School Nurse Kimberley Quaiel kimberly.quaiel@spart5.net

According to South Carolina Code of Laws and the Code of Regulations, every student in a public school setting is required to have a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization (DHEC 1148) or one of the following exemptions on file:

• Medical Contraindication

• Religious Exemption

• Special Exemptions 

Immunization certificates for school can be obtained through your child's medical provider or through the County Health Department. All students entering 7th grade, must have a tDaP booster after age 10. If your child is delinquent on school shots once school begins, you will be contacted by the school nurse.

Each January, DHEC publishes the "Immunization Requirements for Schools and Child Day Care Facilities." Immunization requirements are posted on DHEC's website at https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/vaccine-requirements-info

District Five Schools' priority is for your child to learn in a safe and secure environment. The medication policy ensures that your child only receive those medications prescribed to him/her. This policy regulates the distribution of medications and/or treatments that can safely be administered by a registered nurse or other trained staff member.

Prior to administration of any medication (this applies to OTC medications also) prescribed by a physician, the following procedures must be followed:

• A written statement/prescription must be provided to the health room containing the student's name, DOB, medication to be given, exact dosage to be given, time to be given and route to be given. Please see attached form.

• All prescriptions must have student's information located on medicine. The pharmacy will provide this label on the bottle or box. The label must be legible.

• Any over the counter medication prescribed by a physician must be provided by the parent. Expired or opened medications will not be accepted. Please provide a new, unopened bottle or box of medication.

No medications will be given without a physician's written order. Sending over the counter medications to school with or without parent permission will not be given without a physician's order. This would include cough syrup, Tylenol, Advil, creams, lotions, toothache medications, etc. Please call the school before you send in medications if you are unsure whether or not these medications can be administered to your child. We can always call a parent or other person designated by the parent/guardian to administer medication. 

All medications must be picked up by the parent at the end of the school year. No medications are to be left over the summer. 

If you have any questions about the medication policy, please do not hesitate to call the school. This policy is a safeguard for your child and we want to always provide the best care for your peace of mind.

Self Medicate and/or Self-Monitor Policy

If you and your child's physician determine that you desire the student to carry medication at school, please contact the school nurse for the appropriate forms that must be completed prior to allowing the student to carry the medication. A form or letter from the physician stating the child may carry the medication will not be accepted. The district specific form is required per policy.

Treatment Options

Students have limited treatment options. The school nurse can safely provide rest, basic first aid care, health education, & emergency services without prior approval. No topical creams or ointments containing medication of any kind will be used without a doctor's order. No oral medications will be administered without a doctor's order.

If your student requires care beyond that listed above, please notify the school nurse.

Always notify the school nurse if your student has severe allergies and/or a diagnosis that may affect their ability to learn or participate in class including but not limited to, seizures, pain management (broken bones), mobility aids, diabetes, attention deficit disorders, and/or mental health disorders.

If your child is required to be picked up from school, the school nurse or other school personnel will call to speak with you.

Please refer to the 2024-2025 School Exclusion list for an extensive list. https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/school-vaccination-coverage-data/exemptions-school-vaccine