The Rice School/La Escuela Rice

Welcome to the Clinic - The Nurses are In...

Parent Information

When Should my Child Stay Home

According to written policy, students should remain home when they have a fever of 100 or above, are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, have an undiagnosed rash, have uncontrolled asthma, or have untreated pink eye.  Students should be free of any of these symptoms for a full twenty-four hours before they return to school.  This policy is in the best interest of your child and other children as well.  There may be other conditions that would keep or send a child home that will be decided by the school nurse in collaboration with the parent.

Medication Policy

According to the HISD Handbook for School Health, based on state law, the policy for administration of medication in school is as follows:  “A physician must state in writing the diagnosis, whether the pupil is infectious and that the pupil should have a certain medication during school hours.  He/she should describe the type of preparation, color, quantity, and frequency of administration.  A form must be signed by the physician and parent and on file before any medication may be given.  This form must be renewed at the beginning of each year.”  Parents may request this form during school hours from the school nurse.

Asthma and Your Child 

If your child has ever had an asthma episode, we need to know and have the medication in the clinic. It is imperative that we be ready to administer medication for moderate or emergency episodes. When children are in respiratory distress due to an asthma episode, they can quickly be assessed and treated in the clinic and almost always return to class in good condition.

Immunization Policies

According to state law no person may be admitted to an elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless he or she has been immunized according to state rrequirements.

Students must be current on their immunizations at the time of enrollment and entry.  Periodic checks are done on immunization compliance levels.  If your child's immunization record becomes outdated, he/she will receive a notice from the school nurse and must comply ASAP or withdraw from school.  Please check with the school nurse if you need a copy of the required immunization schedule.

Screenings

Vision, hearing and Acanthosis Nigricans screenings are performed on students in odd grade levels and scoliosis screening is performed on sixth grade students.  If your child is not in any of these grade levels, and you wish for him/her to be screened, just call the clinic and make a request with the school nurse.  If your child does not pass the screening, you will receive a referral letter recommending that you see your doctor of choice for a more thorough evaluation.  This referral is to be returned to the school nurse with the doctor's recommendations.

Resources and Advice  

The nurse is here to assist you in managing your child's health care needs.  If you have any questions regarding community resources, illnesses, chronic conditions, family problems or emotional health, please feel free to call or stop by for a chat.  If the problem does not have an immediate solution, there are many resources available to assist you in a particular need.  Also check with the school nurse for CHIPS referrals.  Every child who does not have health insurance qualifies under state law