Dear Parents,

Our school policy states that it is preferred that, when possible, medication be given before or after school.  However, we understand there are times when this is unavoidable and our students must take or have medication available at school. 

Each of our schools has a school nurse and their role is to administer medications, not prescribe them.  Parents are responsible for bringing medication to the school nurse and in all cases must have the appropriate paperwork completed.  No medication will be accepted or administered without the proper forms being completed.  Below is a checklist for you to follow:

Prescription Medications:

• School needs completed Prescriber/Parent Authorization form, signed by a physician and parents.

  • The medication must be in the original pharmacy container with a prescription label.

  • Medication should be delivered by an adult, not a student, to the school nurse.

  • Each refill must be in a new bottle with a new label.

  • Any changes in doses or medication schedule require a new doctor’s order.

  • Any discontinued medications require a doctor’s order.

Over-the-Counter Medications:

• School needs to be completed Provider/Parent Authorization form.

  • A physician’s signature is not required unless the dosage is different from the directions on the label.

  • The medication must be in the original, unopened container- the smallest size available would be appreciated.

  • Homeopathic medications require a doctor’s signature.

  • The nurses do not keep over-the-counter medication in the health room for general student use.

Self-Administered Medications for Chronic Illnesses (Inhalers, Epipens …):

• Unless arrangements have been made with the nurse, students should not keep medication on their person and never share their medication. Doing so may result in disciplinary action.

  • A school needs a completed Prescriber/Parent Authorization form with self-administered sections filled out by physicians and parents.

  • The medication must have a prescription label.

  • Students should demonstrate proper delivery techniques and understand emergency plans with the school nurse in order to keep the medication on their person.

  • Duplicate medication should be kept with the nurse in the health room.

General Information:

• All medication should have a current expiration date.

  • Whenever possible, medication should be given at home.

  • Students caught in possession of controlled substances, such as medication for ADHD or emotional problems, will be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and be subject to disciplinary action.

Why must a parent bring medication to school?
When a parent brings the medication to school, everyone is assured that the medication is in a secured location and tampering with the medication has not occurred.

May a parent/guardian bring and give medication to their own child during school?
Yes, a parent/guardian may come to school and give their child medication in the Health Room.

Why can't I put medication in my child's lunchbox if he/she has to be taken with food?
Medication in a lunch box could be lost or taken by another student.  If a staff member finds the medication, it is considered a drug with consequences according to the Code of Conduct.  To ensure the health and safety of our students, all medication must be brought to the Health Room by an adult..  

Does the school provide any medication?
No, the school does not provide medication.  Any medication you want your child to have must be brought to the Health Room by the parent/guardian.

Why must medication be in the original container?
The original container provides information from the manufacturer about the over-the-counter medications, including the name of the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the medication can be given, possible side effects, and when the medication is no longer effective.