Clinic Information

St. Matthew’s School has a nurse on duty at all times during school hours. The clinic coordinator, Jayne Casingal, RN, BSN, is on duty on Monday through Friday.

What are the medical requirements necessary for admission?

Every student must have a recent physical on the Virginia State physical form. This link to the Virginia Department of Health MCH-213G Form for physical examinations and immunizations will allow you to download the form. This form is also available from the school office or the clinic. The immunization requirements for admission are also available in the school clinic.

Download the following forms now:


Can my child take medication at school?

Yes, over the counter medications can be given if the medication authorization form is completed. Over the counter medication can be given as needed and for no more than three consecutive days. If the medication is needed for more than three days, an order is required from a physician.

Yes, your child may be given prescription medication only after we have received a signed medication administration form completed by your physician and signed by the parent.

All medications must be brought to the clinic in the original box by the parent or an adult. The medication MAY NOT be brought to school by the child.


What if my child has severe allergies, such as peanuts?

Students with food allergies must provide their own snacks for snack time or special parties to be stored and kept in the classroom. We have an allergy form that needs to be filled out by the parent and the physician. If it is necessary, an epi-pen can be kept in the cafeteria, clinic and/or the classroom. Also, we provide allergy reaction information to the class and the teachers, including all specials teachers and staff members. We can provide a peanut free lunch table in the cafeteria for students as needed and by parent request.


My child has asthma; can he/she carry the inhaler?

We do not encourage children to carry inhalers. However, if your child’s asthma is so severe that a doctor has filled out the form stating that he/she must carry an inhaler with him at all times, it will be permitted.


Is your child too sick for school?

  • Chickenpox: school exclusion for seven days or until vesicles become dry.
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Students may not attend if discharge is present and must be treated with medication. A note from the doctor is required to return to school.
  • Head Lice: Prior to returning to school, the child must be checked by the school nurse.
  • Bacterial infections: May return once the child has been on antibiotics for twenty-four hours, and is fever free for twenty-four hours.
  • Vomiting, diarrhea and /or fever: May not return to school unless the student has not vomited for twenty-four hours, has not had diarrhea for twenty-four hours and has not had a fever for twenty-four hours.

Additional information:

What happens if my child is sick?

When your child complains of, or is identified as having symptoms, we will contact you for immediate pick-up from school and continue to appreciate your quick response to our calls/contact. Until you arrive, your child will be placed in an isolation area and asked to wear a mask. This is for the protection and health of your child and those caring for him/her.

Upon receipt of notification, it is up to you to decide if and when your child needs medical attention.

We recommend that you contact your child’s medical provider and follow their specific guidance regarding next steps. If your child’s illness is confirmed a COVID-19, family members maybe also be required to quarantine for up to 14 days, so it is important to seek medical guidance to stop community spread of COVID-19.

According to CDC guidance, your child will be evaluated in the following sections:

Section 1 –

  1. Temperature of 100.4 or greater
  2. Loss of taste/smell and sore throat
  3. NEW uncontrolled cough and congestion
  4. Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  5. NEW onset of severe headache or muscle aches or rash

Section 2 – 

  1. Close contact to a person with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19
  2. Travel to areas with large numbers of of COVID-19 cases

If the student answers YES to Section 1 but NO to Section 2, the student will need to be excused from school until they are 24 hours symptom free. If they were sent home with a fever, the fever needs to be resolved for 24 hours without Motrin and/or Tylenol.

If the student answers YES to Section 1 and YES to Section 2, the student should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for possible testing. Students who receive a NEGATIVE test will be allowed to return to school once they are 24 hours symptom free.

Without a NEGATIVE test, students need to isolate themselves from others and follow the guidance of the local health department. They can not return to school until 24 hours without a fever and 10 days after other symptoms have ended.

In accordance with state and local laws and regulations, schools are required to notify the local health department immediately of any case of COVID-19, while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please let us know if your child or another family member receives a positive COVID-19 test result.

Please use this guidance to check your child each morning before school.

 


During the first week of school, an emergency information sheet will be sent home with your child. This form must be completed and returned immediately to the school. Please indicate on the form if your child has any medical conditions of which we should be aware. We ask that you please complete this part of the form each year. Together, you, your child, and the school nurse can build a relationship to benefit your child.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child for the nurse, please feel free to e-mail, call, or stop by the clinic anytime during regular school hours (8:00 AM-3:00 PM).

School phone number: 757-420-2455

Fax number: 757-420-4880

[email protected]