Lorita BrownSchool Health Coordinator

The primary purpose of School Health Services is to facilitate and promote optimal learning for students. School Health Services strives to enhance the education of all students by supporting the educational goals and objectives of Fauquier County Public Schools.  In keeping with the goals of optimal physical and mental health for all students, the school health staff shares in helping each student reach their full educational growth and maximum potential in physical, mental, and social growth.  The school health staff encourages improvement of the physical health and knowledge of our students through early identification and remediation of health problems and needs, assisting students to assume responsibility for their own health and by developing healthy attitudes and practices.

Administering Medications

In accordance with Policy 7-5.3, the Fauquier County School Board affirms its position that in order to prevent possible harm to students and possible liability on the part of the School Board and its employees, all school personnel are prohibited from administering to students treatments for injuries or medication for illnesses with exceptions as noted in this policy. For purposes of this policy, medication shall mean any drug including all prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The only exceptions to this policy are non-medicated lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and saline solution, which may be carried by students without parental permission.

When medication or first aid is administered by school personnel, procedures will be followed which protect the health and safety of the student (Virginia School Health Guidelines, Manual for the Training of Public School Employees in the Administration of Medication-2nd Edition).

To maintain awareness on the part of professional staff members, the Fauquier County School Division will provide annual training on the subject of administering medication, diabetes, and blood borne pathogens consistent with guidelines established by the Virginia Department of Education as well as staff development on the subject of temporary aid according to local policy and procedures.

Each school building has a school health room equipped to treat students.

Prescription Medications

FCPS personnel may give prescription medication to students only with a physician's written order and written permission from the student's parent or guardian (Form 7-5.3(A)F1). The order must include the name of the medicine, the dosage, the time, the amount, and the duration of the order. Such medicine must be in the original pharmacy labeled container and delivered to the principal, school nurse, or School Division designee by the parent/guardian of the student unless other arrangements have been made.

Non-Prescription Medications

FCPS personnel may give non-prescription medication to students only with the written permission of the parent or guardian (Form 7-5.3(A)F1). Such permission shall include the name of the medication, the required dosage of the medication, and the reason the medicine is to be given. Such medicine must be in the original unopened container and delivered to the principal, school nurse, clinic attendant, or School Division designee by the parent/guardian of the student unless other arrangements have been made. In order for a non-prescription medication to be given to a student for more than ten consecutive days, written permission from the child's physician shall be required.

FCPS personnel are only allowed to administer the recommended dosage. Any exceptions to the recommended dosage will require a physician's order.

All medications will be discarded by the school health staff if it is not picked up by the parent on or before the last day of school.

Self-Administration of Medication

Self-administration of any medication, with the exception of non-medicated lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and saline solution is prohibited unless the self-administration adheres to the following conditions.

Conditions for Self-Administration of Medication

Students may possess and self-administer medications in accordance with this policy during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, or while on a school bus or other school property if the following conditions are met:

• Written parental consent (Form 7-5.3(A)F2) that the student may self-administer the medication must be on file with the school;
• Written notice from the student's primary care provider (Form 7-5.3(A)F2) must be on file with the school, indicating the identity of the student, stating the diagnosis, and approving the self-administration of medications that have been prescribed for the student; specifying the name and dosage of the medication, the frequency in which it is to be administered, the circumstances which may warrant its use; and attesting to the student's demonstrated ability to safely and effectively self-administer the medication; and
• An individualized health care plan such as forms 7-5.3(A)F1, 7-5.3(A)F2, 7-5.3(A)F3, 7-5.3(A)F4 must be on file. An emergency transportation plan should be prepared for any life threatening conditions.
• Self-administration of medications must be consistent with the Virginia School Health Guidelines and the Guidelines for Specialized Healthcare procedures, which are jointly issued by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Health.

Permission granted to a student to possess and self-administer medications will be effective for a period of one school year, and must be renewed annually. However, a student's right to possess and self-administer medications may be revoked if the student violates the policy. The appropriate school personnel will consult with the principal, student's parents, the student, and the school nurse/clinic attendant if the student violates this policy. The student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with School Board Policy 7-3.1, Standards of Student Conduct, and the Code of Student Conduct.

Guidelines for Student Illnesses

Fauquier County Public Schools supports the health and educational success of all students. We would like all students in school every day if they are well. If children are ill, they need to stay home in order to prevent the spread of infections. The Center for Disease Control recommends the "Big Three": 

Wash your hands.

Cover your cough.

Stay home when sick.

Students need to stay home from school if they are exhibiting one or more of the conditions listed below or if the School Nurse and parent believe the child is too ill to attend school.

• Fever of over 100 degrees orally. Child must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before they can return.
• Active vomiting within 24 hours.
• Continuing diarrhea within 24 hours.
• Swollen or painful joints from injury.
• Severe earaches or other uncontrollable pain.
• Untreated draining wounds.
• Suspected contagious disease. Using the Communicable Disease Reference Chart of School Personnel or Control or Communicable Diseases Manual.
• Chicken Pox - return 5-7 days after first eruption or until vesicles dry.
• Conjunctivitis - associated with purulent drainage/return after 24 hours of treatment.
• Head Lice - return after proof of treatment.
• Scabies - return after 24 hours of treatment.
• Impetigo - return after treatment begins, may require covering.
• Ringworm Of the skin - return after treatment initiated. Usually requires area to be covered.
• Of the scalp - physician evaluation and oral treatment required prior to school return.
• Strep Throat - must be on antibiotic for 24 hours prior to return.
• Any nose discharge that is green or yellow.
• Any undiagnosed skin rashes.
• Any injury or illness requiring further treatment.
• Suspected substance abuse.
• Paroxysmal coughing.
• Suspected H1N1 or other flu-like symptoms such as body aches, cold symptoms, coughs, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Emergency Transportation Card - Parents who feel their child could present with a medical emergency on the school bus should request an emergency transportation card from the school clinic. The card should be returned to their child's school within (5) five days of receipt.

Scoliosis - Fauquier County Public Schools will provide educational information on scoliosis to parents of students in grades 5-10 within 60 business days after the opening of school (Va. Code 22.1-173.1).

Annual Health Screening -  Vision and hearing screening of all kindergartners, third graders, seventh graders, tenth graders, and newly enrolled FCPS students is conducted each fall by the school nurse and clinic volunteers. This is only a brief screening, parents should continually be alert to identify vision or hearing difficulties that indicate need for examination by a specialist. 

Health Services - Assesses the health and development, provides nursing interventions, and evaluates student's responses to care. 

Health Education - Provides health education to students, staff, and parents.

Healthy Environment - Identifies health and safety concerns in the school environment.

Nutritional Services - Supports healthy food services programs.

Physical Education/Activity - Promotes health and physical education which promotes healthy behaviors.

Counseling/Mental Health - Assesses needs, provides interventions, and refers students to appropriate staff or community agencies.

Parent/Community Involvement - Promotes community involvement in assuring a healthy school.

Staff Wellness - Provides health education and wellness programs to school staff.