Welcome to the Health Services web page.  This site has been designed to provide you with an introduction to some of the services provided by our nursing staff.  There will be links provided for many of the forms required for our health records, as well as links to information on common childhood illnesses.  We are dedicated to the health and well being of our students and their families.

What does my child need for school registration?

Immunization Record 

Exemption

If you have a philosophical, medical or religious reason for not vaccinating your child, you will find the link to the form at the bottom of the page.  Please keep in mind that this exemption form must be completed annually and must have a written explanation for the exemption as stated by Maine State Law.  For more detailed information about State immunization laws, please refer to the following link:

State of Maine Immunization Law. Immunization Requirements for School Children (Joint Agency Rule of the Maine Department of Education(Chapter 126) and the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention(Chapter 261) (Revised Dec. 2016))

Health & Wellness Form

Health History

We ask parents for all children entering Pre-K, Kindergarten and all transfer students to complete a Health History Form upon registering their child.  Once we have the completed health history form, we have an abbreviated Health Update Form that needs to be completed annually.  These health forms provide us with the most current medical information and/or health needs for your child.  Having updated and accurate medical information allows us to provide the best and most appropriate care for your child.  You can also find each link to the health forms below. 

Physical Exam

It’s important for children to have regular well-child checks with their health care provider.  It is the policy of our district that a copy of an Physical Exam Form be provided to the school nurse during the following intervals;  for students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th Grades, as well as all transfer students.  This form also serves as the required athletic clearance for students who wish to participate in sports.  Below is the link to a district physical and athletic exam form that is to be completed by your healthcare provider.

What if my child needs medications at school?

Medications should be given at home when possible.  In the event your child requires medicine at school, you will need to complete the Medication Permission Form and bring the medicine in the original bottle(this will serve as the health care provider’s signature).  Students are not allowed to transport medication to or from school.

We do provide Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen as needed for students with occasional discomfort.  There is a check box on our health forms that give us permission to do so.  For all other over the counter medicines, our policy states a medical provider must prescribe these medications in order for them to be given at school.  If your child has a condition that warrants over the counter medicine frequently please speak with your provider to obtain a prescription to help us comply with this policy.  These also need to come to school in original containers. 

Medical/Allergy Plans

Medical/Allergy Plans need to be updated each year.  If your child has Asthma, Seizure Disorder or a Severe Allergy that requires a health plan please speak with your provider to obtain one.  An updated plan is required each school year.  We cannot use the plan from the previous year.  These forms can also be found below.

Maine state law allows students to self carry emergency medicines, at the discretion of the school nurse with proper documentation.  This needs to be indicated on the health plan with signatures from doctor and parent. 

For more information on state law related to medication at school, please refer to the following link:

Maine DOE Ruler Chapter 40 - Rule for Medication Administration in Maine Schools(revised May 2016)

Concussion Management and Information

Because concussions can have a more serious effect on a young developing brain, knowledge of a concussion's symptoms and appropriate management of the return to school process is very important.  If you suspect your child has sustained a concussion, you should contact your primary care provider for evaluation.  Before your child returns to school, please contact your child's school nurse who will help manage the return to school plan, ass well as their recovery.  We do have a Return to School Plan form that will need to be filled out by your doctor.  Please find forms and additional links for more information below.

RSU 5 has a policy on concussion management which can be found here - Concussion Policy 

Illness Guidelines

Students who become ill during the school day will be assessed by the school nurse and receive appropriate care and supervision in the nurse's office.  The school nurse will dismiss the student only after a parent or other designated emergency contact has been informed.  In accordance with Maine Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, a child should not attend school if he/she exhibits one or more of the following symptoms or infections:

• Fever - Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees F or higher.
• Diarrhea - Watery, foul-smelling, runny and/or bloody stools.
• Vomiting - In the last 24-hour period.
• Rash - An unexplained rash with fever or behavioral change.  Child can return to school if a physician has determined the illness is not communicable and fever is gone.
• Bacterial infections requiring antibiotics - If your child is placed on antibiotics for any kind of infection please consult school nurse for return to school recommendations.

Students should be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for 24 hours before returning to school.

What health screenings are done at our Schools?

It is important to identify students who may have hearing and/or vision deficits.  The impact on their learning may be significant if a problem goes undetected.  Students may not be able to recognize themselves that something is wrong, and compensate in ways that may look like behavioral issues or learning disabilities.

Vision screening will take place in Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9th grades.

Hearing screening will take place in Pre-K, K, 1, 3, and 5th grades.

If a problem is suspected you will be contacted.

Some schools may also do height and weight screening.

For more detailed information about school health screenings, please refer to the following link:

Maine DOE Rule Chapter 45 - Rule for Vision and Hearing Screening in Maine Public Schools - effective April 1, 2006.

All forms and health plans are available in the main office, or by the following links:

Parent Resources

These are a few of the resources that we frequently refer parents and staff to with questions about more common health concerns.  Many of these resources are taken directly from the Maine CDC/DHSS website.  If you have any questions that are not answered here, are having difficulty finding information that may not be listed here or if you'd like further information, please feel free to contact us.