The role of the School Nurse-Teacher is to identify student’s health needs, implement services and evaluate plans of care. In addition, the nurse must maintain individual student health records, and support mandated immunization protocols and health education guidelines from the R.I. Department of Health. Any child identified with a life threatening allergy is required to have an individual health care plan and emergency care plan. Please see your school nurse teacher for details.

The nurse at MHS may be called (846-7250, Ext. 2221) or visited at school to discuss your child’s health or to assist in a medical referral.

R.I. Department of Health immunization (vaccine) requirements for students entering grades 7 to 12:

• DtaP 5 Doses

• Polio 4 Doses

• MMR 2 Doses

• Hepatitis B 3 Doses

• Varicella 2 Dose or medical history of disease

• Td 1 Dose in grade 7

• Meningitis vaccine 1 Dose

Physical forms and medication forms may be printed from the Middletown Public Schools main website. Just go to the "registration" link. Please go to the administration office if you need a medical or religious immunization exemption form for your child.

Medications may be given at school with a doctor’s order. We try to limit medication taken at school so as not to interrupt the student's educational day. Only the Certified School Nurse-Teacher will give medicine to students. "Self carry" orders may be written by your child's medical provider in the case of asthma or emergency medication such as epi-pens. These orders must be done in cooperation with the School Nurse-Teacher, parent and student. All medication must be brought to school in a prescription bottle labeled with the doctor or pharmacy listing the student’s name, name of medication, dose and time to be given.

All mandated health screenings are performed according to RIDOH regulations. This includes vision screening, dental screening, hearing screening, height and weight, and scoliosis depending on their grade level. You will only be notified if a referral to your child's health care provider is needed. All students are screened unless otherwise noted by a parent/guardian.

Medical Insurance is available to all RI children through the RIte Care program. Please let Ms. Byron know if you need information on this state assisted insurance, or you may go to the RI Dept. of Health website and search RIte Care.

The Wellness Company will be providing flu shots to all students at MHS. Please send your form in to the nurse's office if you would like this service.

The Wellness Company will provide Vaccinate Before You Graduate to all grade 12 students to get them ready for college or employment after graduation. This will be free to any child without insurance. A packet will be sent home at the beginning of school. Please fill it out and return to the nurses' office.

High school is a very exciting time in a teenager's life. It can be stressful to both students and parents. The school nurse-teacher is here to assist you with any health concerns.