Health Center
Granite Mountain School has a full-time nurse whose hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our nurse is here to help you when you are ill and will talk with you and your parents concerning any special problems you may have. If your child becomes ill during the school day, he/she must see the nurse to be assessed. The nurse will then determine if the parent(s) should be called to pick up the child.
Medications
All medication is to be kept in the GMS Nurse’s Office. Medications must be sent in the original container. Prescription medications must be accompanied by a yearly prescription from a doctor. These medications will be kept in a locking cabinet. Students may not have possession of medications of any kind (prescription or otherwise) on their person, in their backpacks, or in their lockers. In the course of the school year, your child may need a prescription or an over-the-counter medication administered. To ensure that the child is receiving the correct dose, correct time of administration, and correct medication, the parent/guardian must follow the requirements listed below:
- Medication prescribed by a physician must come to the school nurse in its original container and labeled by the pharmacy with the student’s name, medication directions for use, doctor’s name, and date of prescription. If your child is to take prescription medication both at home and school, ask your pharmacist to provide you with two marked containers (one for use at home and one for use at school).
- All over-the-counter medications must come in its original container and unopened. All over-the-counter medications must be FDA approved. Please note: If your child suffers from acute or chronic health issues, such as migraine headaches, you must provide the school with the medication for treatment.
- The parent/guardian must complete a Consent Form for Giving Medication to allow the nurse to administer any medications. Appropriate forms are available from the school nurse.
Students are not permitted to carry prescribed or over-the counter medications, homeopathic, naturopathic, or other medicinal substances on the school campus. Exceptions:
- Students who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis may carry EpiPens, provided that the student’s name is on the prescription label and that the parent/guardian completes a Permit for Self-Administration of EpiPens Injection ARS 15- 341.A.38 form. Appropriate forms are available from the school nurse.
- HB 2229 Asthma Rescue Medication Bill allows students to carry inhalers for self-administration on campus, provided the student’s name is on the prescription label and that the parent/guardian complete a Permit for Self-Administration of 21 Albuterol Inhaler ARS 15-341.A.39 form. Appropriate forms are available from the school nurse.
- Students with diabetes who have diabetes medical management plan provided by the student’s parent or guardian, signed by an licensed health professional as specified by ARS 15 344.01, may carry appropriate medications and monitoring equipment and self-administer the medication. Appropriate forms are available from the school nurse.
Immunizations
Every student must have:
- Up-to-date immunization history on file.
- Proof of immunization must be provided from a documented source. State regulations allow for exemption on the basis of medical or personal belief.
- Parents will be notified by mail when their child is due for an immunization. In accordance to Arizona State Law (A.R.S. 15-872), the appropriate immunization must be obtained by the specified date or the student will be excluded from school until proof of the immunization or exemption is provided.
Illness Protocol
We are concerned about contagious illnesses and request that you take extra precaution before sending your child to school. It is district policy for you to keep your child home when exhibiting any of the following symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting within the past 24 hours
Temperature of 100 degrees or higher within the past 24 hours
Possible pinkeye
Possible strep throat
If your child comes to school with these symptoms, s/he will be immediately sent home. Please have your child stay home and rest to prevent any relapses and the spread of illnesses. Medication for communicable illnesses must be taken for a full twenty-four (24) hours before the child can return to school.