Health Services
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is of the upmost importance to the school health services department to keep all students at their maximum educable potential. A healthy child will learn better. The following procedures will assist in the collaborative effort of keeping our students in school and serve your best interests and the best interests of our students.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Please complete and sign a Consent for Medical Treatment form. It is imperative to have updated contact information in case of an emergency. Please notify the nurse immediately when information on the student’s consent form has changed. Changes may include address, telephone numbers, work number, food allergies, and the student’s health status.
IMMUNIZATIONS: As required by State law immunizations are required for children attending Texas schools. A notice will be sent home with your child if he/she needs an immunization, or if an updated record is needed. As required by state law, your child must have a current immunization record on file to remain in school. The following link lists the current requirements.
www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: Please notify the clinic immediately if your child has contracted a communicable disease (COVID-19, flu, chicken pox, mumps, measles, etc.) or if you are unsure whether your child has a communicable disease. Students need to report to the clinic upon their return to school after they have been absent due to a communicable disease.
MEDICATIONS: Students are not allowed to carry medications or to self-administer their medications on the campus except under certain circumstances (Asthma inhalers, EpiPens); consult with the school nurse for more information. If your child is required to take prescribed medication during school hours, you and the medical practitioner must sign a completed permission form. Only medication, in its original container and properly labeled and prescribed by a practitioner licensed to practice in the state of Texas, will be administered during school hours. Medications prescribed and/or purchased from foreign countries cannot be administered. Please see the forms link for medication administration forms.
HEALTH SCREENINGS: State-mandated screenings will be done on the following students: Pre-Kinder, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades for vision and hearing during the school year. Acanthosis a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment will be done on the following grades: 1st 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades. The ANTES screening may help to identify students who run the risk of developing diabetes in the future. Spinal screenings are done on the following students: 5th and 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys. In the event an abnormality is identified with respect to the above-mentioned State-mandated screenings, the parent will be contacted with an appropriate referral.
P.E. EXCUSES: A note stating the reason the student needs a P.E. excuse must be sent to the clinic before the student goes to P.E. A medical practitioner’s note is required if the student needs to be excused from P.E. for more than three days.
PASS TO NURSE’S OFFICE: Students must first report to class and obtain a pass to the clinic from the teacher to prevent the student from being tardy or absent. Students will not be allowed in the clinic without a pass between classes unless it is an emergency. You will be contacted if your child needs to be taken home; you must sign your child out at the school’s designated office (e.g., attendance).
HEALTH INSURANCE: Health insurance (CHIP) coverage for children in Texas is available. For additional CHIP information: Telephone number 800-647-6558
Website: www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health
Please contact me if you have any health-related questions or concerns regarding your child. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance regarding these matters.
With Care,
Meredith Bowers BSN, RN
Taft ISD District Nurse
361-528-2636 ext.5623
Local Health Department
San Patricio County Department of Health
313 North Rachal Street
Sinton, Texas 78387
Phone number: 361-364-3531
Area served: San Patricio County