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Forms, Guidance & Screenings

Forms, Guidance & Screenings

In order to dispense prescription or over-the-counter medication, the school district is required to have an authorization form completed by a physician and the parent/guardian. Medication forms for authorized self-carry medications must be completed by the parent/guardian.

Students with life-threatening allergies are required to complete this form and provide unexpired epinephrine prior to starting school.

Please contact the school nurse to go over the Treatment at School form.

  • Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.  There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

    The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

  • What are head lice?

    The head louse, or pediculus humanus capitis, is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease.

    Head lice are found worldwide. In the United States, infestation with head lice is most common among pre-school children attending child care, elementary schoolchildren, and the household members of infested children. Although reliable data on how many people in the United States get head lice each year are not available, an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age. 

  • Washington State law requires that each child attending school be adequately immunized according to a schedule determined by the Washington State Board of Health. Parents are responsible for completing a Certificate of Immunization (CIS) when they register their child for school and keeping it up to date. Registration and attendance are contingent upon either adequate immunization or exemption from immunization.

    Contact your Health Care Provider or one of the following to get necessary immunizations to attend school.

    Whatcom County Health and Community Services

    1500 N. State St., Bellingham
    (360) 788-6100
    Call for times and appointment
    Children 18 years and under

    SeaMar Community Health Center

    4455 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham
    (360) 671-3225  Call for appointments
    Nurse visit by appointment for established patients
    New patients by appointment

    Unity Care NW

    6060 Portal Way Ferndale
    220 Unity St. Bellingham
    (360) 671-6177  Call for appointment

    Local pharmacies can administer some vaccinations. Call or go in and ask for details. Ask them to add any vaccinations given into the Washington State Immunization System or that they provide you with medically verified documentation of immunization.

  • Students with Diabetes

    If your child has diabetes please contact the school nurse prior to the beginning of school. Current school orders and supplies will need to be provided prior to the first day of school.

    • Washington State law requires school districts to perform an annual health screening for vision & hearing.
    • Vision and Hearing screenings are provided to grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and other students upon request.
    • Vision screening checks for both distance and near vision problems. 
    • These are screening services only and do not take the place of examinations performed by your eye specialist or family physician.
    • If students do not pass the screening a referral will be sent home in the mail.

  •   When to stay home Ready to go back to school
    Fever Temperature of 100° F or higher (orally)  No fever for at least 24 hrs. without the use of fever reducing medications
    Vomiting Child feels nauseated or has vomited in the past 24 hours When vomiting has ceased for at least 24 hours 
    Diarrhea In the past 24 hours When stools are normal for at least 24 hours
    Strep Throat Confirmed strep test When your child has been on antibiotics for 24-48 hours
    Coughing/Sore Throat Achy throat, swollen glands, a headache, or stomachache When symptoms improve
    Pinkeye: Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis If the eye is stuck shut, bright red, oozing white, yellow or green discharge, redness or swelling to the skin around the eye/eyelid, watering profusely, itching, pain or sensitive to light When your child has been on antibiotics for 24-48        hours or per your health care provider. Minimal redness of the white of the eye with no other symptoms; may attend school.
    Rash Undiagnosed or Free from rash, itching, or fever; Evaluated by doctor if needed
    confirmed contagious rash
    Open Wound Draining and can’t be covered Evaluated by doctor if needed
    Influenza Fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat Fever is gone (see above) and well enough to participate in school activity


    Other reasons a child may need to stay home include stomachache, pale or flushed face, headache, persistent cough, earache, thick yellowish discharge from nose, loss of energy or decrease in activity.

    Hand Hygiene:
    Studies show that hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections such as the cold and flu.

    Illness at School: 
    If your child reports not feeling well at school or does not look well we will contact you to come and pick up your child. We are unable to house ill children on campus therefore prompt pick up is necessary. Always keep contact numbers up to date.

    What else should I watch for? 
    Children, sometimes, use illness as a reason to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. Children who cannot actively participate in their academic program due to signs/symptoms of illness/fatigue should stay home.