Elaine Trakas, RN
elaine.trakas@fcps.org
240-236-1309
Lisa Lapole, HRT
lisa.lapole@fcps.org
240-236-1310
PREPARING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
Medication/Treatment Orders from your Health Care Provider
The appropriate medication/treatment authorization form(s) must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
Please be aware of the expiration date on the pharmacy label when bringing the medication to the Health Room with the new authorization form. School health staff will determine medication expiration by the date printed on the pharmacy label. Please note that EpiPens, Diastat, Glucagon, and inhalers have an expiration date printed on the container in addition to the pharmacy label. Therefore the container expiration date must be equal to or exceed the expiration date on the pharmacy label. Please make sure the expiration date on the individual medication container exceeds the expiration date on the label before leaving the pharmacy.
To help make your child’s first day a success, please submit all completed forms and medications to the Health Room during the week of August 10th between 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. This will give school health staff time to make sure the forms and medications are correct in preparation for your child’s first day of school. Please do not send in medications with your child to school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange for the safe delivery of medication to the school Health Room by an adult (FCPS Regulation 400-23). If you have any questions you may contact the NMES Health Room at 240-236-1310. Thank you for your cooperation.
Immunization Requirements
What vaccinations are mandated?
Under Maryland law, students enrolled in preschool programs through fifth grade school year will need to provide schools documentation of immunizations against Hepatitis B, chickenpox, also called Varicella, DPT, polio, and MMR. For preschool children, Hib and Prevnar are required for those children younger than 60 months of age in addition to those immunizations previously mentioned.
What will happen if my child is not vaccinated?
Children who have not been vaccinated according to Maryland regulations will not be able to attend school – this means your child will be excluded from school until these vaccinations are received.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
Contact your child’s healthcare provider today to schedule an appointment. If you child does not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of vaccinations contact the Frederick County Health
Department Immunization Program at 301-631-3342. Once your child is vaccinated submit documentation to your child’s school.
What if my child has already been vaccinated or had chickenpox?
Make sure your child’s school health record is up-to-date with your child’s vaccinations including history of chickenpox disease. Contact your child’s healthcare provider to get a copy of your child’s vaccination record and give it to the school nurse. If your child had chickenpox provide your child’s school nurse with the month and year your child had chickenpox. Make sure the start of your child’s school year begins smoothly.
Don’t delay, vaccinate today.
Medication Policy
During the school year it may be necessary for your child to take prescription or nonprescription medications during the school day. These medications may need to be given daily or on an as needed basis. In order for this to happen you are required to follow the FCPS Medication Administration Policy.
If medication is needed at school:
1. You must have a Physician’s Medication Authorization for Prescription and Nonprescription Medication form completed. This form would need to be completed by both parent and physician.
2. The medication needs to be in the original container and/or properly labeled prescription bottle. The medication label must match the physician’s order form and be current. NO MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN IN SCHOOL WITHOUT THE COMPLETED FORM AND PROPER LABELING.
3. All non-prescription medication must come to school in an unopened package.
4. An adult must transport any medications to and from school.
5. Antibiotic administration is discouraged as physicians can accommodate proper dosing times around the school day.
6. The first full day’s dosage of ANY new medication must be given at home.
7. If your child requires an Epinephrine Auto-Injector at school the Authorization for Management of an Allergic Reaction form is required.
**Please check expiration dates of all medications prior to sending to school. For further questions, you may contact the health room at (240) 236-1310.