Parent Information

Alabama Act No. 2023-75, which amended the Alabama Safe at Schools Act, requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Alabama Board of Nursing, to develop guidelines for the training of school employees in the necessary care for students with medical needs related to an adrenal insufficiency according to the student’s Individual Health Plan, to include permitting the administration of injectable medications specific to the adrenal insufficiency of the student. The training guidelines must be approved by the State Board of Education and the Board of Nursing, and each local board of education is required to ensure that adrenal insufficiency training programs are provided for all nurses and unlicensed medication assistants at schools under its jurisdiction. The Board adopted a new rule, §610-x-7-.14, to facilitate this delegation by a licensed nurse.

The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), in collaboration with the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), has developed a standardized training program for registered nurses to educate and validate the competency of those unlicensed medication assistants to whom medication administration may be delegated. The decision to give medication to a student diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency is based on a case by case basis and in the student’s individual health plan (IHP). The IHP is based on orders written by the student’s personal physician or authorized prescriber. 

Each local board of education must provide adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis training programs for all school nurses and unlicensed personnel under its jurisdiction.
 

Laws and Policies

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Allergic reactions to foods have become the most common cause of anaphylaxis in community health settings. Studies indicate that anaphylactic events related to the accidental consumption of food allergens in school settings are not rare. In addition, severe and potentially life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur in schools when children with no previous diagnosis of food allergies are exposed to allergens at school and have an initial anaphylactic event. 

It is the protocol of the Calhoun County School System that an Anaphylaxis Preparedness Program be implemented as part of the school health services. The program shall incorporate three levels of preparedness: 

•  Level I Primary Prevention: Education programs that address food allergies and anaphylaxis through both classroom and individual instruction for staff and students. 
•  Level II Secondary Prevention: Identification and management of chronic illness which could lead to anaphylaxis. 
•  Level III Tertiary Prevention: The development of a planned response to anaphylaxis-related emergency in the school setting.

Calhoun County Schools, in collaboration with a supervising physician, have developed and maintained a protocol for emergency response that includes a supply of premeasured auto-injectable epinephrine on each school campus, to treat potentially life threatening allergic reactions. 

References:    Code of Alabama 16-1-48(D)
Alabama Legislative Act 2014-405
Alabama Act No. 2019-456 (Kyle Grady Act)
 

Laws and Policies

 

*If your student has a documented food allergy, please have the diet prescription form completed and returned to your school nurse. (located under “Authorized Forms” on the Health Services Department web page or under “Helpful Links” on the Child Nutrition Department web page.)  

An AED will be maintained on the premises of each Calhoun County School campus. The AED shall be used in emergency situations warranting its use by individuals specifically trained in the use of the device. The Health Services Director will be responsible for coordinating the AED program, communicating with appropriate local physicians and/or emergency medical service providers, and for advising the Superintendent in developing, implementing, and publishing procedures and guidelines for AED use in school system facilities. 

Authorized personnel who have successfully completed appropriate training and/or any volunteer responder who has successfully completed an approved CPR/AED training program and has a current course completion card are authorized AED users. Signage and/or publications in school buildings shall identify the location of AEDs.  School system office personnel are responsible for receiving emergency medical calls from internal locations, contacting the EMS (911) if required, and deploying the school nurse and/or AED/CPR-trained staff members to the location of the emergency. 

Initial training in first aid/CPR/AED use will be conducted through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Designated staff members will renew CPR/AED training annually. The Health Services Director will keep training records. 

Reference(s): Code of Alabama 16-11-12, Alabama Legislative Act 2009-754

Laws and Policies
 

The training for administration of injectable medication in the School Settings Training Program provides a framework for local school districts to implement the Alabama Safe at Schools Act (Alabama Act No. 2014-437) allowing registered nurses to delegate to unlicensed school personnel in the school setting the nursing act of administration of insulin and emergency medication (glucagon, baqsimi, gvoke) to students. In order to ensure that local school districts are adequately prepared to administer insulin and emergency medication to school-age children with diabetes and to provide continuity in training school personnel, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), in collaboration with the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), developed a standardized training program for registered nurses to educate and validate the competency of those unlicensed personnel to whom administration of insulin and emergency medication may be delegated. The purpose of this guide is to provide a standardized, evidence-based training program for the school registered nurse to utilize in training diabetes management to the unlicensed staff in schools. 

Laws and Policies

At this time Calhoun County Schools ONLY delegates emergency medication administration for students who are deemed “independent” by their physician, parent and/or Health Services Department.

Choking is the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths in the US and is considered a common and life-threatening form of an emergency.  The Calhoun County Board of Education has chosen to have anti-choking devices (LifeVac) available at each of our school campuses. 

