Health Services
Mrs. Joy Frain - Nurse

►Forms: Files available in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format -  Download Adobe Acrobat!
                                   State of RI Physical Form  -  Severe Allergy Procedure Form
                    Medication Administration Form  - Tiverton School Department Medication Procedure

Should you become sick or hurt in school, the nurse is here to assist you.

1. In order for your teacher to know where you are, you must report to an assigned class or activity and obtain a pass from the teacher before being admitted to the Health Office, except for emergencies.  Avoid going to the nurse between classes.

2. If you are going to be sent home, the nurse will notify your parent or guardian and this person must arrange transportation.  Please do not call home yourself when you are ill.  With permission, go to the nurse, and she will call your parent.

3. Medication in School:

The Tiverton School Department has a procedure regarding students taking medication in school.  Parents/guardians are advised to give medication at home on a schedule other than during school hours.  If it is necessary for the student to receive medication during school hours, adherence to school regulations (developed in accordance with state regulations) is required as follows:

a.        All medications must be stored in their original prescription-labeled containers.

b.       A physician (or licensed health care provider) must write an order for all prescriptions AND over-the-counter medications.  (Medication Administration Forms are available from the nurse – this form should be completed & signed by the doctor – the parent/guardian must also complete & sign the bottom section of the form)

c.        For the safety of all students, it is recommended that all medication be transported to school by a parent/guardian.  In special circumstances it may be necessary for the parent/guardian to contact the school nurse to plan an alternate medication transport procedure.

d.       A certified school nurse-teacher shall administer medication to students. 

No lay person other than a parent/guardian shall administer medication in school.  Medication, including inhalers and Epipens may be self-carried and self-administered with written agreement of the physician, parent/guardian, and school nurse-teacher.  In the school setting, no controlled substances shall be in the possession of or administered by anyone other than the school nurse-teacher or parent/guardian of the student for whom medication has been prescribed.

e.    Generic Tylenol (Acetaminophen) may be given to students when needed, if written parental permission is received.
All Grade 5 students and new students will receive Tylenol permission forms upon enrollment.
This permission shall remain in effect for four years while the student is enrolled at TMS.

If requests for Tylenol are excessive (more than 4 doses a month), a doctor's order will be required.
(Please call the school nurse if you have any questions regarding the medication procedure in school.)
 

4. Cough drops may be taken only if the student has written parental permission for each day he/she needs the cough    drops. Parents must supply the cough drops.

        5. School Screenings:

a. Vision Screening: is done annually on all 5th and 7th grade students.  If your child fails a screening, you will be advised and notified by mail.

b.  Scoliosis Screening:  Rhode Island Rules and Regulations state that each student be examined for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) each year, grades 6 through 8.  This is a very simple screening done by the school nurse. Students entering grade 7 are exempt from the school screening if they have had the exam done at the time of their seventh grade physical.  Parents will be notified if their child needs further evaluation.  A notice will be sent home before the screenings are scheduled – parents may decline the scoliosis screening if you prefer to have the examination done by a private physician or if this conflicts with religious beliefs. 

c.  Dental Screening: is done annually on all 5th grade students – Notices of the findings are sent home with students.  A dental form will be sent home before screenings are scheduled.  Parents may decline the screening if they prefer to have a dental exam done by their family dentist – If you decline the screening, a dental card will be sent home, to be completed by the family dentist & returned to school.

6.        The State of Rhode Island Rules & Regulations for School Health Programs requires that all students have a physical examination and health clearance upon entry to the 7^th grade.  This general health exam may be performed during the 6^th grade, but no later than six months after entry into the 7^th grade.

Required Immunizations, according to the RI Department of Health, should be reviewed & received, if needed, at the time of the 7^th grade physical examination.  These immunizations include the following:

a.  A Booster of Td vaccine (if it has been 5 years or more since the last dose of a diphtheria-tetanus containing vaccine)

b.       Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine

c.        Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine OR a statement signed by your doctor stating that your child has a history of chickenpox disease.

d.       Two doses of MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

e.        Four doses of Polio vaccine

*Physical forms will be mailed home during the month of February while your child is in the 6^th grade.  Parents are urged to have immunizations updated and documented on the physical form before your child enters 7^th grade.  EXCLUSION from school is enforced if required immunizations are not updated at this time.