School Nurse
Keeping our students healthy and ready to learn!
Too Sick for School? 
Attending school each day is critical for children's successful academic and social growth! You can come to school with a mild cold, a mild upset stomach without vomiting. You should stay home if you have:
- Fever
A fever is defined as having a temperature of 100.4° F or higher. Students should be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for 24 hours before returning to school. - Frequent diarrhea
- Vomiting
Vomiting in the last 24-hour period. Students should be able to tolerate food and drink before returning to school. - Rash
An unexplained rash with fever and/or behavioral change. Child can return to school if a physician has determined the illness is not communicable and the fever is gone without fever-reducing medications. - Bacterial infections requiring antibiotics.
If your child is placed on antibiotics for any kind of infection please consult the school nurse for return-to-school recommendations.
Social Emotional Well Being 
Sometimes children with anxiety may avoid school due to symptoms including decreased appetite, feeling tired, upset stomach, and headache. If you are worried that your child is suffering from anxiety, talk to your doctor, your school nurse, or school counselor.
Respiratory Illnesses (Including, but not limited to COVID, RSV, Flu) 
Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. MSAD #51 encourages staff and students/families to follow the federal CDC Respiratory Illness Guidance to protect yourself and the community from respiratory illnesses. Please contact your school nurse if you have questions after reviewing CDC guidance.
Returning to School after Concussion 
Some children will need academic adjustments as they recover from a concussion. Please reach out to your school nurse if you suspect your child has a concussion or has been diagnosed with a concussion. Click here for more information about returning to school after a concussion.
Immunizations 
All children attending a public or private school in Maine MUST have a minimum of the following immunizations: Click here for Maine School Immunization Requirements
- Required for Pre-K entry:
- 4 DTaP
- 3 Polio
- 1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- 1 Varicella (chickenpox)
- Required for Kindergarten entry:
- 5 DTaP (4 DTaP if 4th is given on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 Polio (3 Polio if the 3rd is given on or after the 4th birthday)
- 2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- 2 Varicella (chickenpox)
- Required for 7th grade entry:
- All previously required immunizations
- 1 Tdap
- 1 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4)
- Required for 12th grade entry:
- All previously required immunizations
- 2 MCV4, only one dose is required if the 1st dose is given on or after 16th birthday
OR
- Medical exemption from a healthcare provider for one or all vaccines. *Must be submitted annually unless permanent exemption is indicated.
- IEP Exemptions are only allowable for students with both an IEP and an immunization exemption in place prior to September 1, 2021. *Must be submitted annually
- In the absence of a certificate of immunization, students must submit one of the following:
- Laboratory evidence of immunity to specific diseases OR
- Reliable history of disease documented by a Maine physician or other primary care provider.
Medication at School 
Click here to review MSAD #51 medication administration policy.
To give permission for the over-the-counter medication administration at school:
- Complete the Over-the-Counter Medication Permissions form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
- If your child needs medication while at school, the school nurse will check for your permission in PowerSchool.
- No medication will be administered without parent permission on file.
To set up daily prescription medication administration at school:
- Complete the Prescription Medication Permission form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
- Contact your child's prescriber to request that they send the school nurse an order for the prescribed medication.
- Bring the medication to school. **Please note: MSAD#51 policy requires all medication to be in the original prescription or over-the-counter packaging.
Chronic Health Conditions 
If your child has any medical problems, please discuss them with the nurse every year. If necessary, work with the nurse to develop a plan for your child’s care at school. Open communication and collaboration will help to ensure your child's safety!
Diagnosis of Allergy, Asthma, Seizures, and/or Diabetes requires a completed action plan to be submitted to the school nurse annually.
Allergy Health Plan
Diabetes Health Plan
Seizure Health Plan
Asthma Health Plan
Instructional Support: Section 504 
Special Education services are available for all students who qualify under state and federal laws. Students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity may be eligible for Section 504 accommodations or services. If you have questions about whether your child may be eligible for such services, please contact your school nurse or school counselor. Click here for more information about MSAD #51's Instructional Support Services.
Health Screenings 
Student shall be screened for:
- Hearing: PK, K, grades 1, 3, and 5
- Near Vision Acuity: grades 1 and 3
- Distance Vision Acuity: PK, K, grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will only be contacted by the School Nurse if students do not meet Maine Department of Education standards.
Note per Maine Law: A student whose parent objects in writing to screening on religious grounds shall not be screened unless sight or hearing defect is reasonably apparent.