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! It has been a crazy and most unexpected first year here at STM, as we end the year online due to the COVID-19. In addition, returning to school next year might be a challenge. 

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, 2020:

1. Every student must submit a copy of their most recent vaccination records to the school office before they can start school. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in your child being excluded from attendance at school until his/her vaccine compliance is received and verified. Acceptable forms of immunizations include the following:

• My Chart copy as long as it is signed or stamped by physician

• Original Immunization record with stamp/signature by each shot given 

• ImmTrack record as long as it is signed or stamped by physician

• Immunization form must be in English

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston recognizes only medically-indicated exemptions. If you have a medical exemption, please notify me via email. If you require further information, 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 further medical evaluation, you will be notified.

3. 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 2020-2021 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 2020-2021 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.

• Students may not bring medication to the nurse/ medication can only be brought in by an adult

• Medication of any type cannot be given without a completed medication form

• Medication cannot be brought in unless a completed medication form is filled out
   

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

Missing You All!

Rebecka A. Zepeda, RN, BSN