The Stafford County School Health Program believes in the importance of each student maintaining optimum health, which in turn promotes utilization of the educational opportunities.  Maintaining a Registered Nurse position in each school health center reflects Stafford County's commitment to this goal.  The school nurses, directed by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Health, are dedicated to managing school health programs and supporting educational success through optimal student wellness.

Save

Save

Save

Students in need of state/federal health insurance please contact Elsa Manieri at 540-368-2559 or their school nurse.

The following products have been approved for use by the School Health Advisory Committee and the Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council as first aid and illness treatments:

School nurses will do an assessment on students who visit the clinic, administer first aid as needed, and assist students in returning to class, ready to learn.  School nurses and building designees have protocols from a local physician and the Rappanhanock Area School Health TEAM for emergency medications for asthma episodes and severe allergic reactions which occur during the school day at the school site.  These emergency situations would involve 911 transport to an ER.

In compliance with SCPS policy, we do not administer or supervise prescription or over the counter medications nor medical treatments without a physician's order and written parent /guardian permission.  The first dose or administration of any medication or treatment should be done at home.  A new permission form must be completed annually and on file at the school clinic  for any medication/treatment administered at school or during school activities. Most frequently used health care plans and the medication /treatment forms are on the Health Services Forms Link on the left of this page.

Individual arrangements need to be made for transporting medication to and from the school. It is preferred that students do not transport medication to or from school. All medications must be presented in their original pharmacy container with the student's name, name of medication, name of prescribing physician, and dosage with beginning and ending date. This medication must be accompanied by physician's medication order and parental permission for administration.

Medications/treatments for after school activities (such as sports) and field trips must also follow the above guidelines.  We are willing to accommodate your student's health needs but would need prior notice for activities after school and field trips.  Please contact the school nurse at your student's school to arrange for these needs in advance.

All medications/supplies must be picked up by parents by the last day of school or they will be discarded by school personnel.

• Nurse's judgment or parental discretion
• Fever over 100.4 orally within 24hr without fever reducing medications
• Active vomiting within 24hr
• Diarrhea within 24hr
• Swollen or painful joints from injury
• Severe earache
• Suspected contagious diseases (until on treatment for 24 - 48hrs)
  • chicken pox
  • Flu or viral symptoms
  • conjunctivitis (pink eye) with drainage
  • pediculosis (head lice)
  • scabies
  • undiagnosed rashes
  • untreated and uncovered ringworm
• Injury or illness requiring further immediate treatment. Antibiotic treatments of less than 24 hours and possibility that student may be communicable to others.
• Suspected substance abuse
• Preschoolers: continual yellow or green drainage from nose that is unable to be contained or cared for 

Vision and hearing screenings are mandated by Code of Virginia Law 22.1-273 for all new students and students in grades K, 3, 7, and 10. The school nurse will conduct screenings during the first 60 days of schools and referrals will be sent home by December break. If you have any helpful information regarding your student's vision or hearing, please send in a note to your school nurse. If you do not not wish to participate and would like to provide a screening by your family physician, please contact your school nurse. School nurses may also check a student's vision or hearing at a teacher or parent's request when concerns arise in the classroom.

 In accordance with Virginia State law, parents of students in grades five through ten will receive yearly information containing important facts about Scoliosis and Scoliosis screening. This information is disseminated to SCPS students through the annual Code of Conduct book given to all students at the start of school each fall. Should students not have a private health care provider and family request that the school nurse do an initial scoliosis screening, this can be done with written authorization of the family. Any abnormal findings will be detailed in a referral and the family assisted with resources.  

Parents of students with individualized health care plans (IHCP's) are encouraged to bring in extra supplies in the event a school should  become a "shelter-in-place".  Parents, students, and school nurses need to discuss guidelines and expectations for extended or modified care as part of disaster preparation.   School nurses participate in disaster training and have some basic supplies, however this never replaces individualized preparation.

Student wellness and healthy lifestyle choices are linked to academic success.  School nurses are in the unique position to foster students and staff daily with respect to these choices.  School nurses serve on a variety of school committees such as safety, nutrition, and wellness to promote healthy school environments.  Currently the nurses are  supporting the "Fit for Life" initiative of the School Health Advisory Committee to promote Healthy Classroom Foods and Fundraising.