Student Wellness Policy

Policy 6140: Student Wellness 

Questions related to this policy should be directed to Chatham County Schools Executive Director of Student Services Tracy Fowler at tfowler@chatham.k12.nc.us.

Health & Immunization Requirements

Students are required to have an immunization record on file to attend school in NC. Additionally a Health Assessment is needed on entry to NC public schools for the first time.

Parents have 30 days from their child's first day of school to provide this information. On the 31st day, students without a complete immunization record and/or Health Assessment on file will be excluded until it is received by the school nurse. 

Additional Information:

• For additional information regarding the laws that pertain to immunizations and health assessment:  Immunization NC GS_130A-155 and Health Assessment GS 130A-440
• For more information on vaccines and vaccine preventable illnesses, parents and students can also visit: www.immunize.nc.gov or www.cdc.gov

Medications at School

There are times when it is appropriate for your child to recieve medication during school hours.  Please have your child's doctor complete the following form in order for medications to be administered at school:

Administration of Medication during School Hours

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects on the scalp and can be a common concern among pre-kindergarten and elementary age school children.  They are spread primarily from head to head contact. Head lice lay eggs and these eggs are called nits.  They reproduce quickly and left untreated the cycle will repeat itself.  Head lice often presents with severe itching of the scalp. 

Additional information:

• Parent Notification of Lice and Prevention Tips

Chatham County Schools Medical Forms

If your child has any health issues that may impact them at school, it is important for families to inform the school as soon as possible.  The following forms should be completed by guardians and the child's physician so that the schools can be sure appropriate care is in place.  If your child has a medical condition that is not listed below, please contact the school nurse so that a plan can be created. 

• Insect Sting Allergy: English or Spanish
• Diabetes: English or Spanish
• Food Allergy: English or Spanish
• Seizures: English or Spanish
• Other Allergic Reaction: English or Spanish

Vision Screenings

Chatham County School Nurses conduct mass vision screenings in the Spring of each year.  We screen 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th grade at each school.  A copy of the screening comes home with the student along with a referral letter if indicated.  The nurse can also screen an individual student if the parent or teacher makes this request. 

When should your child stay home from school?

If your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) and then fever-free for 24 hours without medication

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Congested and/or coughing frequently

• Obviously doesn’t feel good

Signs or symptoms of one of the following contagious conditions:

(Please reach out to a school nurse or your child's doctor if you are unsure about any of these symptoms.)

• Scabies 

• Head Lice

• Strep throat or Scarlet Fever

• Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)

• Impetigo

• Staphylococcus infection

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella

Staying Healthy

Staying healthy is an important part a child's development.  By eating well and staying active, you can help your child build a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. Healthy children attend school more often and learn better. 

There are many ways to help our children be healthy.  Here are some basic tips on ways to stay healthy:

1. Eat healthy nutritious meals and snacks.
2. Get a good nights sleep.
3. Exercise (Play) is good for the body and the mind.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
6. Don’t share food or water bottles with others.

Additional Information:

• Health Assessment Form: English / Spanish