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STUDENT HEALTH
Basic first aid will be provided by designated school personnel. For more complex injuries and illnesses, parents will be notified and students must be picked up from school immediately. If your child is required to use adaptive equipment or requires activity modification due to an injury, please provide a physician’s note to the school office.
If prescribed or over-the-counter medications are to be administered or taken during school hours, a Medication Authorization Form must be completed by the student’s physician and parent/guardian and returned to the school office with medication(s) before your child begins or returns to school. The student's parent/guardian AND authorized health care provider must indicate on the authorization form if the student is allowed to self-carry and self-administer medication while at school. For students who carry their own medication, it is recommended to have back-up medication in the school office. All medication must be in the original prescription bottle/package. Authorization forms must be completed annually. Any medication carried by a student without a signed Medication Authorization Form on file will be kept in the school office and parent/guardian will be contacted [California Education Codes 49423 and 49423.1].
We understand that head lice infestations do not pose a health hazard, are not a sign of uncleanliness, and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. Our practices are meant to reduce embarrassment for students and anxiety for parents and school staff. Preventing unnecessary absences and the potential negative effects on academic performance are essential. Children found with live head lice (not nits only) shall be referred to the parent for treatment and temporarily sent home from school. In consultation with the school nurse, the principal may also send information about head lice home to all parents/guardians of the students in that class within 48 hours, with student privacy being of the utmost importance. For more detailed information regarding MPCSD Head Lice policy, see Board Policy BP 5141.33.
The district provides vision and hearing screenings for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th and 8th grade students each year, and for students referred by staff or parents. These screenings are done by our district nurse. Parents may submit a written denial of consent if they do not want their child screened (California Education Code 49452.5).
On June 30, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California (2022-23 School Year). This guidance went into effect on July 1, 2022.
Key points:
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Masking: Masks, particularly high-quality and well-fitting masks (PDF), remain highly effective, inexpensive, and dynamic tools to protect oneself and mitigate transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens. Unless otherwise directed by local health departments or local educational agencies, students and staff should follow CDPH masking guidance for the general public, as well as masking guidance for specific situations referenced below (e.g., when having symptoms, or when infected or exposed).
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Staying home when sick: any student who develops new, unexplained symptoms should not return to campus until it is clear that symptoms are mild and improving or are due to a non-infectious cause (e.g., allergies). This includes waiting until 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. If symptoms are concerning for COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that students wear a mask and get tested immediately.
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Testing: CDPH recommends that antigen tests be considered the primary option for detecting COVID-19 in schools, compared to PCR tests. For more information, see the Preliminary Testing Framework for K-12 Schools.
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Vaccination: California strongly recommends that all eligible individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up-to-date to protect oneself and reduce transmission of the virus.
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Students diagnosed with COVID-19: Students diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow recommendations listed in Table 1 (Persons with COVID-19) of CDPH's guidance for the general public, including staying home for at least 5 days and wearing a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
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