The health office is staffed by two registered nurses to provide for the medical and health needs of the students during regular school hours. The primary function of the health office is to provide assistance to students with serious or unexpected illness or injuries. Please be certain to fully complete the Student Medical Information Sheet, which is found on the back of the Student Information form. This medical information is confidential and kept in the health office. If there are any medical information changes to include medication and hospitalization, notify the health office immediately.

If a student requests to visit the nurse, they must first report to class, obtain a pass from the teacher, and then proceed to the health office. Students should only leave class for acute illness or injury.

Massachusetts State Law requires that students shall not carry medication of any kind while in school except inhalers. Inhalers and Epipens may be carried at all times after a demonstration with the nurse. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are available in the health office with the annual signed parent/guardian permission form. When other medication is required, the procedure is as follows:

1. Both a physician’s order form and a parental permission form must be completed. These are available from the health office and on the District
   
   
2. A clearly labeled prescription bottle with the following information:
   
   
   1. Name of student and date of prescription.
      
      
3. Name of medication(s) and dosage
   
   
   1. Name of prescribing physician
      
      
   2. Times when medication is to be given

Only parents/guardians or other responsible adults listed on the Student Information/Medical Information sheet will be allowed to dismiss students. Please be certain to list someone who will be able to transport the student during school hours, as well as cell phone and pager numbers when appropriate. The adult picking up the student must go into the nurse’s office to sign out the student.

Freshmen – Dates of last immunizations and physical exams reviewed with reminders sent home when necessary.  Postural screening, height, and weight will be done during the year.

Sophomores – Hearing and vision screening will be done during the year.

Parents/guardians may opt their child out of any screening.  Your child’s school nurse must be notified by email or by written note.

To be eligible for participation in athletics, all students must pass a physical examination within thirteen months of the start of each season. A copy of the student’s current physical must be on file in the nurse’s office. Physical examinations must be performed by a duly registered Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. (MIAA Rule 56.1)

Any injury which occurs during school hours or during a school function must be reported immediately to the appropriate coach, teacher or supervisor, who will fill out an accident report that will be on record in the health office. When deemed appropriate, an injured student will be transported via ambulance. Parents/guardians will be notified using the information on the Student Information/Medical Information sheet. It is vital to have accurate numbers where someone is available at all times.

All students are covered by accident insurance paid for by the district while they are on their way to or from school, on school grounds, or participating in a school-sponsored event. If your child is injured at school and the injury is observed by a school staff member, then the school staff member will then determine if treatment or further action is needed. If your child is injured at school and a school staff member does not observe the injury, your child needs to report the accident and injury to a member of the school staff who will then determine if treatment or further action is needed. If your child requires treatment by a doctor, reimbursement requests must first be submitted to the family insurance carrier. If your child has no coverage or the expenses are not completely covered, a bill then can be submitted to the school insurance carrier and the school must verify the accident by means of an accident report.

Town of Falmouth Accident Insurance

The Town of Falmouth provides two types of accident insurance. Each of the policies is described below. The 24-Hour Student Insurance is an optional policy that is available to any interested parent or guardian. While the Falmouth School Committee does not formally endorse this optional coverage, it is available to those who are interested in obtaining it and should be considered in light of other insurance coverage a family has.

• School Time Compulsory Accident Insurance: The Town of Falmouth provides School-Time Compulsory Accident Insurance to all students. Students are insured for accidents that occur during school time or at school-sponsored events, for example, field trips. This insurance policy provides excess coverage above and beyond the individual’s primary insurance.
  
  
• 24-Hour Student Insurance: This is an optional insurance policy available to all Falmouth students. This optional policy provides primary coverage with limits established by the policy. Individuals have the option of selecting medical coverage and/or extended dental coverage. Flyers are available to all students with a cover letter explaining this optional policy at all school buildings including the Superintendent’s Office. Any parent/guardian who wishes to take advantage of this optional insurance coverage may request an application form at any of our school buildings. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the cost of this insurance. No enrollment form for this accident insurance is included in your forms packet.

Students who require the use of the elevator may obtain the key from the Assistant Principals’ Office. Students who do not return the elevator key will be charged $10 for its replacement.

Students must see their physical education teacher.