Nurse

Broad Street Elementary School Health Office

Arlene Dwyer, RN

School Nurse

Every child deserves to be fit and healthy to gain maximum benefit from their education. Please take a few minutes to note some very important information that will help me provide the best care and services for you and your child.  You may also view the school district’s health policy in your Student/Parent Handbook.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

All students enrolled in Nashua schools must fulfill the immunization requirements in accordance to NH State law. A report of a physical exam is also required upon entrance to school.  You may also link to the State of NH for immunization requirements. www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/IMMUNIZATION

Health Forms 

MEDICATION POLICY

I am happy to assist students who need medications at school, and request that all medications be brought to the school by a parent, guardian or designated adult – not a child for reasons of safety. All medication must be in the original container and clearly labeled. Medication, both prescription and over the counter requires written consent and dosage instructions by a parent or guardian.  For the administration of prescription drugs, a written order from the child’s health care provider must be on file in the school health office. All orders and parental consents must be renewed annually.                                          

Health Screenings

Vision screening is done on the students of Grades 2 and 4 as well as referrals from teachers or parents. Dr. Carl Quimby, OD does Grade 2 vision clinic. Students who fail the vision screening will be sent home with a referral form for further evaluation by an eye physician.

Postural screening (scoliosis) will be done by the school nurse on Grade 5 students. Permission forms will be sent home before the screening. This screening is optional. 

STUDENT ILLNESS AND INJURY

We make every effort to safeguard your child’s health at school. To insure optimum care, it is important to update the school of any changes of new phone numbers, changes in your child’s health, new medications or anything that may impact your child’s well-being at school. 

CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Your child’s health is important to me. Hygiene and good health habits are encouraged and emphasized throughout the year. Please call me whenever you are not certain about sending your child to school.  School is no place for a sick child. The learning process is compromised and other students are placed at a potential risk by exposure to that child’s illness. Students should not come to school if they are experiencing a fever of 100 degrees F or over, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, rash, deep cough or a communicable disease such as chicken pox, strep throat, impetigo, conjunctivitis or head lice. First aid and medical care provided by the school nurse are primarily for sudden illnesses, chronic health conditions, an injury that occurs during the school day, or for treatment directed by the family physician.  

Gym and Recess Excuses

No student will be excused from gym or recess unless a directive is received from the child’s physician indicating that due to recent illness or injury the student should not participate.

Health Habits 

Have your child start the day right with breakfast.  The best way to jumpstart a healthy mind for learning is with a healthy breakfast.  It also helps deter stomach aches and headaches throughout the school day.  Another main ingredient to a child's successful day at school is a good night's sleep.  Complaints of headaches, stomach aches and not feeling well can often be attributed to poor sleeping habits.  Inadequate sleep in children can have a negative effect on their performance in school, on the playground and social relationships.  Please encourage and promote at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night for your child.  Show a good example for healthy food choices.  Young children don't always have big appetites but their choices can be healthy.  A sandwich, piece of fruit or vegetable and a nutritious drink is a good combinationfor lunch.  Hand washing is the number one defense against illness.  Encourage frequent and good handwashing before eating, after using the toilet or after handling animals.

If you take good care of yourself and provide a positive health role model for your child then you are more likely to have a healthy child.

Further information regarding the Nashua School District Health Policy can be found in the Student Parent Handbook.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Phone: (603) 594-4404 – Fax: (603) 882-2332

dwyera@nashua.edu