Student Health & Wellness

Dear SJBS Families,

The primary purpose of your child’s school day is learning. The role of the school nurse is to help ensure that your child’s medical needs are met so they can enjoy a safe, healthy, and productive day in the classroom. Our goal is to promote student health and success, and we want you to feel confident sending your child into a school environment where they are safe and well cared for.

How We Support Students

Our responsibilities include vision and hearing screenings, collecting immunization records, administering medications, providing first aid and health assessments, supporting students with chronic medical conditions, facilitating opportunities for minor dental care, and communicating with families when additional medical attention may be needed.

When Students Should Visit the Nurse

We work most effectively when families and school staff work together. Please remind your child that visits to the nurse require permission from the teacher supervising them. Appropriate reasons for a nurse visit include injuries during recess or physical education, fever or nausea, significant illness, difficulty breathing, possible allergic reactions, or vomiting.

Headaches and stomachaches are common concerns. Our initial assessment may include checking a student’s temperature, providing water and rest, and allowing time for symptoms to improve. If these complaints become frequent and interfere with learning, we may recommend a visit to your child’s healthcare provider.

Injuries and First Aid

Minor bumps are assessed for swelling, pain, and mobility concerns. Many improve without additional intervention, although ice may be applied when swelling is present. Head injuries receive particular attention. If we have concerns about a head injury, we will contact you to discuss symptoms and what to monitor.

Medication at School

School policy requires a signed parent or guardian authorization form before we can administer over-the-counter medications. This includes Tylenol, topical creams for insect bites or rashes, and cough drops. If your child may need these items during the school day, please complete the appropriate authorization form in our Health Forms section and return it to school.

Communicable Illnesses

If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify the school nursing or office staff by phone, email, or a healthcare provider’s note. Common illnesses we need to know about include influenza, COVID-19, strep throat, mononucleosis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and impetigo. We are here to help families navigate health concerns, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.

Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home and for partnering with us to make the school year healthy and successful for everyone.

Sincerely,
The School Nursing Team
St. Josephine Bakhita School

Helpful Health & Safety Resources

• HealthyChildren.org
• Ohio Department of Health
• NetSmartz
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital

View Health Forms →