School Nurses

Healthy students mean healthy schools.

CSD nurses play a vital role in fulfilling the district’s commitment to care for the whole child. 
As health care providers, public health educators, and advocates, our nurses help ensure that each student has access to the care needed for physical, social, emotional, and academic development.
CSD nurses provide valuable services to students, families, and staff. They assess students’ health and learning needs to develop individualized plans for education and care. They provide critical support for children whose medical conditions might otherwise limit or prevent classroom participation with peers.

Carrie Downie: Ariana Salter
Castle Hills: Kim Reid
New Castle: Amy Davidson, Amanda McConnell
Wilbur: Laura Prucyk, Sharon Taylor-Redd

Wilmington Manor: Saul Montanez
Eisenberg: Michelle Rosseel
Pleasantville: Donna Robinson
Southern: Beth Grimm, Rita Ross

Leach: Joseph Salerno, Claudia Peters, Brent Thompson
Wallin School: Denver Shockley
George Read: Jessica Smith
Gunning Bedford: Olivia Taylor

McCullough: Jay Green, Erin Miller
William Penn: Latoya Furrowh, Kelsey Huntoon
Colwyck Center: Connie Yun
Behavioral Health: Heidi Hildick

Medication Policy

Upon arrival at school, the nurse will verify the quantity of the medication. If a discrepancy is encountered, the parent will be notified. For students on a medication regimen, a new physician’s order is mandatory at the beginning of each school year.

Whenever possible, medication should be administered at home.
Students are not permitted to carry medication or take any medication during school hours without the nurse’s supervision, including cough drops. The only exception is fast-acting medication such as inhalers or Epipens. Families must share these needs with the school nurse in writing AND on the emergency card.
Nurses may administer prescription and non-prescription medication during school hours, utilizing the instructions outlined in this policy:

The medication must be in the original container, with the attached prescription label. No medication is to be sent to school in plastic bags or foil wraps.
A note from home must include the following information:
- Name of medication
- Amount of medication in bottle
- Dosage of medication
- Time of administration
- Reason for administration

Emergency Cards

Every student must have a completed, up-to-date emergency card on file in the nurse’s office by the end of the first week of school.

If information changes during the year (phone numbers, emergency contacts, etc.), please email the school nurses and your staff center secretary as soon as possible with updated information so we can update the computer systems.

Emergency Card Download PDF

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Screenings
(Hearing, Vision and Dental)

Hearing, vision and dental screenings will occur in the Fall and Spring. The hearing and vision are conducted by the school nurse. The dental screening and oral health education activities are sponsored and conducted by the DE Smile Check Organization.

Following the dental screening, each child will receive a “dental bag” with items such as a toothbrush, dental activity book, other health resources for both parents and children and general information about their screening.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

All Delaware school children must provide proof of immunization in order to be enrolled in a public school. The immunization record must include the month and year of each immunization:
1. DtaP, DTP, or DT – five or more doses unless the fourth dose was given after the fourth birthday
2. OPV or IPV – four or more doses unless the third dose was given after the fourth birthday
3. MMR – two doses as follows: first dose on or after the first birthday, second dose after the fourth birthday
4. Hepatitis B – three doses
5. Varicella – two doses
6. Tdap booster (grades 9-12 only) – one dose
7. Meningococcal vaccine (grades 9-12 only) – one dose

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

1. Physical within the past two years prior to registration
2. Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test or Pediatric TB Risk Assessment with results reported within the past 12 months. These blood tests will also be accepted: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GI) and SPOT® TB test (TSpot).
3. Lead Blood Test – for children age five or younger

Going into 9th grade? Read this!

All students entering 9th grade must have one dose of TdaP (adult booster) and one dose of the meningococcal vaccine in addition to the above requirements. Incoming 9th graders must also have a physical exam within two years of entering 9th grade. The exam must be received by the high school within the first 30 days of school. The following forms will be accepted and are available above:
– Delaware School Health Examination Form
– DIAA Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form
– Health examination or evaluation document from a healthcare practitioner that includes health history, immunizations, results of all medical tests and screenings, any medical diagnoses, prescribed medications and treatments, and healthcare plans

Injuries & Illness (including exclusions)

Please notify the school nurse if your child has an injury outside of school, as your child may need to be restricted from recess or physical activity depending on the injury.
Your child must stay home if he/she has any condition that is contagious, and you must notify the school nurse. If given an antibiotic for an illness, your child must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.
Your child must stay home until free from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) without the use of Tylenol or Motrin for 24 hours.
For any child who has been hospitalized, the school requires a copy of discharge orders prior to the student’s return to school. Return to school documents may also be required. Please speak to the school nurse for details. Additionally, parents/guardians must contact the school nurse in order to share any additional medical information.
Dismissal Due to Illness –If it is deemed that your child is unable to remain at school due to illness or injury, the nurse will call the numbers given on the emergency card. Please give names and numbers of adults who can come and pick up your child if it is necessary. Your child will not be allowed to ride home on the bus if he/she has any type of contagious disease.

***Please make arrangements to have your child picked within 30 minutes after receiving notification of your child’s illness.***

If it is decided that your child is unable to remain at school due to illness or injury, the nurse will call the numbers given on the emergency card. Please give names and numbers of adults who can come and pick up your child if it is necessary. Your child will not be allowed to ride home on the bus if he/she has any type of contagious disease.

Children may not be in school if they have any condition that is highly contagious. Examples include: ringworm, impetigo, scabies, chicken pox, etc. If your child develops a condition that is contagious, he or she may not ride the bus. Children with these conditions, with the exception of head lice, will not be re-admitted without a note from their physician.

If your child has a broken bone, or other severe injury, he or she is not able to participate in P.E. or recess. In order for the student to resume these activities, the parent has to provide the school with a doctor’s note stating that the child has no restrictions on their activities.

Please let us know about any allergies or food restrictions your child has by completing the Allergy Form in the enrollment packet and providing any action Plans. Your healthcare provider, who is licensed to prescribe medication, must complete the Prevention & Emergency Response Plan for Students with Allergies form or provide a written emergency plan with instructions for the school nurse and school nutrition supervisor.

Wellness & Student Health Centers

William Penn School Based Health Center

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Elementary Wellness Centers