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MSAD #51 Engage · Empower · Inspire
Student Services » School Nurse

School Nurse

Keeping our students healthy and ready to learn!
 
Too Sick for School? sick icon
Attending school each day is critical for children's successful academic and social growth! You can come to school with a mild cold, a mild upset stomach without vomiting. You should stay home if you:
  • are vomiting or having frequent diarrhea
  • have a fever of 100.4 or higher
  • have an active persistent cough with excessive phlegm
  • have a draining or blistering rash  
Download the full Health Guidance for Maine School Children from the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics here.
 
Social Emotional Well Being social emotional icon
Sometimes children with anxiety may avoid school due to symptoms including decreased appetite, feeling tired, upset stomach, and headache. If you are worried that your child is suffering from anxiety, talk to your doctor, your school nurse, or school counselor. 
 

Respiratory Illnesses (Including, but not limited to COVID, RSV, Flu) respiratory illness icon

Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. MSAD #51 encourages staff and students/families to follow the federal CDC Respiratory Illness Guidance to protect yourself and the community from respiratory illnesses. Please contact your school nurse if you have questions after reviewing CDC guidance.

 

Returning to School after Concussion concussion icon
Some children will need academic adjustments as they recover from a  concussion. Please reach out to your school nurse if you suspect your child has a concussion or has been diagnosed with a concussion. Click here for more information about returning to school after a concussion. 
 
Immunizations immunization icon
All children attending a public or private school in Maine MUST have a minimum of the following immunizations: Click here for Maine School Immunization Requirements
  • Required for Pre-K entry:
    • 4 DTaP
    • 3 Polio
    • 1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
    • 1 Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Required for Kindergarten entry:
    • 5 DTaP (4 DTaP if 4th is given on or after 4th birthday)
    • 4 Polio (3 Polio if the 3rd is given on or after the 4th birthday)
    • 2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
    • 2 Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Required for 7th grade entry:
    • All previously required immunizations
    • 1 Tdap
    • 1 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4)
  • Required for 12th grade entry:
    • All previously required immunizations
    • 2 MCV4, only one dose is required if the 1st dose is given on or after 16th birthday
OR 
  • Medical exemption from a healthcare provider for one or all vaccines. *Must be submitted annually unless permanent exemption is indicated.
  • IEP Exemptions are only allowable for students with both an IEP and an immunization exemption in place prior to September 1, 2021. *Must be submitted annually
  • In the absence of a certificate of immunization, students must submit one of the following:
    • Laboratory evidence of immunity to specific diseases OR
    • Reliable history of disease documented by a Maine physician or other primary care provider. 

Medication at School medication icon

In order for your child to receive any medication (YES, even acetaminophen and ibuprofen) at school, we need a signed permission slip to be updated yearly. We encourage all routine daily medication administration to take place at home. However, we recognize that in some cases, your child may need to take medication during the school day. If you need to set up a plan for your child to take any medication during the school day, please contact the nurse to discuss the policy. You will need to print, complete, and return this permission slip to the nurse yearly and with any changes to prescriptions. Click here to review MSAD #51 medication administration policy.

 

doc iconMedication Consent Form
doc iconAcetaminophen/Ibuprofen Consent Form
doc iconMedical Marijuana Consent Form
doc iconOxygen Consent Form

NOTE: MSAD #51 POLICY REQUIRES ALL MEDICATION TO BE IN THE ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER CONTAINER AT SCHOOL, WITH SIGNED PARENT CONSENT FORM.

Chronic Health Conditions chronic condition icon
If your child has any medical problems, please discuss them with the nurse every year. If necessary, work with the nurse to develop a plan for your child’s care at school. Open communication and collaboration will help to ensure your child's safety! Some frequently used annual health plans can be found below.  Please return your completed, signed form to your school nurse.
 

doc iconAllergy Health Plan
doc iconDiabetes Health Plan
doc iconSeizure Health Plan
doc iconAsthma Health Plan

Instructional Support: Section 504 504 icon
Special Education services are available for all students who qualify under state and federal laws. Students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity may be eligible for Section 504 accommodations or services. If you have questions about whether your child may be eligible for such services, please contact your school nurse or school counselor. Click here for more information about MSAD #51's Instructional Support Services.
 
Health Screenings Health screening icon
Student shall be screened for:
  • Hearing: PK, K, grades 1, 3, and 5
  • Near Vision Acuity: grades 1 and 3
  • Distance Vision Acuity: PK, K, grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will only be contacted by the School Nurse if students do not meet Maine Department of Education standards.
 
Note per Maine Law: A student whose parent objects in writing to screening on religious grounds shall not be screened unless sight or hearing defect is reasonably apparent.