Does the School Nurse have over the counter medication if my child needs it? Can my child keep their own medication?
No medications are kept in the nurse’s office for general distribution. Only medications provided by the parent for a specific student will be given to that student per physician's order and/or OTC medication will be administered with written consent from the parent/guardian and physician orders.
ALL medications must be processed through the school nurse. Only emergency medications such as inhalers and epi-pens may be carried by the student with appropriate documentation with written consent from a physician and written consent from the parent/guardian.
Medication Authorization ENGLISH
Medication Authorization SPANISH
Can my child carry an inhaler for athletics or at school?
Students who require an inhaler to manage asthma symptoms may do so as long as there is an asthma action plan on file in the nurse’s office which indicates the health care provider’s permission for the student to “self-carry” the inhaler. This is true for students playing sports and for students who wish to keep their inhalers with them during the school day. You are urged to discuss this option with the school nurse as there may be additional factors to consider for Asthma Care for your child including severity of symptoms and the responsibility level of the student.
See the Asthma Care page for the link to the WISD asthma information and asthma action plan.
How can I find out about immunization exemptions?
Visit the Immunizations page for immunization information and specific instructions about immunization exemptions.
Can my child be excused from PE?
If your child needs to be excused from PE for illness or injury reasons, the parent must request that in writing. A parent request is good for 5 consecutive days. To be Further excused from PE requires a note from the physician.
How will the school protect my child from severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis?
Protecting your child from an allergic reaction is a team effort between parents, health care providers, and the school. The school nurse is your resource for developing a plan to meet your child’s unique needs. Parents will need to provide an allergy action plan and emergency medications that your child’s health care provider has recommended. Contact your school nurse early in the school year to begin making a plan for your child.
My child has lice. Can he/she go to school?
Texas law doesn't prohibit children with head lice from attending school, but school districts are responsible for creating policies for managing head lice.
These policies should:
- Not cause children to miss class unnecessarily
- Not embarrass or isolate students with repeated head lice infestations
- Recognize that head lice are a social issue, not a health threat
Here are some other things to know about head lice laws in Texas:
Notification
School nurses or administrators must notify parents of a child with head lice within 48 hours. Parents of children in the same classroom as a child with head lice must be notified within five school days.
Treatment recommendations
The notice must include recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for treating and preventing lice.
Confidentiality
The notice must comply with federal and state laws regarding student privacy.
My Child has the chicken pox. When can he/she return to school?
Most cases of chickenpox these days are very mild in children who have been vaccinated against varicella. It is best to consult your physician if you suspect chicken pox. Your child must remain at home until all of the lesions (pox) are crusted over and there can be no new eruption of lesions in the last 24 hours. He/she must also be fever-free for at least 24 hours. This process generally takes about 5 days. Your physician may require a longer period of isolation. A doctor’s note is recommended.
How often does my child need a physical for athletics? Does WISD offer the physical at school?
WISD does not offer the physical examination at school. Students should contact their coach for more information.
Does the district offer a health insurance plan for my child?
WISD does not offer health insurance for students. Families who qualify may be eligible for CHIP / Medical Assistance. Here are some helpful links: