Can I send my child to school with medicine for the nurse to give?

According to State of CT regulations, no medication may be administered at school without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written authorization of the student’s parent or guardian. West Hartford requires that medication be in a properly labeled container. The medication must be delivered to the nurse or principal by a responsible adult. CHILDREN MAY NOT BRING MEDICATION TO SCHOOL. 

Click here to view and print out a copy of the Authorization for Administration of Medication by School Personnel Form to be completed by the prescribing health care provider and signed by the parent.

What health information is needed for my child to enter school?

Children entering the West Hartford School system must have a Blue State of CT Health Assessment Record (CHR) before the child can begin school. The parent must complete and sign the front of the form. The health care provider completes the back of the form. To be considered complete, the physical exam on record must be within 1 year of the start of the school year, include all starred (*) items and up-to-date immunizations.

Children in the pre-school program should provide the school nurse with a yearly update of the child’s well child visit on the blue form.

Children in Kindergarten, grades 3, 6, and 10 should have an updated CT Health Assessment Record on file with the school nurse.

My child is not feeling well. Should I keep him/her home?

Regular school attendance is necessary for optimal learning. However, a mere presence at school does not ensure effective learning. A child must be feeling well in order to maximize the learning experience.  In addition, a child who is sick and comes to school may help spread the illness to other students and staff. It is recommended that a child remain home if any of the following conditions are present.

1.       Temperature of 100 degrees or higher.

2.       The need for medication i.e. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve or other acetominophen, aspirin or NSAID to keep the temperature below 100 degrees.

3.    Vomiting and/or diarrhea with a loss of appetite and/or fever.

4.       A rash that is itchy and spreading and of unknown causes. The child may return to school after an evaluation by the health care provider.

5.      Acute pain that requires narcotic medication for relief.