Notes From the Clinic

As we come to the end of another school year it is a great time to give thanks for all the blessings we have been given that have helped us to make it through to this point! For me, that means giving thanks for all of you, the students and families of STM school, who have been warm, welcoming and supportive to me over the past 5 years as your school nurse. I will not be returning to this position next year, but know that you will be blessed with new and dedicated staff to support you and your children!

There are some other changes in the school health program as mandated from our Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Here are some reminders to help you prepare for your students return to school in August, 2019:

1. Every student must submit a copy of their most recent vaccination records to the school Office by August 5, 2019. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in your child being excluded from attendance at school until their vaccine compliance is recieved and verified. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston recognizes only medically-indicated exemptions. If you require further infomation, please refer to your STM Family Handbook or contact the school office.

2. Every student must submit a Student TB Questionnaire which is reviewed by the school nurse. If the information provided indicates a need for futher medical evaluation, you will be notified.

3. This year there are new permission forms for Asthma, Diabetes, Seizure Disorders, Life-Threatening Food Allergies and Medication Administration. These forms are available now for you to print off and take to your physician. Please discard any old health forms, they will not be accepted for the 2019-2020 Academic year.

4. All students who wish to try-out for or participate in a school sponsored sports team (soccer, volleyball, football, baseball, basketball, track & field, cheer team, developmental sports teams for 4th/5th graders) MUST have a Pre-Participation Physical Exam on file in the School Clinic. There are new forms this year that are available now on our website. Please print them off and take to your appointment, old versions of this form will NOT be accepted for the 2019-2020 Academic year.

5. Students who require emergency medications to be stored at school must have these medications and their appropriate permissions in the school office by the first day of classes. Please review the guidelines for these medications in your STM Family Handbook.

Wishing you a safe and healthy summer and a smooth start to your upcoming Academic Year!

With gratitude,
Mary Gleason MSN, RN