HAMPTON CITY SCHOOLS EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY, WHATEVER IT TAKES!

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HEALTH SERVICES

 


Carrie Battista,
BSN, RN, NCSN, Director of Health Services

 

Andrea Rollins, BSBA
Administrative Secretary II

 

Our Staff

 

1 Franklin Street Suite 363
Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: 727-2363
FAX: 727-2364

graphic of first aid materials

Welcome to Health Services

 

Hampton City Schools employs registered and licensed practical nurses to provide school-based health services. All are licensed in Virginia and many have bachelors or masters degrees in the field. All of our schools have a full-time nurse. The nurse is responsible for providing care and serving as a medical resource and health consultant for students, parents and staff. The nurse reviews admission requirements, implements specialized health care plans, renders first aid, manages medications, provides in-service training, performs annual inspections, teaches health related topics, and serves as a vital link between parents and health care providers. At our PreK through eighth grade schools, we have, in addition to the RN, licensed practical nurses, LPNs. All middle and high schools have a health clerk that assists in first-aid care and clerical support. All staff are CPR/AED/First-Aid certified.

 

The primary focus of school nursing is to be an advocate for children’s health and safety within the educational setting. The school nurse’s duties are many and include:

  • Identifying, assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the health needs of students with acute illness or injury
  • Screening for health factors impacting student education (vision, hearing, etc.)
  • Making referrals based on evaluation and need of the student (vision, hearing, Child Protective Services)
  • Administering medications
  • Training of medication administration to school personnel
  • Creating individualized health care plans for students with disabilities or health conditions that might interfere with the learning process
  • Providing health services for students with special health needs
  • Serving as a health expert to the child study and eligibility team
  • Educating parents, students and staff about chronic disease, health promotion, medications, and nutrition
  • Counseling students, parents, and staff regarding health concerns
  • Acting as a liaison between school, community, and health care providers
  • Participating on the crisis team
  • Identifying health and safety concerns in the school environment
  • Advising administrators and others about health trends
  • Serving on school committees
  • Following local, state, and federal policies
  • Maintaining confidential health records

The decision for medical care rests with the parents and parents are always contacted to take their child home or to the doctor as the need arises. Transportation for students is also a parent responsibility. We hope that your child’s school experience will be happy and rewarding. A portion of the school curriculum is devoted to teaching healthy behaviors, which hopefully will become life-long habits and help prevent the need for costly medical care.

“You cannot educate a child who is not healthy, and you cannot keep a child healthy who is not educated.” -Jocelyn Elders

Immunization Requirements for School Entry


Prekindergarten Health Entrance

Kindergarten through Fifth Health Entrance

SCHOOL HEALTH ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

All children entering Hampton City Schools for the first time must have a current health examination physical.

  • Students entering Prekindergarten must present prior to school entry a record of a comprehensive physical examination, as well, as a record of immunizations as required by their age level at the time of school entry. Any student turning four (4) after the first day of school must complete all required shots within fifteen (15) calendar days after their fourth birthday to remain in the program.
  • Students entering Kindergarten through grade five (5) MUST PRESENT PRIOR TO SCHOOL ENTRY a record of a comprehensive physical examination. The examination must have been done within the last twelve (12) months prior to the date the student first enters public kindergarten or elementary school. The school must have a copy of the physical examination findings. The physical form (MCH213G) can be obtained from the school office.

  • All students entering Kindergarten through grade twelve (12) MUST PRESENT PRIOR TO SCHOOL ENTRY a record that the child has received the immunizations required by the Commonwealth of Virginia. For specific requirements, contact the school nurse, Health Services office, or the Hampton City Schools web site (www.hampton.k12.va.us). Immunizations must be documented with complete dates on form MCH213G, official military shot record, or Health Department or doctor’s office form with appropriate signature.

Immunization Requirements

Pre-Kindergarten: All state of Virginia four-year-old shots are required for a child to participate in a pre-kindergarten program. Any student turning four after the first day of school must complete all required shots within 15 days after their 4th birthday to remain in the program.

Kindergarten through twelfth grade: All students must adhere to the state of Virginia’s School & Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements for Entry into School:

 

Documentary proof shall be provided of adequate age appropriate immunization with the prescribed number of doses of vaccine indicated below for attendance at a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care center, nursery school, family day care home or developmental center. Vaccines must be administered in accordance with the harmonized schedule of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians and must be administered within spacing and age requirements.

