Nurse

SMCPS recognizes that severe allergies are increasingly being identified in our student population. Visit our SMCPS Guidelines to Reduce the Risk of Allergen Exposure Google Site to learn more.

If your child has a chronic health condition, the school nurse may need additional forms related to the condition. Your school nurse can provide these forms.

• Hand washing is the number one way to stop the spread of disease. Twenty seconds of soap and water scrubbing before meals and after bathroom breaks is a great way to start this healthy habit. Encourage this practice at home.

• Ensure adequate exercise and rest periods.

• Provide proper nutrition, including a good breakfast.

• Encourage good daily hygiene, including brushing teeth.

• Review the rules of safe play.

Maryland law requires all public pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade students to have a Maryland Blood Lead Testing Certificate. 

Please refer to the Lead Testing section of the SMCPS Student handbook for more information. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms.

Our student handbook details important information about student prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Please refer to the Medication Administration section of the SMCPS Student Handbook for more information. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A separate order form is needed for each medication/procedure, and a new order is needed for each school year. Your school nurse can provide the forms.

• Report illnesses to the nurse or office, taking the proper measures to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses is vital to keeping schools and students healthy.
• Alert your child’s teacher and the school nurse of any health conditions that may impact your child’s learning, daily activities, or safety at school. Medical documentation of conditions is encouraged and sometimes required.
• Inform the nurse of any health-related procedures or changes in your child’s medication.
• Update the school with any change in phone number(s) and emergency contact(s), so the nurse can reach you when needed.

A physical examination by a physician or certified nurse practitioner must be completed within nine months prior to entering the public school system or within six months after entering the system.

Please refer to the Physical Examination section of the SMCPS Student Handbook for more information. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms.

When is sick too sick for school?

Fever

If my temperature goes above 100°F (37.8°C, I need to stay at home. If I haven’t taken fever-reducing medication (For example: Motrin, Tylenol) for 24 hours and I am fever free, I can return to school.

Stomach Symptoms

If I am throwing up or have diarrhea, I need to stay at home. I can return to school after not experiencing these symptoms for 24 hours without medications to control these symptoms.

Pink Eye

Keep me at home if my eye(s) are pink and draining. I can go back to school after the draining has stopped. 

Send me to school if:

...I have the sniffles or a slight, infrequent cough without any other symptoms.

...I have a little headache.

...I have been taking my newly prescribed antibiotics (all types) for at least 24 hours.

...I have a tummyache, but there is no vomiting or diarrhea.

If you have questions about whether or not I am too sick for school, call my school nurse.

While we may not always feel our best, it is important to attend school. Regular attendance is crucial for learning success and personal growth. Being in school matters! 

The Effect of Absences on School Progress

SMCPS strongly advises scheduling all appointments and activities outside of school hours or on days when school is not in session.

Attendance Categories and Impact

• Very Good Attendance (100% to 95%)
  • Absences: 0 to 9 days absent.
  • Instruction Received: 171 to 180 days of education.
  • Outcome: Students have the best chance to achieve academic and social skills. This sends a clear message that school attendance matters.
• Truancy Concern (90% to 85%)
  • Absences: 18 to 27 days absent.
  • Instruction Received: 153 to 162 days of education.
  • Outcome: Students have a lower chance of academic success. This level of absence makes it difficult for a student to progress.
• Chronic Truancy (80% to 75%)
  • Absences: 36 to 45 days absent.
  • Instruction Received: 135 to 144 days of education.
  • Outcome: A student will find it very difficult to make consistent academic progress.