safe. If a minor accident occurs, the school nurse will be summoned and the nurse will administer the first aid. The parents/guardians will be notified immediately, and urged to come for the child. The nurse will give no care beyond first aid, defined as the immediate, temporary care given in case of accident or illness. Injuries should be reported immediately to the proper school personnel. This is necessary, especially where the parents/guardians have school insurance. Any further necessary treatment is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is the parents'/guardians’ responsibility to transport a sick or injured child.

Only essential prescribed oral medicines will be given at school. The parent/guardian will assume full responsibility for any medications sent into the school. It is advised that parents/guardians should deliver medications to school. Students should not transport medications.

The following regulations have been adopted by the Penn Hills School Board concerning medication:

• All medicine must be accompanied by a physician's or nurse practitioner’s prescription.
• Only medications prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner accompanied by written instructions signed by the physician or nurse practitioner will be given in the schools.
• A parent/guardian must complete a permission form issued by the school. The medicine containers must be properly labeled by the parent/guardian with the student's name, room number, the name of the medicine and the time and dosage to be given.
• No over-the-counter medicine will be kept in the health office unless they comply with above regulations.
• All medicines must be kept in the health office unless alternative arrangements are made.
• Students are not permitted to carry medications.
• Medications that do not comply with the above regulations will not be given by school personnel and will be returned to the parent/guardian.
• Please note that cough drops and medicated lip balms are not permitted for use in school.

Any questions pertaining to medications should be directed to the school nurse. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up any leftover medication by the last day of school. Medication orders must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.

To restrict students from school activities, including physical education and recess, the parent/guardian must obtain a note from the family physician describing the condition and advising the kind of restriction. Permanent excuses must be renewed at the start of school each year. A doctor's excuse is necessary to be excused from gym class. The doctor's excuse should also state the restrictions, if any, for recess. A doctor’s excuse is also required for any special accommodations to be made in school. A child will also need a doctor's excuse to be reinstated to class.