School Nurse

NC Health Assessment

North Carolina State Law (§ 130A-440) requires that every child entering public school in North Carolina for the first time receive a health assessment. The assessment must be completed within the 12 months prior to school entry.

A completed Health Assessment Transmittal Form must be submitted to the school by the child’s parent, guardian, or medical provider within 30 calendar days of the child’s first day of attendance.
If the form is not submitted within this timeframe, the child will be excluded from school and may not return until proof of compliance is provided, as required by law.

Up-to-Date Immunization Record

North Carolina State Law (§ 130A-152 and § 130A-155) requires that all children enrolled in school receive state-mandated immunizations. Parents, guardians, or persons standing in loco parentis are responsible for ensuring that their child receives all required vaccines.

Proof of immunizations that meet the  North Carolina vaccine requirements for K-12 students must be submitted to the school within 30 calendar days of the child’s first day of attendance.
If proof is not provided within this timeframe, the child will be excluded from school and may not return until documentation is received, as required by law.

Children may receive a health assessment and/or required vaccines at a participating local health department or from their primary care provider.

N.C. Exemptions

North Carolina law allows only two types of exemptions from required immunizations:

• Medical Exemption – Requires documentation from a licensed physician.

• Religious Exemption – Requires a written statement of bona fide religious objection.

Parents/guardians must provide official documentation if requesting a medical or religious exemption.

Medication Policy

Please make every effort to administer your child’s medication at home whenever possible. Our school follows a written policy to ensure the safe administration of medications to students during the school day.

If your child must receive medication during school hours—including prescription or over-the-counter drugs—you have the following options:

1. Parent/Guardian Administration

   • You (or your designated adult representative) may come to school and administer the medication to your child at the appropriate time(s).

2. Medication Authorization Form

   • You may obtain a copy of the Authorization of Medication Form from the school nurse or download it from the school website.

   • This form must be completed by your child’s licensed healthcare provider, specifying:

     • The name of the medication(s)

     • Dosage

     • Frequency and time of administration

   • The form requires signatures from both the healthcare provider and the parent/guardian.

   • Prescription medications must be brought to school in the original pharmacy-labeled container with clear instructions.

   • Over-the-counter medications must be provided in their original container and will only be administered according to the healthcare provider’s written instructions.

3. Alternative Scheduling

   • You may consult with your child’s healthcare provider to explore alternative medication schedules that avoid school-day administration.

Important Reminders:

• Students are not permitted to transport medication to or from school.

• All medications must be brought to the school office by an adult and signed in/out.

The Medical Statement for Students with Unique Mealtime Needs for School Meals ensures that schools are able to provide necessary meal modifications for students who require them. Please note that schools cannot alter food textures, make substitutions, or modify a student’s diet without proper documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

When to Keep Your Child Home from School

The health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff depend on children staying home when they are ill. Please review the following guidelines to determine when your child should remain at home:

1. Fever: Keep your child home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or greater. They may return after being fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

2. Vomiting/Diarrhea: Keep your child home until at least 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea, and they are feeling better.

3. Strep Throat: Keep your child home until at least 12 hours have passed since antibiotic treatment has started and no fever is present. 

4. Rash or Lesions: If your child has an unexplained rash or lesion, they must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider before returning. Written documentation of clearance should be provided to the school nurse.

5. Open Sores/Drainage: Open sores should always be covered. If a staph infection is suspected, your child should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider and may only return with written clearance.

6. Chickenpox: Students may return after clearance from a healthcare provider and when all blisters are dried and scabbed (typically 5–10 days after onset). Please notify the school nurse immediately if your child is diagnosed.

7. On the CDC’s website, there is additional guidance for illnesses (e.g., strep throat, hand-foot-mouth disease, norovirus, head lice, pink eye, impetigo, scabies, measles, and molluscum contagiosum) that can be used to prevent specific infections. 

8. Concussion: If a concussion is suspected, medical clearance is required before your child may return to learning or play. Concussion Guidelines

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse or your child’s healthcare provider.

Reminder: Please submit an attendance note for any absences.