Medications at School

• Why can't I put medication in my child's lunchbox if he/she has to take it with food?

Medication in a lunch box could be lost or taken by another student. If a staff member found the medication it could be considered as a drug with consequences according to the Code of Conduct. To ensure the health and safety of our students, all medications must be brought to the Health Room by the parent/guardian in the original and properly labeled container.

• If I give my child Tylenol for a fever, may I still send them to school?

If your child had a temperature greater than 100 degrees F., you should not send your child to school. Children may return to school when his/her temperature is below 100 degrees without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever-reducing medication for 24 hours. In addition, if your child develops fever greater than 100 degrees during the school day, you will be called to arrange for someone to take the student home.

• May the parent/guardian bring and give medications to their own student?

Yes, a parent/guardian may come to school and give their child medication as desired.

• What happens to medication left at the end of the school year?

All medications not picked up by parent/guardian by noon on the last school day for students will be destroyed.

• What if my child's medications or dosages change during the school year?

Parents/guardians must inform the school nurse of any medication changes. New medication or different doses will not be given unless the parent completes a new medication form to include the physician’s signature. The information on the prescription bottle label must match the new authorization form.

• May my child carry his/her asthma inhaler at school?

Yes, students may carry inhalers and Epi-Pens (both considered rescue medications) at school if both the parent and physician deem it appropriate. The self-administration section of the “Parent/provider Authorization" form must be completed by the physician and the parent.

• Where can I find medication forms?

The forms are located in School Health Rooms and also on this website.

• Why must medication be in the original container?

The original container provides information from the manufacturer about the over-the-counter medications, including the name of the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the medication can be given, possible side effects, and when the medication is no longer effective (an expiration date).

• Why must medication be in an unopened container?

An unopened container protects against tampering.

• Why must a parent bring medications to the school?

A student does not need to be placed in a situation where they may be confronted for drugs. Some medications have street value. When the parent brings the medicine to school, everyone is assured that the medication is in a secured location and tampering with the medicine has not occurred.

• Do schools provide any medications?

No, the school does not provide medication. Any medication you want your child to have must be brought to the Health Room by the parent/guardian. A “Parent/Provider Authorization” medication form must be completed as well.

Menigoccocal Disease

• Where can I find more information on Menigococcal disease?

For more information on this and other vaccine recommendations visit: www.cdc.gov/meningococcal

• What are the symptoms?

Fever, headache, stiff neck, red rash, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting

• Who should get the vaccine and when?

MCV4, or the meningococcal vaccine, is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age and for unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry (15 years of age). High school seniors should also consider obtaining the vaccine prior to entering college, especially if they are planning on living in a dormitory. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

• What is Menigococcal disease and how do you catch it?

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children ages 2-18 in the United States.  The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are very common.