 

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap) - A minimum of 4 properly space doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria. A booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade.

 

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.

 

Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine – Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older.

 

Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine - This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age. A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on the manufacturer) followed by a booster dose at age 12-15 months. However, the child’s current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.

 

Hepatitis B Vaccine - A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children born on and after January I, 1994. However, the FDA has approved a 2-dose schedule ONLY for adolescents 11-15 years of age AND ONLY when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine issued. The 2 RECOMBIVAX HB Adult doses must be separated by a minimum of 4 months. If the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule is used, there should be at least 1 month spacing between the 1st and 2nd doses and 4 months spacing between the 1st and 3rd doses.

 

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine - Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine - A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubeola. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2. 

 

Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine:  One to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of properly spaced pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine for children up to 60 months of age. This is not required for kindergarten.

 

Polio Vaccine - A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.

 

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - All susceptible children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

 

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FORM

pill bottleMedication at School

General Information

If your child is on medication, it is recommended that arrangements be made with the prescribing doctor so that the medicine may be taken before or after school hours. If this is not possible, please see the information below to ensure you are in compliance with HCS medication policies.  If you have any questions please contact your school’s nurse. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide refills as necessary throughout the school year and to pick up all unused medication at the end of the school year. Medication not picked up will be discarded.

 

Please note the following:

  • Proper medication permission forms must be completed annually by the prescribing doctor.
  • Medication must be brought to the school clinic in a properly labeled, pharmacy issued bottle by a parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian is unable to bring the medication to the school or retrieve such medication by the last student day of the year, another adult may be designated by the parent/guardian via phone or in writing to transport the medication. For this purpose, an adult is defined as someone 18 years of age or older.
  • Narcotic analgesics, such as Tylenol with Codeine or Vicodin, will not be given in school.

Medication Request Form SBO 23 pdf

Carrying Medication:
Students may not possess medication at any time during school hours or activities. Exceptions may be made for those students who require certain inhaled asthma medications, self-injected epinephrine, or other emergency medication. Student possession of such emergency medications shall require an additional form signed by a physician, parent, student, and the school nurse. Students who abuse this privilege may lose the ability to carry and self-administer medications.
Authorization to Carry and Self-Administer Medications (SBO 28)
Authorization to Carry and Self Administer Epinephrine (auto-injector)

Important Forms/Information for Students with Life-Threatening Allergies:
Parent and Student Responsibilities for Life-Threatening Alleries
Checklists for Parents of Students With Life Threatening Allergies
Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP) to be completed by a parent
Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP) to be completed by a health care provider
Dietary Modification Medical Statement Form SBO 457

 

Other Medication Issues & Forms:

Children with Asthma and/or Life Threatening Allergies require special written health care plans completed and signed by their health care provider and co-signed by their parent/legal guardian:

Children with asthma may need an ASTHMA ACTION PLAN (AAP) especially if medication is kept in the school and/or hand carried.  The Asthma Action Plan helps to manage your child’s asthma. At school, the Asthma Action Plan tells school staff which medications to use to prevent and/or respond to asthma emergencies.

  • Completed by the child’s regular health care provider (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant)
  • Entire form must filled out, dated, signed and given to the school nurse along with needed medications and devices
  • Form is good for entire school year
  • If appropriate for your child, they may self-carry and administer their own asthma medications at school if the School Medication Consent and Health Care Provider Order (bottom right of form) is completed and approved by your child’s health care provider and the school

Children with life threatening allergies may need the LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN (LAMP)especially if they have medication in the school and/or hand carry medication. The Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan helps to manage your child’s life threatening allergic reactions. At school, the Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan tells school staff what to do to prevent (such as avoiding the child’s allergens) and/or respond to life-threatening allergy emergencies.

  • Completed by the child’s regular health care provider (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant)
  • Must include up to date weight taken at your child’s health care provider’s office to ensure correct medication amounts
  • Entire form must filled out, dated, signed and given to the school nurse along with needed medications and devices
  • Form is good for entire school year
  • If appropriate for your child, they may self-carry and administer their own medication if the Permission to Carry and/or Self-Administer Epinephrine LAMP FORM PG. 2 (LINK) is completed and approved by your child’s health care provider and the school

Children with Seizure/Epilepsy may need a Seizure Action Plan especially if they have medication in the school.

