I am honered and excited to be the nurse at Mt. Pleasant.  My first priority is the health and safety of the students and staff.  I am here to assist every student with medical challenges that they may have and to ensure that the students have a safe and healthy learning environment.  Please let me know if I can help with any questions or concerns.

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.

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.

LICE CHECKS

School-wide head checks are not recommended or endorsed by the Harvard School of Public Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Centers for Disease Control. The most effective screening occurs when parents check their own children at home, treat if any are found, and make efforts to remove the nits. If I am notified or find a case of head lice in the classroom, the parent is notified and student is sent home for treatment. The student is welcomed back into the class after this initial treatment. I also check the entire class when a case is found. If more than one case is found in the classroom a note is sent home.

VISION

I will perform simple eye exams on the students of Grades 2 and 4 as well as referrals from teachers or parents. If a follow up is recommended a referral form will be sent home for further evaluation by an eye physician.

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. 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 note 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 10 to 12 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 combination for lunch. Hand washing is the number one defense against illness. Encourage frequent and good hand washing before eating, after using the toilet or after handling animals.

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.