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  SCHOOL NURSE  NOTES

     The School Health Services Program and the School-Based Wellness Center are two different programs that work together to provide health and wellness services in our public schools.

     School Health Services Programs are mandated by the State of Maryland for all Maryland Public Schools.  Dorchester’s Program is provided through a partnership between Dorchester County Public Schools and the Dorchester County Health Department and is funded by the Dorchester County Board of Education and the Dorchester County Council.  The Schools Health Services Program staffs every school Health Room every school day with a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or a Certified School Heath Aide.  We provide sick and injured care to staff and students, for all referred and new students, and those in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 5th and 9th grades.  We also identify students health-related needs. And make accommodations to support learning.  School nurses work with families and physicians to develop health and emergency care plan for children with special health care needs, and provide health counseling to students, families, and staff.  Along with determining which nursing services can be delegated and supervising those to whom services have been delegated, we maintain school health records on every student, review immunizations, physicals, and lead testing status for each grade as required.  School Nurses also refer students to the School-Based Wellness Centers when indicated.  And, we identify and report school environmental concerns, and participate in various school multidisciplinary teams.

     School-Based Wellness Centers are staffed by Certified Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Social Workers, with secretarial support.  These school-based centers provide services for students that have been enrolled by their parents/guardians and have been referred to the centers by the school nurse.  Federal and State grants provide funding for School-Based Wellness Centers.  Dorchester’s two high schools and the two middle schools have these centers.  Certified Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and treat patients, and students can receive physicals and diagnostic exams, immunizations, sick care, medications, prescriptions, and health counseling in the Centers.  While services do not take the place of a student’s primary health care physician, there is a working relationship and  correspondence between the two.  Being seen in the Centers reduces time a student misses from school and, for parents, reduces time missed from work.  In addition   to the somatic services provided, mental health assessment and treatment services are available from school-based, licensed mental health clinicians at elementary, middle, and high school levels through Dorchester’s Wellness Center program.

     “School Nurse Notes” appears in school newsletters and on the Board of Education websites.

PDS News

     This semester we have the good fortune to have talented Salisbury University interns in our school. 

     We welcome them to our Choptank family.  Below is the intern and the name of the teacher or teachers she will be co-teaching with for about six weeks this semester.

Mrs. Ali Messick with Mrs. Sorrells (AM Pre-K) and Mrs. Elliott (PM Kindergarten)

Mrs. Katie Holbrook-Ms. Cannon (3rd grade) and then Mrs. Travis (4th Grade)

Ms. Megan Collins-Ms. Houghtaling (1st grade)

     We are excited to partner with Salisbury University.  This is definitely a win-win situation for all involved.

Mrs. Cathy Hanson

 

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Dates To Remember

February

                              Black History Month

             4               PAC @ 5:30pm

             4 -22         Pennies for Patients

             12             School closed Professional Dev./

                              Election Day

             18            School closed President’s Day

             22 & 23  National Outdoors Show @ SDS

             25            School closed/Parent Conferences

             29            Interim reports

March

             3            Read Across America

              20          Spring Photos

             21-24      School closed/Spring break

April  

              1 & 2     Reading MSA ( grades (3 –5)

              8 & 9     Math MSA (grades 3-5)

             15 & 16   SAT 10 (grades 1 & 2)

             29 & 30   Science MSA (grade 5)