By helping students stay healthy, we support student learning. Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Health Services aims to improve and protect the health of children. Under the supervision of the District Nurse, the school site health staff cares for its students. We try to prevent illness and disability by educating our students about nutrition and safety and detecting early potential health problems. We also help identify and remove health-related barriers to learning.
Be sure to keep your Emergency Card up to date by notifying your child's school immediately of any changes in contact information or medical treatment. This will help us keep your children healthy and safe.
Current Health Concerns
 In our commitment in helping our students stay healthy we will post current health concerns:
Health Requirements for Entering Students
The State of California and Santa Clara County require all students to fulfill a number of health requirements before they can enter school. Health Requirements explains these requirements for:
- Immunizations
- Mantoux Tuberculosis Skin Test
- Health Exam
Healthy Lifestyles/Nutrition/Activity
State-mandated Screenings
The District Nurse or other professionals conduct screenings at school sites.
- Vision (grades K, 2, 5, 8, Young Fives, and Special Education initial and triennial evaluations)
- Hearing (grades K, 2, 5, 8, and Special Education initial and triennial evaluations)
- Scoliosis (girls are screened in grade 7; boys in grade 8)
Chronic Health Conditions
If your child has a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, seizures, or severe allergies (anaphylactic reaction), the health office at each school can help keep your child safe and healthy. Complete the appropriate form and return it to your school office before school starts. This will help us prepare to care for your child. Please make sure that you ALWAYS keep your emergency card up to date.
Anaphylactic Reaction Form Grades K-8 
Anaphylactic Reaction Form Grades 9-12
Medications
The medical treatment of students is the responsibility of parents and physicians. Medications are rarely given in school. We strongly urge you and your physician to develop a medication schedule that falls outside of school hours. However, we will consider assisting the administering of medication in special or serious cases.
The administration of medication is both a medical and legal process. Before medication can be administered, a student's parent/guardian and physician must provide written documentation of their permission and directions:
- Physicians must write a note detailing the method, amount, and time schedule for administering medication
- Parents/guardians must submit a note indicating their desire for PAUSD to assist their child, as directed in the physician's statement
- Your child's school will keep an accurate written record documenting that the medication was administered in the prescribed amount at the prescribed time.
For additional information, download our parent letter about School Medication Administration
You will need to complete and return some or all of the following
forms to your school office:
Lice Policy
Lice are common age-old pests that are easily transferred from person to person. All age groups and localities are susceptible. PAUSD has a "No Nits" policy. You will be informed of procedures and policy if your child should become infected. If you discover a lice problem, please call your school office to help us keep the problem under control. Occasional lice checks will be conducted at your school throughout the year.
To learn about how to control or eliminate lice, you can pick up a pamphlet at your school office from Santa Clara County Health Department Vector Control.
Health Insurance
Health insurance for the current school year can be purchased through the District for a nominal fee. The purchase is optional. We will mail information about health insurance to you during the summer. Contact your school office with questions.
Tuberculosis Screening for Volunteers
Adult volunteers in public schools must be screened every four years for possible exposure to tuberculosis. X-rays and intradermal injections are the only tests accepted. Tine/patch tests are not. Volunteers may take intradermal tests free of charge at PAUSD school offices. Contact the school where you are volunteering for information about testing dates.
Questions about Bioterrorism
The Public Health Department of the County of Santa Clara posts answers to commonly asked questions about bioterrorism (anthrax exposure, smallpox vaccine, antibiotics, county, gas mask protection, county emergency plan in case of bioterrorism event). Visit the Public Health Department Web site or call the PH Information Line at (408) 885-3980.
Linda Lenoir, District Nurse, R.N., MSN
If you have questions, contact Health Services at (650) 329-3766 or health@pausd.org.
Revised January 2008 |
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