From the Desk of Nurse Sharon
Here is where you will find important Health Forms
The Perrywood School Nurse is a professional school nurse who bridges the gap between health, wellness, and instructional time. Services provided are evidence-based practices, in accordance with the Prince Georges County Public Schools, that promote optimal health necessary for academic success of all students attending Perrywood ES.
The following are some of the nurse’s tips for keeping your child, and all the children at Perrywood ES, safe and healthy this school year.
When Should I Keep My Child Home from School?
Sick children need to be kept home from school. Resting at home will help them get better more quickly and will prevent them from exposing other children or the staff to their illness. Keep your child home and consult with your child’s Primary Care Provider if he or she:
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Has a temperature greater than 100.4°F taken with an oral thermometer.
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Has nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain that is constant, or vomiting.
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Has diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stools) and/or symptoms that may include cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
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A severe headache that is interfering with usual activities.
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Has a sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing.
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Has yellow discharge on eye lashes in the morning that comes back after being wiped off of lashes and eyes that are red (call your health care provider for a appointment immediately).
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Has a skin rash that causes itching and/or covers most of the body.
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Has a constant cough and/or difficulty breathing.
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A complaint of feeling ill, a lack of energy and/or a decrease I ability to perform activities, or fatigue.
What Will Happen if My Child Gets Sick at School?
If your child gets sick at school, he/she will be seen by the nurse. The nurse will do an assessment to determine the level of illness and if the nurse’s assessment confirms your child is sick, then you will be called to come pick him/her up. Therefore, it is important that you provide Perrywood with your up-to-date emergency contact information as well as any contact information of persons who can pick up your child in your absence.
When May My Child Return to School?
Your child may return to school when their health care provider says he/she is well enough, generally when symptoms have been absent for 24 hours, or if your child has taken a prescribed medicine for a full 24 hours. Documentation from the health care provider may be needed in some cases; however, a health care provider’s note is required for an illness of 3 or more days.
What Is the School’s Policy about Medications?
Perrywood ES follows the Prince George’s County Public Schools guidelines for handling and dispensing medications at school. The following are some important facts:
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All medications and supplies must be brought to the nurse by the parent.
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Medication should be sent to school only when it is absolutely necessary. Controlled-substance medication, such as Ritalin, must be brought to school by the parent.
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Parents must give the first dose of any new prescription or over-the-counter drug, except as-needed emergency medication, such as an EpiPen.
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Please notify the school staff when dropping off or sending medication to school, along with any completed medication authorization forms, which includes the prescriber’s and the parent/guardian’s signature.
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Prescription medication must be labeled by a registered pharmacist with the pharmacy name, address, and phone number, prescription number, date prescription was filled, name of student, and directions for administration.
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Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications must come to school in the original non-opened container.
- Health Forms for Parents and Prescribers
- School Health
Health Requirements for Perrywood:
A physical examination is recommended (though not required) for each child entering the Maryland Public School System for the first time. It is highly recommended to get an updated/annual physical health/history assessment to ensure optimal care is administered throughout the school year for your child’s health, especially for conditions such as asthma, food allergies, etc.
All children are required to have up-to-date copy of immunization records to be enrolled in, and to attend, a Prince George’s County school. If immunization records need to be updated and parents can verify an appointment within 20 days to obtain immunizations, the child can be temporarily enrolled pending receipt of required immunizations.
Please access the Perrywood ES Virtual Health Room for health updates at you convenience throughout the school year:
If you have any questions about health and wellness procedures, feel free to contact me.
Take Care Stay Healthy and Safe!
Nurse Sharon
Professional School Nurse BSN, RN
Perrywood ES
Direct Line:(301) 850-6368
School Line- 301-218-3040 x 58208
Email: sharon.moorehead@pgcps.org