Information and Services from the Health Office
Our school nurse, Kristin Gormican, will be available on campus one day a week (Tuesday). The health office is located adjacent to the main office. The School Nurse can be reached by email at [email protected]. The school nurse will assist parents with the health needs of the students (e.g. medications needed at school, special health concerns, allergies etc.) and provide training for the staff so they can assist students when she is not on site.
Gwen Sevier is the Health Technician assigned here every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. Gwen can help with reviewing immunization and health records as well as providing first aid to the students.
Role of the Health Office Staff
A Registered Nurse (RN) is assigned to every school and is the first point of contact for your questions and concerns. They have a Baccalaureate degree or above, have additional post-graduate education related to school health issues, and have a School Nurse Health Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
School nurses are the primary health care providers within the educational environment promoting optimum health status, physical, mental and emotional health, so that all students may achieve their fullest potential as a learner and a person.
Only a school nurse can:
- Assess health needs
- Teach and promote health practices
- Provide health education, primary health care, emergency care, crisis management, and referrals
- Provide communicable disease control
- Perform mandated health screenings
- Train unlicensed staff to provide health care
Health Technicians (HT) and Special Education Health Technicians (SEHT) are unlicensed personnel with training in First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration, and Specialized Procedures as needed under the direct supervision of the credentialed school nurse. Another point of contact, that can be reached if the school nurse is not available, is the Nursing Cluster Coordinator, Sue Delira, who may be reached at [email protected] or 619-221-8090.
Forms and Health Information
Please contact the Health Office if you have a child with a health concern, need information about immunization requirements or health insurance. We also can provide information about accessing wellness and community resources.
Administration of Medications
The California Education Code states that any student who is required to take medication prescribed by a physician during the regular school day, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the district receives: (1.) a written statement from the physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules that the medication is to be taken and (2.) a written statement from the student's parent/guardian authorizing the school district to administer the medication. (E.C. 49422, 49423)
Prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy container with the original prescription label adhered to the container. Students may carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine and asthma inhalers if certain requirements are met.
No other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, or alternative medications may be carried by students on their person, in a backpack or other container except as indicated above and with the express knowledge and per-mission of the school nurse. Limited over-the-counter medications may be available at some school sites and can be given only by a credentialed school nurse or trained health technician with parent/guardian consent on file.
Contact the school nurse if you have questions.
Insurance for Children
San Diego Unified School District has Certified Enrollment Clerks to help you enroll your child in Medi-Cal or Covered California insurance. To contact the district's Certified Enrollment Clerks (CEC), call (619) 571-3332 for additional information to qualify or contact the school nurse at your child's school. A list of community and public health clinics throughout San Diego, plus other community resources are also available.
Operation School Bell
This program offers free clothing for students in grades K - 6 for families who could use this service. It provides new clothing and personal grooming products to children. Please contact the school nurse about obtaining a voucher.
Immunization Records
In compliance with California state law, all students' immunization records will be reviewed. The Health Office will contact you if your child's record is not up to date. For more information about immunization requirements go to http://www.shotsforschool.org.
Vision, Dental, and Hearing Screenings
There are several screenings mandated by California that will be done throughout the year for various grades, such as vision, dental, and hearing. Mandated screening are done in K, 2nd, 5th and 8th grade. We will contact you following the screenings if further follow-up is advised. Boys in 1st grade or above may be screened for color deficiency. We can provide information on vision and dental programs available to children.
Medical Alert Identification
Use of medical alert identification for students who have potentially life threatening conditions is recommended. All students who are diagnosed with diabetes, critical asthma, uncontrolled seizure disorders, heart defects, bee sting or other serious allergies and other conditions should be wearing Medical Alert identification. Call your local pharmacist on how to obtain one.
District Wellness Policy and Wellness Resources
Obesity is serious health concern and our children are at risk. The Federal government realizes this fact and has made goals to try to battle this. Children spend approximately 900 hours a year in school. School districts that receive federal money are required to improve their food services and physical education.
Each school district is required to create a Wellness Policy that reflects these mandatory changes. Because San Diego Unified is a large district our Wellness Policy follows the Coordinated School Health model. Our Wellness Policy incorporates the following aspects: nutrition, physical education, health education, health services, counseling and support services, healthy school environment, health promotion for staff and family/community involvement.
If you are interested in participating as a parent on our School Site Wellness Council contact the school principal. Here are wellness resources for promoting wellness at home and at school.
We are here to promote your student's functioning at his/her optimum wellness and support their educational program. Let us know how we can be of assistance.
Best Regards,
School Nurse