Medications for After School Activities/Events:
In regard to emergency medications a student may need available for after school activities/events, it is extremely important parents/guardians notify the individual in charge of the activity/event about this need. Examples of emergency medications include Epi-Pens ®, insulin, glucagon and asthma inhalers. After regular school hours, the clinic is closed and a nurse is not available. Prescribed medication in the clinic cannot be used for before or after school activities. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide the medication and develop a plan with the individual in charge of the before or after school activity/event so a safe environment may be maintained. The school nurse can provide a copy of the doctor’s order and assist in training, if needed. Please note a student may carry emergency medications when the proper procedure is followed as stated above. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to develop a plan with the nurse and the individual in charge of the after-school activity/event so a safe environment may be maintained.

health tips

Eating Disorders

Should my child stay home from school?

 

No, if he/she has…
Vague complaints of aches, pains or fatigue
Sniffles or a mild cough without a fever
A single episode of diarrhea or vomiting without other symptoms

Yes, if he/she…
Has a temperature of 100.4° or higher. Keep them home until fever-free for 24 hours without medicine. Never give aspirin to a child under 19 years old. If has had two or more episodes of diarrhea or vomiting must remain out 24 hours once symptoms have stopped without medication.

 

When your own judgment tells you that your child is not well. If you suspect your child may be ill, delay sending them to school until you have had enough time to observe their behavior and feel certain that they are well enough to be in school.

 

Your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness and has not yet received medication for a minimum of 24 hours, or until your doctor tells you your child is no longer contagious.

 

A red eye with white or yellow discharge or matted eyelids after sleep

An earache
Constant, thick nasal discharge
A sore throat, so bad that your child will not eat or drink
A persistent productive cough or wheezing
More than one episode of diarrhea or vomiting
An undiagnosed rash or spot
Chicken Pox. Your child may return when all of the blisters are scabbed over and dry.
Extreme fatigue
A lot of pain for some reason (for example, a new injury)
Head Lice. Your child may not return until treated and no live lice. Parent/Guardian must bring student to the school nurse to be checked before returning to class.

 

Hydration Tips

 

During the summer months, children as well as adults enjoy many outdoor activities. These activities put people at a greater risk for dehydration and heat stress. Dehydration is the loss of both body water and electrolytes which are vital to the function of the human body. Not having enough water and electrolytes interferes with normal body processes and can lead to a serious and potentially fatal condition. The following are warning signs of dehydration and heat stress: fatigue, lethargy, rapid breathing, tenting (if the skin does not bounce back readily when lightly pinched and lifted), dark colored urine, low or no urine output, headache, and the inability to produce tears.

 

The best defense in the prevention of dehydration is proper hydration.

 

Here are some tips to help you and your child to stay well-hydrated:

1. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water each day. A person who is more active will require even more water to properly rehydrate.
2. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water. By the time a person becomes thirsty, they have probably lost two or more cups of their total body water composition.
3. Don’t substitute other beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol for water. Although all beverages help to hydrate the body, beverages containing caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and cause loss of water by increasing urination.
4. Begin and end your day with water. Even while we sleep, we lose water.
5. Drink water throughout exercising. During a workout, take frequent water breaks. Many people underestimate the amount of fluids lost with perspiration.
6. Drink cool water instead of carbonated beverages or sports drinks for keeping hydrated when it is warm outside. Cool water is absorbed more quickly than warm fluids. Save the sports drinks for the long training sessions or for after exercise is completed.
7. Don’t forget that illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, etc. cause water loss that frequently leads to dehydration. Keep a bottle of water by your bedside and sip on it throughout the day if you are home sick.

 

Returning to School after an Injury or Surgery

Hampton City Schools (HCS) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students.  It is important for the nurses at HCS to be aware of anytime a student has been injured, whether at school or at home, which might require any change in the academic day.  Please review the following medical issues that may require additional information before your student returns to school.

 

Concussion/Head Injury:
If a student has sustained a concussion or brain injury diagnosis by a coach/athletic trainer or medical provider, the following things MUST be completed prior to returning to school.  It is also important to know if the student has sustained multiple concussions.

