Health Office

School Health Services will promote health and wellness in order that students and staff may work
in an environment conducive to learning.

The school health team for the elementary schools consists of school nurses, Whitney Lawton
Linnenbringer, R.N., Emily Martineau, R.N., Ashley Minns, R.N., Sarah Valego, R.N., and Bridget
Walz, R.N. Our school physician is Geraldine Rubin, M.D.

The primary responsibility for your child’s health and well-being is the parents’. Your school nurse is
available to assist students and families with questions and concerns that relate to your child’s
health. Parents are encouraged to call the nurse for information and advice. The school nurse
works closely with teachers and others to ensure that your child’s educational goals are being met.

The school nurse collaborates with parents and others in the assessment process to help identify
children with special learning needs. She may initiate referrals. The school nurse provides the
necessary link between educators and the medical community.

A cumulative health record is maintained on each child K-12. This includes a required physical
exam by the family physician and the following required immunizations (RSA 200:38).

The New Hampshire state law requires that all students must have documentation of their
immunizations. The required list of immunizations can be found at Immunization | Division of
Public Health Services or provided by the school nurse.

Students who have not been fully immunized will not be in compliance with the law and will be
placed on a “Conditional Enrollment”, provided there is documentation of at least one dose of each
required vaccine. The parent or guardian will be asked to provide an appointment date for the next
due dose of vaccine from a health care provider. This appointment date shall serve as the
suspension date if the child fails to keep the scheduled appointment. This process shall continue
until acceptable immunization status is attained.

The school health record also contains a health history, annual height and weight. GRADES 1, 3 and
5 include vision and hearing screening.

All transfer students must provide documentation of required immunization and/or a copy of the
cumulative health records. A physician’s report of physical examination is also required for all
transfer students. Those students not in compliance will not be allowed to enter school.

During the school year, the school nurse provides health screenings for students. These include, but
are not limited to, hearing and vision. When appropriate, these screenings may be conducted or
assisted by capable, trained and competent persons under the school nurse’s direction and
supervision, i.e., Lion’s Club eyesight screening.

Prescription and non-prescription medication to be taken during school time must be delivered to
school by the parent in the original container. Written permission from the parent/guardian must
be sent to the nurse for any student who will be taking medication during the school day.

Prescription medications require authorization from the physician. If your child is taking daily
medication at home, please inform the school nurse. The nurse can monitor for possible side
effects.

Head lice (Pediculosis) is an intermittent problem at the elementary level. We need the help of
parents to prevent an epidemic of head lice.

● Please check your children weekly to see if there are signs of head lice or nits. (Look
especially behind the ears and top of the head. Nits resemble dandruff but do not brush off.)
If you find them, either seek medical attention or the assistance of a pharmacist. Also,
please notify the School Nurse.
● Carefully follow the written directions, which accompany the recommended treatment.
● It is important to use a fine tooth comb to remove all nits as they stick to the hair and do
not wash out.

When in doubt about your child’s health on any given day, please keep him/her home. Your child
may be coming down with something that can be transmitted to other children. Any child with signs
of illness (fever, rash, vomiting, etc.) should be kept home.

Children need fresh air and exercise. We expect that children will go out for recess breaks. Any
long-term request that a child stay in for recess will require a note from a physician. During
inclement weather, the principal or the teacher on duty will make a decision whether the children
should be kept in or out. A good rule to follow would be to always dress children for outdoor recess.

STUDENTS MUST REMAIN EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL WITH:
● CHICKEN POX - For 1 week after the first skin lesions appear.
● STREP INFECTIONS - For 24 hours after treatment has started.
● ALL OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - per NH State Law
The school nurse will determine when it is safe for the child to return to school.