Health Office

School Health Office Staff

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK

Parents and students frequently have questions about when it is appropriate to stay home from school because of illness. Please follow these guidelines:

  • If your child has had a temperature of 100.0 degrees or higher in the past 24 hours.
  • If your child has vomited or had diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
  • If a student is placed on antibiotics, he or she should stay at home until 24 hours after taking the first dose.
  • If having your child at school would significantly put others at risk for contracting your child’s illness.
  • If you child feels ill enough that he/she would not be able to benefit from being at school.

If your student will not be attending school due to illness, please call your child's school attendance line as soon as you make the decision to keep them home. Please notify the school health office if your child has strep throat, chicken pox, head lice, pink eye, a rash, or any other communicable concern.

FIRST AID 
Health paras provide first aid as needed, but are required to call 9-1-1 if a student requires more than basic first aid. Parents, please make sure the school has your current home and work telephone numbers so you can be easily reached in an emergency.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
All medications must be kept in the school health office. If your child requires any medication at school (prescription or over-the-counter), the nurse must have the following:

  • A written order from the licensed provider
  • Written permission from the parent/guardian
  • Medication in the original container

CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS 
If your child has a chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, seizures or a heart condition, you should provide the school nurse with a physician’s summary of the condition and any special instructions related to school activities. 

NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL 
To enroll or remain enrolled in School District 197, all students must show proof of immunizations or provide the legal exemption required by Minnesota law. Required immunizations include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella (chickenpox). Children who have had chickenpox do not need the varicella vaccination proof must be provided that they have had the disease. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING 
Minnesota state law requires that children be screened before they enter kindergarten in a public school. Screening is provided free of charge at the Early Learning and Family Resource Center (1970 Christensen Avenue, West St. Paul, 55118). Please contact the district’s Screening Office at 651-403-8363 for more information or an appointment.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING 
Students are screened in first and third grades for vision and hearing. If a problem is spotted, parents will receive a physician referral notice. 

PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMS
We strongly recommend that children have a complete physical exam before they enter kindergarten. We recommend that they have a dental exam at least once a year.