If your child has a chronic health condition, please get with your school nurse before the beginning of the school year so we are aware of their condition and how to provide the best care for them at school. Please provide a diagnosis and care plan to the school from the student’s health provider.

Students who are not up to date on their immunizations are not in compliance with Arizona State Law and may be excluded from school. All students must have on file documentation of immunizations by the physician or clinic with their signature or stamp. Please make sure with your physician your child is up to date on their immunizations before the beginning of the school year.

5th and 6th Grade Immunization Requirement

This is a reminder to parents of 5th grade students entering 6th grade that Arizona State Law requires students who are in 6th grade and are 11 years of age are to receive the Tdap and Menactra vaccine before the first day of school.  We are providing this information now so you have ample time to schedule an appointment with your physician or the Graham County Health Department, (928)428-0110, prior to the first day of the new school year to get these done. Your child may not be able to attend school unless the nurse has documentation of your child receiving these immunizations. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions.

If your child needs medication during the school day, a medication sheet must be filled out for each medication your child is taking. All medications must be supplied in the original prescription container and must be kept in the Nurse’s Office, (excluding epi-pens or inhalers). A medication form will need to be filled out or the medication will not be dispensed. Medication will not be given unless a medication sheet is filled out by a parent or guardian. Medications must be  brought in by adults only, please do not send medication to school with your child. These guidelines are for the safety and protection of all students. At the end of the school year medications must be picked up by parents/guardians.

Epi-Pens, Inhalers, and SVN Medications

If your child uses an inhaler or requires an epi-pen and you feel they need to carry it with them at all times, please come into the Nurse’s Office so the appropriate paperwork can be filled out. If your child needs a breathing treatment while at school, parents will need to supply the tubing and medication.

Head lice:  Sharing; Not always a good thing!

Children like to share but sharing is not always a good thing! Head lice are an ongoing problem in school age children. For this reason, we thought it would be a good time to review a few facts about head lice:

• Head lice are wingless insects about ⅛ to ¼ inch long.
• They cannot hop, jump, or fly. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not spread head lice.
• Nits (louse eggs) are grayish white to tan, smooth, oval shaped structures smaller than sesame seeds and are firmly attached to the hair shaft. They can usually be found behind the ears or at the neckline. The discovery of nits confirms infestation with head lice.
• Lice are spread by personal contact or by hair or the scalp touching any surface or item that has been in contact with an infested person, including bedding, hats, combs, sports helmets, etc. Please do not ever share combs, brushes, hats, jackets, and scarves.
• Symptoms:  The first symptom of head lice is persistent scratching of the head. Repeated scratching of his/her head may be a sign that someone has head lice. It is also very common for other members of the household to become infested with head lice. Screen all family members and treat only if lice or nits are found. Contact the school nurse if you would like your child (or other family member) to be screened for head lice.
• Detection:  If your child is repeatedly scratching their head, check the hair shafts and scalp closely for head lice or nits (eggs). **If your child has head lice, please contact the school nurse so she can screen the rest of your child’s class for other cases. Make arrangements to have your child screened by the school nurse before returning to school.
• Treatment:  Permethrin based shampoos for lice are the treatment of choice and may be purchased over the counter. Please follow the directions closely. All nits must be combed (or pulled out) after the treatment is finished. It is extremely important to remove ALL of the lice and nits from the hair. 
• Treating the environment:  Spraying homes with insecticides is not recommended. Vacuum floors, rugs, pillows, and upholstered furniture. Wash hats, scarves, clothing, towels, and bed linen in hot water and dry using high heat for at least 20 minutes. Dry clean or tie up non-washable items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. Wash combs and brushes with soap and hot water (above 130 degrees F.)

Lice are not a health hazard, they do not spread diseases, and their presence is not a sign of uncleanliness. Lice is not selective of who they infest and can be acquired by anyone. Random classroom head lice checks may be performed throughout the school year. If your child is found to have head lice/nits, they will be sent home and will be able to come back to school once all lice and nits have been removed. Because of the sensitivity in nature, a suspected or confirmed case of head lice is kept confidential. Please call your school nurse or visit www.headlice.org for more information. 
 

Improving Communication for Nurses and Parents

Safford Unified School District utilizes SchoolCare.com, a communication tool for our parents and nurses. With this tool, nurses can notify parents when their children visit the nurse’s office, and parents can provide the nurse with accurate student medical information. All information is stored securely and is HIPAA and FERPA compliant. 

To start this process, WE NEED YOUR HELP! You received an email directly from SchoolCare.com with a personalized link to complete your child’s record. Please make time to complete the request. If you did not receive an email link, you can log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal and click on the SchoolCare link in the left-side menu. Or, you can also go to SchoolCare.com and select “Log In” then “Haven’t Signed Up? Register Here.” If you don’t have computer access, you can sign up by visiting your child’s school office.

The benefits of SchoolCare.com include:

• Streamlined medical information sharing between parent and nurse.
• Real-time notifications when your child visits the nurse's office.
• Accurate and portable vital information for daily and emergency use.
• Fill out your child's health profile ONCE, and update any changes each year, ensuring it is always up-to-date.
• Notifications when your child’s medicines dispensed at school are low and need refills.
• Peace of mind the school is fully aware of all of your child’s medical conditions.

Safford Unified School District's top priority is student safety and SchoolCare.com helps us ensure an efficient, streamlined means for coordinating the care of your child.