  1. Concussion Protocol, Information & Form
  2. A Return to Learn form must be completed by your medical provider and returned to the school nurse.
  3. Depending on the degree of the concussion symptoms, your student may need to be considered for a 504 Plan.  Please discuss this with the school nurse and school counselor for your student.

Injury requiring any orthopedic device (crutches, boot, cast, etc.):

  1. Documentation from a medical provider stating diagnosis and length of required use of crutches or orthopedic device must be provided to the school nurse upon return to school.  If due to this device your student has to wear something that is not allowed in HCS Dress Code policy, a doctor’s note must state this.  Complete Authorization to Communicate with Doctor.
  2. If the student participates in PE and/or recess, a doctor’s order needs to be provided on how long the student will not be participating.  Since PE is part of the academic day this order must be given upon return to school or the parent will be contacted to pick the student up or bring the necessary documentation.  This is for the safety of the student and ensuring all necessary staff are aware of the changes and limitations.  If the provider did not put an end date for the restriction, we will need a clearance order once the student no longer needs any modifications to his/her day.
  3. If the school where your student attends has stairs and an elevator, have the provider include, if appropriate, the need for elevator pass until cleared.

Surgery, minor and major:
Any surgery can impact a student’s academic day.  The following information should be reviewed before the student returns to school.

  1. All students who have had surgery will need a provider’s note of clearance to return to school to include:
    • Surgical diagnosis
    • Dates of absence and return date
    • Any restrictions to activity, participation in PE/recess.  The provider must indicate the start date and the end date.
    • Any restrictions in carrying a book bag/lunch; limits in lifting a certain amount of weight; leaving 5 minutes before class to be in next class before transition/dismissal.
    • Order for medication, if needed in school.
  2. If the school where your student attends has stairs and an elevator, have the provider include, if appropriate, the need for elevator pass until cleared.
  3. If, as a result of injury or surgery, your student will need to take medication during the school day, the parent/guardian must:
    • Provide the school clinic with a proper medication permission form that has been signed by a licensed healthcare provider.  The form must also be signed by the parent/guardian.  Please note: No narcotic analgesics, such as Tylenol with Codeine or Vicodin, may be given at school, per Hampton City Schools’ policy.
    • Bring the medication to the school clinic in a properly labeled bottle.  A properly labeled bottle means: With the label clearly stating the student’s name, the date, the dosage of the medication, the frequency of the doses, the licensed healthcare provider’s name and other information which may be pertinent for the proper administration of the medication.

Cover Virginia

Healthy students are more successful in school and are absent less often. Children without health insurance are more likely to miss school, have untreated health problems, and have less academic success. Health insurance is important to make sure that kids are able to get all the help they need to grow up healthy. You can still get all the same great information about the FAMIS program by going to the Cover Virginia website at www.coverva.org and selecting FAMIS from the drop down list under Programs. However, the greatest benefit of the transition is that now, you can also get information about Medicaid and Plan First – all on the same website. You can find out who is eligible for each program by using the Am I Eligible screening tool, find out how to apply, and learn how to connect with the Cover Virginia Call Center or link to the online application through Common Help. Coverva.org provides reference and referral information about the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, Navigators and application assisters.

 

Local Assistance:
Apply online at www.commonhelp.viriginia.gov or contact your FAMIS Community Outreach Specialist Victoria Johnson at: vjohnson@theplanningcouncil.org or (757) 622-9268 Ext. 3042. For more information or to determine if your child is eligible for FAMIS go to www.commonhelp.virginia.gov and click on “Am I Eligible”.

School Health Advisory Board

 

Mission Statement:
The School Health Advisory Board shall assist with the development of health policy in the school division and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services.

 

Purpose:
The School Health Advisory Board for Hampton City Schools shall advise, support, and assist with the development of effective board practices and procedures, review relevant school health policies, foster family and community support and involvement in developing and implementing school health programs. This will include health instruction, healthy school environment, school health services, school counseling, physical education, family life education, school services, and health promotion for staff members.