A LifeVac is a non-invasive, non-powered, portable Airway Clearance Device (ACD) that removes objects like food or toys from a victim with airway obstruction.  This device does NOT replace the traditional Heimlich Maneuver as the first line of defense but is an alternative in the event that the Heimlich Maneuver fails to expel the object and EMS is not on site.

Authorized personnel who have successfully completed appropriate training are authorized users.  This training (along with the Heimlich Maneuver) will be conducted by the Health Services Department and/or licensed school nurse.  

The Health Services Department Of Calhoun County Schools has completed a review of scientific research related to head lice.  This information was developed based on current research and knowledge obtained from guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the National Association of School Nurses and the Alabama Department of Public Health.  

These efforts have culminated in the creation of procedures related to the management of head lice in school.  The current recommendations using evidence-based practice states that students with eggs (nits) and/or head lice should remain in school and not be immediately excluded.   

*See Head Lice Procedures under the Health Services Protocols located on the Calhoun County web page under “Policies and Reports” section under the “Our District” tab.  
 

Carrying too heavy of a backpack may affect children’s health and have long term effects.  Research shows that children carrying more than 10% of their body weight is damaging to their spinal and postural health. 

What are the possible problems related to carrying heavy backpacks?

• Strain to the shoulders and back affecting overall ease of movement and causing pain/discomfort

• Affects balance and posture

• Spinal problems such as:  scoliosis (crooked spine) and disc degeneration

• May alter nerve communication

• Pull bones out of alignment by stretching ligaments/muscles

What should I do?

• Your backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight

• Make sure you wear your backpack with both straps over your shoulders.  Wearing your backpack over just one shoulder puts your spine out of balance and stresses that side

• See your physician or chiropractor for an exam for early detection or if you are symptomatic

• For more information view applicable law documents at ALSDE Health Laws & Policies.

What is influenza disease?

• Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.
• The virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
• It can cause mild to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death.

What are the symptoms?

• Anyone can get flu and it strikes suddenly and can last several days.
• Symptoms of flu disease may include:
  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose o Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches o Fatigue (very tired)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

How does influenza disease spread?

• Flu is spread by:
  • An infected person’s droplets from cough, sneeze or talk enter the mouth, eye or nose.
  • Touching a surface or object with flu virus on it and then touching mouth, eyes or nose.
• An infected person can infect others 1 day before symptoms start and up to 5 to 7 days after symptoms start.
• Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

How do I prevent the flu?

• Get a yearly flu vaccine.
• Wash your hands properly and often.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with arm.
• Clean and sterilize surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Where can I find more information?

• Ask your doctor.
• Call the Alabama Department of Public Health, Immunization Division, at 1-800-469-4599.
• Go to cdc.gov and type influenza in the SEARCH box.

Who should get the influenza (flu) vaccine?

• The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone age 6 months or older.

 Who should be vaccinated against influenza because they are at increased risk?

• Children 6 months of age through 5 years Adults 65 years of age or older
• Pregnant women
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who have medical conditions including the following:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Heart disease
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Weakened immune systems due to disease or medication (such as HIV/AIDS or cancer)
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • People with extreme obesity

What are the common vaccine side effects and risks?

• Flu vaccines are safe, but some side effects can occur.
• Minor problems following the flu vaccine include soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot, hoarseness, sore, red or itchy eyes, cough, fever, aches, headache, itching, and fatigue.
• More serious problems may include Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in fewer than 1 or 2 cases per one million people vaccinated, children receiving multiple vaccines slightly increase in fever with seizure.
• People who should not get the flu vaccine include anyone with severe, life threatening allergies, had GBS before, or not feeling well the day of vaccination.

 Where can I find more information?

• Ask your doctor.
• Ask you school nurse.
• Call the Alabama Department of Public Health, Immunization Division, at 1-800-469-4599.
• Go to cdc.gov and type influenza in the SEARCH box.

 

Alabama Department of Public Health
Immunization Division, 201 Monroe St, Montgomery, AL 36104
1-800-469-4599 www.adph.org/imm 2/29/16

The Alabama Board of Nursing, Alabama State Department of Education, and Calhoun County Board of Education have strict guidelines regarding medications in the school setting.  Administration (including self-administration) of medication is allowed in accord with state law and as outlined in the Medication Procedure located in the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.  

Reference:  Code of Alabama  16-1-39
        Code of Alabama 16-11-9
        Alabama Act No. 2019-456
 

Laws and Policies

*If your child needs to take medication during school hours or during school sponsored events outside of normal school hours, the mandatory Prescriber-Parent Authorization Form (located on the Health Services web page under parent information section) must be completed in full and turned into your school nurse.  

The Jessica Elkins Act (2014-274) provides awareness and vaccine information regarding meningococcal meningitis disease and its vaccine to parents and guardians of students. 

