Frequently Asked Questions
Winkelman Frequently Asked Questions Can you give my child Tylenol if he needs it during the school day?
No-we cannot give any medication without a completed Medication Authorization form signed by you and the doctor. Once we receive the form, the parent/guardian will need to bring in an unopened package of medicine and then we can give it whenever the child needs it.
My child needs to be excused from recess and gym. Can I write a note?
If your child cannot go out for recess or participate in gym class we require a written doctor's note. A parent or guardian may write the note stating a reason for the child to sit out of gym or stay in for recess for up to 3 days. After that we will require a doctor's note.
My child has been home sick with a fever of 102 degrees. When can he return to school?
Your child must be fever free (99.6) degrees or lower for 24 hours. Also, a student must remain home until 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea. Your child may be feeling better, but he is still considered contagious and risks spreading the illness throughout the whole school if you do not follow these guidelines.
Why does my child need an extra set of clothes to keep at school?
Children frequently ask for clothes because they have either spilled something, fell in the mud, had toileting accidents, etc. We do not keep any clothes in the Nurse’s Office. Therefore, you will need to keep an extra set at school
Who should I report a new phone number to?
Please call the school office.
My Pediatrician said my child has some kind of communicable disease. Who should I report that to?
The Nurse. I will decide how to notify the parents in your child’s classroom depending on the diagnosis. Please be assured that all medical information is kept confidential.
My child started taking a new medication at home but he will never need it at school. Does the nurse need to know that?
Yes-if a child has a medical emergency at school, it is very important that we know of any medication he/she is taking.
I need some information on where I can get immunizations, physical examinations, and dental examinations for my child at a reduced rate. Who should I call?
The Winkelman Health Office.
I will be going out of town. Who needs to know?
Please notify the school office. We will need to have a written note or an E-mail stating who to contact in case your child gets injured or sick while you are away.
Field Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons that the school nurse will call a parent while a child is at school?
The school nurse will call you if your child:
- is injured at school and needs follow up at home.
- has a fever, vomits, or has diarrhea.
- has an injury involving the neck or head no matter how minor it seems.
- requests for the school nurse to call you.
Can the school nurse give my child Tylenol or ibuprofen if he/she needs it during the school day?
Yes, but only if there is a Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent and physician on file. This form can be found on the district website. After the nurse receives the form, the parent/guardian will need to bring in an unopened package of medicine. Then the nurse can give the medication whenever the student needs it.
My child needs to be excused from PE class. Can I write an excuse note?
If a student cannot participate in PE a parent/guardian may write a note for a student to sit out of PE for up to three days. Please indicate the reason why. After three days a physician’s note is required.
My child has been home sick with a fever. When can he/she return to school?
Your child may return to school after he/she has been fever free (99.6 degrees or lower) for 24 hours. Also, a student must remain home until 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting OR diarrhea. Your child may be feeling better, but they are still contagious and risk spreading the illness throughout the school if you do not follow these guidelines.
My pediatrician said my child has a communicable disease. Should I report that to the nurse?
Yes. The nurse may decide to notify other parents in the school (without giving out your child’s name) so that they will be aware. Also, it helps the nurse when your child comes into the health office if she knows what illnesses are going around the school.
My child is taking a medication at home but will never need it at school. Does the nurse need to know about it?
Yes, the nurse does need to know about ALL medications in case your child has a medical emergency at school.
I am going out of town. Who needs to know?
The nurse needs a written note or email stating who to contact in case your child gets sick or injured while you are away.
My child has an inhaler for asthma that he/she can carry with her while at school. Does the nurse need to know about that?
The nurse needs a prescription medication authorization form signed by both the doctor and parent. The student can then carry his/her own inhaler at school and use it when necessary. It is important that the nurse has a spare inhaler in the nurse’s office in case your child loses or forgets his/her inhaler.