Lane Health Policy

A nurse is in attendance at each school for the majority of the school day. If you have any questions concerning the following, please call the Lane School Nurse on her direct line at (781) 275-7623.

Upon entrance to the school system, and in Grades 3, 6 and 9, State Law requires students to have a thorough physical examination. This is best done by your family physician. The student must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Forms for the physician's report of the physical examination can be obtained from the nurse.

We hope that no one gets sick or hurt at school, but once in a while, it happens. It is important for a parent to consider such a possibility, so the school will know what number to call. Keeping your child's Emergency Card, (distributed on the first day of school), up-to-date is of critical importance in delivering appropriate and efficient care to your child.

When children show any signs of illness, such as sore throat, fever, rash, coughing, runny nose and/or sores on the skin or scalp, it is advisable to keep them home. As illness and contagious conditions spread quickly in a school environment, and the school clinic is very busy, the nurse cannot provide day treatment for sick and/or contagious children. If a child becomes ill or injured at school, parents will be contacted and asked to find suitable care for the child to rest and recover. Students are not sent home unless an adult is at home or at the designated alternate emergency location.

• Medications will be administered only when prescribed by a physician and only after the parent has contacted the school nurse who will explain the policy and procedures to be used. Parents are advised not to send any medication, including aspirin, Tylenol, inhalers and cough syrup to school with a child.
• Medical conditions such as allergies, hearing loss, vision impairment, orthopedic problems or any emotional or social adjustment problems which might need special consideration should be reported to the nurse and/or to the school counselor. In order to facilitate school adjustments, the nurse and the school counselor work closely together. Either the nurse or the counselor may be contacted if a child will be out of school for a prolonged absence and can help you decide if home tutoring is a suitable alternative.
• Annual screenings are conducted for sight and hearing. Fifth graders are screened for scoliosis. Parents will receive notification of any deviation from normal, which should be checked by a pediatrician for further diagnosis and appropriate recommendation.