For information regarding immunizations, meningitis, and flu, please visit the ALSDE Immunizations Page, and click on the appropriate tab.

Calhoun County Schools stock Naloxone for Opioid overdose in accordance with the Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama State Department of Education. Appropriate documentation and training of the program is kept with the Health Services Director.

Naloxone is a rapid reversal agent and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. 
Trained employees of Calhoun County Schools will provide assistance to any person(s) who may be suffering from an opioid overdose following ALSDE and ADPH  protocols/procedures .

It is the responsibility of the Health Services Director to obtain, store and implement Naloxone (Narcan) for the School District in compliance with ALSDE/ADPH guidelines.
The Calhoun County Board of Education will follow the standing order from the Alabama Department of Public Health Officer for the training and administration of Naloxone in schools.
The Health Services Director or Registered Nurse will complete this training for its systems nurses, administrators and AED response teams at each school.  

Naloxone will be stored in a “naloxone container” inside the AED cabinet (main office) at each school. The school nurse will be responsible for periodic inspection to make sure that the Naloxone is not expired and that the package shrink wrap is intact.  The school nurse will notify the Health Services Director when the Naloxone is soon to expire or the stock dose has been used.  The Health Services Director will be responsible for ordering replacements.

Faculty who have successfully completed the Alabama Naloxone Training may administer the Naloxone Intranasally when an emergency arises.  Whenever Naloxone is administered, a 911 call is required as there may be a need for more than one dose to reverse the effects of the opioid overdose.

The school nurse at each campus will keep a current list of faculty/staff who have completed the Naloxone Training.  Annual training and recertification will be done by the School Nurse using the Skills Checklist.

References(s): Code of Alabama 16-11-9 Alabama Legislative Act 2016-307

Laws and Policies
 

The Alabama State Department of Education and Alabama Department of Public Health requires that school districts in Alabama offer and provide scoliosis screening for male and female students in grades 5 through 9. Screening is performed by observing the spine, viewing the student from the back, side, and front and also from all sides with the student bending forward. A device known as a scoliometer (a type of level for the spine) may be used to determine any abnormal degree of curvature. Parents/Guardians of students found to have signs of a possible spinal abnormality will be asked to see their own physicians for further evaluation. Girls and boys will be screened separately to ensure privacy.  It is recommended that your student wear a snug fitting undergarment such as a tank top, or fitted t-shirt under their clothing the day of the screening.  

If your child is currently under treatment for a spinal deformity, please let us know and your child will be exempt from the screening process. 

Please be advised that this is an opt in only. You will be notified by letter and/or school notification platform, when the screening will take place.  A permission form “opting in” must be completed and turned in prior to your child being screened.  (Copy of the Authorization form is located on the Health Services web page under “Parent Information”.  

Laws and Policies
 

The Alabama Health Services Seizure Safe Schools Curriculum is the school nurses training program that provides a framework for local school districts to implement the Alabama Seizure Safe Schools Act (Alabama Act No. 2021-76). This act allows registered nurses to delegate to unlicensed school personnel in the school setting the nursing act of administering pre-measured medication for treatment of a seizure to students. This curriculum was developed to ensure that local school districts are adequately prepared to delegate the administration of seizure medication to school-age children with epilepsy and to provide continuity in training school personnel. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), in collaboration with the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), developed a standardized training program for registered nurses to educate and validate the competency of those unlicensed school personnel to whom administration of medication may be delegated. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide a standardized, evidence based training program for the school registered nurse to utilize in training seizure management and medication administration to unlicensed personnel in schools. According to Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) Administrative Code § 610-X-7.-10(5)(c), rectal medications are not delegated in the school setting.

 

Health Laws and Policies

 

USMA: (Unlicensed Seizure Medication Assistants)
Cassie Almaroad
LaShaunda Carr
Chad Hoffman
Tonia Lipham
Trey Phillips
Paige Shaddix
Jonathon Williams 

• Students may possess and use federal Food and Drug Administration regulated over-the-counter sunscreen at school and at school-based events

• Any student, parent, or guardian requesting a school board employee to apply sunscreen to a student shall present to the nurse a Parent Prescriber Authorization Form (PPA) containing a parent or guardian signature. A physician signature or physician order shall not be required

For more information, view applicable law documents at ALSDE Health Laws & Policies.

Calhoun County Schools follows the CDC's respiratory virus isolation guidance for illness such as Covid-19, Influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

For respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19, flu, or RSV, individuals may return to school and normal activities if the following is true for at least 24 hours: symptoms have mostly resolved with overall improvement and if a fever was present, the fever has been gone without use of fever-reducing medication.

Please reach out to your school nurse with any questions as to when your child can return to school and other school sponsored activities.

For more information, please see the CDC website pages regarding Covid-19, Influenza (Flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)