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.)

 

 

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 / KINDERGARTEN:

 

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Please feel free to consult the nurse by phone or email in the morning if you are unsure about keeping your child home.

 

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

Chronic Illness

 

ADD/ADHD

 

Asthma

 

Diabetes

 

Seizures
Epilepsy Foundation

Counseling/Social Work Services

Resource Links