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
    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 (after age 12 months)
    • 1 Hib (after age 12 months)
    • 1 Prevnar
    • 1 Varicella (after age 12 months) 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
    7-12th GRADE:
     
    Please note that these 2 immunizations must be obtained prior to entering 7th grade, in addition to the minimum vaccination requirements prior to entering Maryland Public Schools.
    • 1 Tdap
    • 1 Meningococcal
     
    Medications
    In general, the administration of medication to students, while they are in school, is discouraged. If a student must have medication while in school, treatment schedules that allow doses to be given at times other than during 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 parent(s) or guardian(s) 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 to such things 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
    • Fever - a 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
  • During the cold and flu season. If you or someone you know may need a flu shot, check with your doctor’s office to see what their clinic hours will be. Most pharmacies are also administering this vaccine.
     
    If you or your child experiences flu symptoms, contact your family doctor immediately. There are medications that may shorten the course and severity of the illness.
     
    Remember, your best protection from illness is to wash your hands frequently. If your child’s illness requires a doctor’s visit, remember to obtain an excuse, otherwise please send a parent's note. If you are ill, stay home until you are better and upon return, please remember to sneeze and cough into your sleeve!
     

    Chronic Illness

    ADD/ADHD

    Asthma

    Diabetes

    Food Allergies

    Seizures

    Resource Links