Parents/caregivers should review the following tips for a safe and healthy school year for their children:

1. If you are new in the area, register your children in a timely manner, so there is no delay in school entrance.
   
   
2. Keep up with state requirements for immunizations and physical examinations. Be prompt in obtaining these.
   
   
3. Always keep phone number contacts and places of work current and up-to-date with the school nurse.
   
   
4. Have a back-up plan in place in the event that you may not be accessible to your child, especially if you are a working parent.
   
   
5. Keep the school nurse updated on health issues of your child.
   
   
6. If your student is on medication or has particular treatments required during school hours, contact the school nurse to learn how this can be planned for and provided.
   
   
7. Keep children at home when they are ill. Administration of medication before school only delays the reappearance of symptoms and does not remove communicability and contagion. Rule of thumb: Child should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
   
   
8. Have children wear appropriate attire that is becoming to the students’ ages, activities and body structures.
   
   
9. Have children wear safe footwear, avoiding high heels, flip-flops, and slides. Sneakers are especially appropriate to a school setting.
   
   
10. Provide children with a good breakfast prior to school. This gives more “brain energy” and cuts down on unnecessary clinic visits with complaints of headaches and hunger.
    
    
11. Pack healthy lunches or confirm that your student has funds for purchasing lunch.
    
    
12. Make inquiries into possible eligibility for the reduced price or free breakfast and lunch program.
    
    
13. Please understand that school clinics do not serve as the students’ physicians or primary care providers. The nursing staff supports the health and well-being of students so they can access their education.
    
    
14. Encourage children to play outdoors and to participate in wholesome exercise.
    
    
15. Talk with children about safety at the bus stop, caution in traffic areas, and proper behavior on school buses.

For specific concerns, you may contact your school nurse or the school division’s health officeat 757.263.2025.