 

SHAB Contact person:
Edwina Forrest
Food and Nutrition Services
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, VA 23666
757-727-2350
eforrest@hampton.k12.va.us

Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 28  

 

Governor Glenn Youngkin released Executive Order 28. The Executive Order directed the Virginia Department of Education to issue guidance regarding (1) best practices to support decision-making protocols for school leaders developing parent notification protocols regarding school-connected student overdoses, (2) best practices for law enforcement collaboration with school-connected student overdoses, and (3) information about drug education and prevention programs for students.  

 

As such, the information below is meant to provide students, parents, and school personnel with information, programs, and resources on opioid use and abuse to ensure the health and safety of  all students in Virginia. 

 

The Impact of Opioids 

 

In Virginia, drug overdoses are the leading cause of unnatural death and have been since 2013.  More Virginians die every year from overdoses than from automobile crashes. Opioids - specifically fentanyl - has been the driving force behind the large increases. In 2021, fentanyl  contributed to 76.4% of all Virginia overdose deaths. It was estimated that 98% of these fatal  fentanyl overdoses in Virginia were caused by the illicit, rather than prescription, version of the  drug. Awareness and education are two of the best defenses against opioid misuse and overdose. 

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH),  provides important information on Opioids and the devastating impact that the drug epidemic is  having in communities and schools. Resources include data on the current impact of opioids,  research on drug use and addiction, overdose prevention, and opioid overdose reversal  medications. 

 

The Virginia Department of Health provides primary and overdose prevention strategies in  English and Spanish, Virginia-specific drug overdose and health-related data, health impact data,  and provider training and education. 


Drug Education and Prevention Programs 

 

Local school divisions and parents seeking information for students to develop good decision making skills and prevent violations of Virginia law may consider the following: 

 

Federal Programs and Resources 

 

One Pill Can Kill: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) created this  campaign to encourage the use of social media to help raise public awareness of a significant  nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced in labs, deceptively marketed as  legitimate, and are killing Americans at an unprecedented rate. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin launched Virginia’s "One Pill Can Kill” public  awareness initiative in November 2022 to help generate open, honest conversations amongst  families about the extreme threat that counterfeit drugs and opioids pose. 

 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA is the agency  within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leading public health efforts to  advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA provides multiple resources on the warning signs of opioid overdose and how naloxone and medications for OUD treatment can  help treat and prevent it. 

 

National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA, under The National Institute of Health (NIH), is the  lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and addiction and provides data  and resources on Opioid use. 

 

Virginia Programs and Resources  

 

Virginia Rules: Virginia Rules is an educational program especially designed to help  instructors, parents, and students understand the laws that apply to Virginia teens in their  everyday lives. Information includes violations and penalties regarding possession, sale,  distribution, or manufacturing of opioids in the school setting.  

 

Curb the Crisis: Curb the Crisis features information about where to seek treatment for opioid  misuse for yourself or a loved one. Alongside the latest research and data on the opioid crisis, it  also contains information on referral and treatment services in Virginia.  

 

Substance Use Disorders and Opioid Addiction in School Communities: The VDOE Virginia  Career and Learning Center for School Mental Health Professionals offers professional  development and career opportunities for school counselors, school social workers, school  psychologists, and other licensed school mental health professionals in Virginia Public Schools. 

This nine module training series provides school divisions and relevant stakeholders with  important information on opioid overdose prevention, effective approaches, and access to care.  

 

State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA): Each state has a designee that plays a key role in  providing oversight and support to the opioid treatment programs that use methadone and other  Food and Drug Administration-approved medications and provide counseling and other services to individuals with opioid use disorder. For Virginia, the SOTA is Diane Oehl - diane.oehl@dbhds.virginia.gov. 


Additionally, Hampton City Schools School Social Work Department has created a Hampton Roads Resource Guide. This guide may be helpful for families seeking mental health support for drug use and addiction.  


Parent Notification 

 

Per the Executive Order, school divisions should notify all families in the division when a school-connected student overdose occurs. 

 

Please note that often medical events require medical and/or law enforcement investigations to determine what occurred. While we recognize that it is important to notify families as quickly as possible, the Virginia Department of Education recommends that the school division allow the medical and law enforcement professionals to medically/scientifically verify that the student emergency is a school-connected student overdose. 

 

As such, Hampton City Schools will utilize a ParentSquare post (email) to notify all HCS families in the division once a school-connected student overdose is confirmed by a medical and/or law enforcement investigation.