Health information for the mind, body, and soul

The school health rooms are set up to give first aid to the sick and injured, do screenings, give necessary medications, and care for students with chronic health problems. 

In order to protect the health and well-being of the students in each of our schools, it is vital for parents and nurses to maintain an open dialogue about their children.

Kindergarten students and first-grade students who did not attend kindergarten must present a physical assessment signed by a physician licensed in Kansas or a Kansas State Health Department dated within 12 months prior to school entry. Also, a student age 8 or less new to our district (and not previously enrolled in any school in Kansas) must present a physical. A student without prior knowledge has 90 days from the school entrance to be in compliance with the child health assessment. After 90 days, the student may be excluded from school until documentation is received. You may download the form by clicking on the link below.

• Health Assessment form

The school nurses keep a student health history form on file to better understand your child's physical needs and limitations. If you are new to the district or if your child's health history has changed, please click on the link below to download the form. Once completed, please send it to your child's school nurse.

• Student Health History form

Students in grades 6-12 who participate in Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) athletics, spirit, or spirit competition groups must have a physical completed each year the student participates in the activity. The physical may be completed by a practicing physician or registered physician's assistant. The form may be downloaded by clicking on the link below.

Immunization requirements and recommendations for the school year are based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and the consensus of the Governor’s Child Health Advisory Committee Immunization Workgroup.

K.A.R. 28-1-20 defines immunizations as required for any individual who attends school or early childhood programs operated by a school.

Efforts by schools have been central to the success of public health efforts in eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting their students and families.

Kansas Procedure for Dispensing Medication at School

Diagnosis and treatment of illness and the prescribing of drugs, and medicines are not the responsibility of the public schools and are not to be practiced by any school personnel, including school nurses.

*cough drops will not be provided to students through the health offices*

Students who require prescription and/or nonprescription medication at school must present to the nurse’s office for the medication to be administered under the supervision of the school nurse or designee. Prescription medications are to be brought to school by the parent or guardian in the prescribed bottle accompanied by a current signed USD 365 Guidelines for Dispensing Medications form (CLICK HERE TO OPEN) by the student’s prescribing physician and parent/guardian.

The school medication policy complies with Kansas guidelines:

• Written permission from a professional (physician, dentist, orthodontist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) and the parent or guardian must be received before any medication (including over-the-counter drugs) can be given at school.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medication must be in original, appropriately labeled containers. It is the parent's responsibility to assure that the medication brought to school is the correct dosage prescribed and listed on the bottle.
• All medications must be stored in the nurse’s office.
• A form must be completed and signed by the physician and parent/guardian for each different series of medications (either prescription or non-prescription) a child takes.

A new form must be completed for each school year.

If at all possible, medication needs to be given prior to coming to school or after returning home from school under parental supervision. The initial dose of medication must be given by the parent/guardian to determine if the student will have an adverse reaction.

It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that the medication brought to school is the correct dosage prescribed and listed on the bottle

A completed USD 365 Guidelines for Dispensing Medications form (CLICK HERE TO OPEN) must be filled out for each medication the student will be taking at school. The form can be downloaded by clicking on the link above.

Vision - Vision is checked in grades K,1,2,3,5,7,9 & 11. Students new to the district each school year, regardless of grade, will also receive a vision screening.  The school nurse will notify parents of students who have vision problems that are detected.

Hearing - Students are given hearing examinations in grades K,1,2,3,5,7,9 & 11. Students new to the district each school year, regardless of grade, will also receive a hearing screening. If a student fails the follow-up screening, the school nurse will make contact with the home.

Dental - All students will be screened unless the parent/guardian does not want the child to participate and completes an opt-out waiver. Dental screenings will be conducted by licensed dental hygienists and/or dentists.