Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 908-862-4397 x8411
or via email at: daguirre@lindenps.org
As parents, we know that children must be healthy and feel well to concentrate on learning. When we send our children off to school for the day, it is important to know that their health needs will be met. At School Number Four, the school nurse Digna Aguirre, addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of children with the ultimate goal being to support student success in the learning process.
What does a school nurse do?
In accordance with New Jersey Department of Education protocols and schedules, the school nurse conducts: height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing and scoliosis screening of children and notifies parents/ guardians of any abnormalities found.
In addition, the school nurse promotes and maintains optimal student health by:
The school nurse works closely with the school social worker to address a child’s social-emotional as well as physical health needs. If a child complains of a headache or stomach ache that seems to be caused by worry, stress or another emotional cause, the school nurse may refer the child to the school social worker.
A written doctor’s order is required for any medication that is to be given in school. This includes all prescription as well as over- the- counter medications, and pertains to oral as well as lotions, creams, eye drops, etc. Written parental consent is also required. The authorization form is available online or from the nurse. A parent must bring the medication to the nurse and it must be in its original, labeled container. Do not send any medication to school in your child’s possession.
If your child is absent, you must call the nurse or main office by 8:30 AM. You will receive a call if we do not hear from you. A doctor’s note is required for absences of two days or more.
Emergency forms with accurate contact information must be completed each year and updated with any phone number or address changes immediately.
Your child will have yearly height, weight, and blood pressure screenings. Vision screenings will be conducted for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. Hearing screenings will be conducted for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Students aged 10 and up will receive a scoliosis screening if parent/guardian consent is provided. Parents/guardians will be notified of any deficits, and it is their responsibility to follow-up with a medical professional and inform the nurse of the results.
Even though you do not want your child to miss school, sick children cannot be sent to school. They need to rest and recuperate and also help prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. Please note the following symptoms which require a child to stay home:
*Fever of 100 degrees or more *Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
* Vomiting or diarrhea *Skin rashes
* Continuous loose or productive cough *Strep throat
*Runny nose with green or yellow discharge *Pain
* Head lice
**A child may return to school when the fever has been gone for 24 hours without needing any fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin, and when the vomiting or diarrhea has stopped for a full 24 hours and she is tolerating food again. If the child has been placed on an antibiotic, they must take it for a full 24 hours before returning to school.
**A child who has been out with head lice (which the nurse must be informed about immediately) must be seen by the nurse before returning to class. Our district has a nit-free policy.
Please let the nurse know of any allergies that your child has, especially food allergies and of any other information that will help keep your child healthy and safe in school.