School Nurse

  • Contact Information:

    Caroline Zimmerman, RN
    301.334.4704 (Phone)
    301.334.8095 (Fax)
     

Nurse Notes

  • Welcome to Crellin Elementary School's Health page! Here you will find updates about happenings at school, such as vision and hearing. I will post health information that is relevant to your family here. You will also find pictures of health-related activities that we do at school here. So keep an eye out!
     
    Welcome back to school!
    • We are so excited about starting out our 2020/2021 school year! We know that it will look different than ever. Remember that our ultimate goal is to keep everyone healthy. Please remember to follow all the guidelines for returning to school when sending your student back.
    • We are still battling COVID-19. Please remember to continue wearing a face mask when out in public, and as required. Wash, wash, wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating or when dirty. Using hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not an option. Keep your hands away from the "T-Zone" on your face that includes your eyes, nose and mouth.
     
    *TIPS TO MAKE KIDS MORE COMFORTABLE WITH MASKS*
    1. Model masks.
    Wear your mask around your child. Talk about why you are wearing a mask. Look at photos of your child's favorite characters or other people that wear a mask.
    2. Customize your child's mask for comfort and style.
    Have your child try on different masks to see what they like and feels best for them. Allow them to make a choice and get involved by decorating either a paper or fabric mask for use. REMEMBER that comfort is key.
    3. Have a variety of masks that your child likes.
    Use a different mask for different activities: for example, a cloth mask when going to the grocery store, and a paper mask for taking a walk around the block. Having several different masks allows for adequate laundering.
    4. Have your child practice wearing their mask.
    Start small and build up gradually, so your child feels relaxed and calm. Have your child first hold the mask up to their face. Practice placing the loops around their ears, then covering their mouth and then their nose with the mask. Provide positive reinforcement throughout the process to end with success.
    5. As often as possible, offer choices.
    Give your child the opportunity to see how and when to wear a mask: for example: "Do you want to wear your mask as soon as we get out of the car, or wait until we get to the door of the grocery store?" Remind your child that wearing a mask ISN'T a replacement for social distancing.
     
    Please look at the following chart for information on how school health will be addressing children with s/s of illness.
     
    Travel Policy for Families:
     
     
    Stay safe, healthy and active! We miss all of you and can't wait until we are back together at Crellin School!
     

School Requirements

  • Physical Exam
    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. A Physical Examination form designated by the Maryland State Department of Education may be used.

    Lead Testing
    Evidence of blood testing is required for all students who reside in a designated at risk area when first entering Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. The blood-lead testing certificate (DHMH 4620) or another written document signed by a Health Care Practitioner shall be used to meet this requirement. (All of Garrett County is designated as an at risk area.)

    Immunizations

    Vaccinations
    All students must meet the immunization requirements. Contact your nurse if your child has a bonafide religious objection or a permanent or temporary medical contraindication documented by your primary care provider, or have a signed exemption form to be enrolled in Garrett County Public Schools. Your child's school nurse will be able to answer any questions you might have.
     
    PRE-KINDERGARTEN (3 year old and 4 year old):
    • 4 dtap
    • 3 Polio
    • 3 Hepatitis B
    • 1 MMR
    • 1 Hib
    • 1 Prevnar
    • 1 dose of Varicella or History of Chickenpox
    • Must have a second dose of MMR and Varicella by age 5 to remain in school)
    KINDERGARTEN:
    • 4 Dtap
    • 3 Polio
    • 3 Hepatitis B
    • 2 MMR
    • 2 Varicella or documented history of chickenpox
    7TH GRADE-12TH GRADE:
    • 1 Tdap *
    • 1 Meningococcal *
    * Please note that these two immunizations must be obtained prior to entering 7th grade in addition to the minimum vaccination requirements for entering Maryland Public Schools.
     
     

    Medications
    In general, the administration of medication to students while they are in schools is discouraged. If a student must have medication while in school, treatment schedules which allow doses to be given at times other than during the school hours are preferred and encouraged. The medication must be provided to the school by the parent/guardian in the original container. The medication administration form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and the prescribing health care provider. This includes any prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. Inhalers for asthma, insulin for diabetes, and auto-injectors with epinephrine for severe allergic reactions are all considered EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS. These medications can be carried and self-administered by the student when appropriate and with authorization from the prescriber, parent, and school nurse.

    Vision/Hearing
    Vision and hearing screenings are routinely provided for all students in grades Pre-K, K, 1st and 8th. Screening is also provided for new students and by those referred to by a teacher or a parent/guardian. If your child should show abnormal results, a letter of notification will be sent home with referral recommendations.

    Health Emergencies
    In the case of an emergency at school, the parents or guardian will be notified. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be notified. Be sure to provide accurate and updated contact information. Changes/updates can be made by emailing or calling the school. If an emergency situation should arise and emergency medical services are needed, 911 will be called. Any and all measures will be taken to support the health and safety of the students.

    Please notify the school nurse immediately of any medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, seizures or life threatening allergies such as peanuts, other foods, insect bites or medications, which may cause an emergency situation with your child. Please provide the EpiPen and/or inhaler if ordered. The school nurse will work with you to develop a Health Care Plan to meet your child's health needs.

    When your child is sick……

    School attendance is important, but there are times when your child may need to stay at home. The following are guidelines that may help with making this decision should it become necessary.
    • Sore throat; unable to swallow with swollen, painful neck glands
    • Chills
    • Measured temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
    • Headache plus one other symptom
    • Earache
    • Rash, unexplained
    • Flushed face, especially cheeks
    • Runny nose with thick white or greenish mucous
    • Severe cough, persistent enough to be disruptive or that causes vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Vomiting: 2 episodes in 24hrs. (If sick through the night, stay home.)
    • Reddened eye/s with discharge (pus)
    • Asthmatics who: Have a respiratory infection, fever over 100 degrees, wheezing or coughing that does not get better one hour after taking medication, weakness or fatigue that makes daily activities difficult, or breathing difficulty.
    Please feel free to consult the nurse by phone or email in the morning if you are unsure about keeping your child home.
     
    Cold vs. flu symptoms table
    Signs and Symptoms Cold Influenza
    Onset Gradual Abrupt
    Fever Rare Usual
    Aches Slight Usual
    Chills Uncommon Common
    Fatigue, weakness Sometimes Usual
    Sneezing Common Sometimes
    Chest discomfort, cough Mild to moderate Common
    Stuffy nose Common Sometimes
    Sore throat Common Sometimes
    Headache Rare Common
     
    If you or someone you know needs a flu shot, check with your doctor’s office to see what their clinic hours will be. Most pharmacies are also administering this vaccine. You can also contact the Personal Health Clinic at Garrett County Health Department at 301.334.7777.
     
    Remember, your best protection from illness is to wash your hands frequently. If your child’s illness requires a doctor’s visit, remember to get a doctor's note, otherwise please send a parent's note. If you are ill, stay home until you are better! Upon return, please remember to sneeze and cough into your sleeve!

    Chronic Illness

    Asthma
    Asthma Action Plan/Order Form

    Seizures
    Epilepsy Foundation

    Diabetes
    Diabetes Management Form

    Food Allergies
    Diet Modification Form

    ADD/ADHD
    Vanderbilt Assessment Scales

    Resource Links