Health Office

< back

General Health Policies

Lice Procedure (pediculosis)

When a student is found to have pediculosis (lice infestation):

• The parent or guardian will be notified that their child has lice and treatment is needed.
• The student will be checked when he or she returns to school.
• If further treatment is needed the nurse will notify the parent or guardian.

Parents will not be notified when other students have lice for the following reasons:

• Privacy
• The risk of getting lice from a classmate in class is very low.
• To prevent over treatment of non affected students.

The school nurse may at his/her discretion exclude a student when there is an apparent lack of treatment leading to continued lice infestation and/or viable nits.

Students With Injuries

Students with obvious injuries such as splints, casts, crutches, etc… need to bring a note from the doctor to the health office that specifies:

• The nature of the injury.
• What accommodations will be needed.
• How long accommodations are expected to be needed.

Your student will not be allowed to return to activities such as PE, recess, or sports until a note is received from the doctor releasing him/her to participate.

For more minor injuries, a parent may request in writing that for a short, specified amount of time (no more than one week), their student be excused from PE, recess, or sports.

Students With Communicable Diseases

Students with a communicable disease will not be permitted in school until the contagious period is over or until a physician recommends a return.  Please discuss any issues with your school nurse before your student returns.   Schools are required to comply with the Arizona Department of Health Services' mandatory reporting requirements for communicable diseases. 

Information on required reporting can be found at https://azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/index.php#reporting-schools.

Taking Medication at School

Students should not be carrying any type of medication. If it is necessary for your child to take medication during school hours please observe the following:

Prescription Medications

• The medication must be given to the health office in the prescription container. It will be stored in the health office
• Students may carry inhalers or epi-pens as prescribed with appropriate documentation, including the doctor’s order.
• The official school medication form (from the health office) must be completed and signed by a parent.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• The medication must be given to the health office in the original, properly labeled container. It will be stored in the health office. Students may not carry medications.
• The official school medication form (from the health office) must be completed and signed by a parent.