Health services are provided in Palo Alto to protect the health and safety of pupils and to identify health problems that may inhibit a child’s activities and ability to learn.  These services include hearing and vision tests at grades K, 2, and 5.  If a pupil is to be exempted from these services due to religious beliefs, the parent must file an exemption card annually.  School personnel are required by state law to notify parents when pupils are suspected of having health problems.

Immunizations

TB clearance and immunizations against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, rubella, mumps, and whooping cough are mandatory for school enrollment in any grade unless contrary to the family’s religious beliefs.  New students transferring into the Palo Alto Unified School District and all first graders are also required to have a full physical examination and return a completed School Health Report.

Student Emergency Card

This card must be on file from the first day of attendance and instructs school personnel as to emergency action and identifies the health needs of your child.  If any information changes during the year, make sure you let us know so that names, phone numbers and health information are up-to-date.

Emergency Care, First Aid, and Illness

School personnel are not permitted to render more than immediate first aid.  Except in extreme emergencies, parents are contacted before a physician is called.  Parents are advised that there is no school nurse on duty at Nixon.  In case of sudden illness at school, a child will be kept at the school office only until s/he can be released to the care of a parent or other adult designated on the student’s Emergency Card.  It is imperative that this card be kept current for the school’s use in case of sudden illness or injury to the child.

Contagious Illness

Please do not send your child to school if they display any of the symptoms listed below in order to minimize the spread of illness to students and staff.  Remember to notify the school if your child has a contagious illness in case exposure notices need to be distributed:

• Common cold: keep child home the first few days.  Do not send them to school until active coughing, sneezing, and nasal drip are substantially gone, and a fever has not occurred within 24 hours.
• Fever (children should remain at home until they have been without a fever for over 24 hours).
• Eyes that are red, swollen, crusty, or draining.
• Pinkeye (conjunctivitis):  Consult doctor and begin treatment before child returns to school.
• Draining ears or an ear ache.
• Diarrhea – loose, watery bowel movement.
• Sever headache or pain.
• Skin rash, unless diagnosed by a doctor as non-infectious.
• Childhood communicable disease (chickenpox, measles, mumps, etc.).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Head lice (see more information in section below).
• Severe sore throat; note that children with strep throat may not return to school until a doctor is consulted, antibiotic treatment for at least 48 hours has been administered, and no fever is present for more than 24 hours.

Protocol for Students with Anaphylactic Reaction

• School Office must be notified.
• Proper/Specific medical instructions must be on file.
• Kindergarten and 1st grade will be nut free 2009-2010.
• A “nut free” table will be available in each eating area.
  • K – 1st must sit there.
  • 2nd – 5th student may choose.

Health & Safety Protocols are available in the site office.

Head Lice Policy

Children with head lice are required to stay home according to the California State Communicable Disease Code.  Nixon has a “no nits” policy to help children receive treatment and to stop the spread of head lice to others.  If a child is found to have head lice, the child will be sent home immediately, and they will not be allowed to return to school until the child’s hair is inspected and found to be “nit and lice free.”  Parents also must complete and return the “Lice Treatment” form before a child is allowed to return to school.  When lice are found, classrooms are vacuumed daily for two weeks.