Health Services

Medical information for students will now be entered into Infinite Campus each year.  This information is vital to our health room staff to ensure each child is given the appropriate care during a health-related event. If a student has any changes in his or her medical conditions during the school year, please contact the school nurse. 

If a student is in need of a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication that will need to be administered during school hours, on an overnight field trip, or at an athletic event/practice the following must be completed:

medication Consent form

• A separate Union Academy medication consent form for each medication and for each child.
• Each medication consent form must be signed by the parent/guardian and a physician.
• Each medication consent form must be filled out in its entirety. Consents with missing information will not be honored.
• Verbal or over-the-phone consents will not be accepted; however, a faxed Medication Consent Form that is complete, including signatures from the parent/guardian and the physician will be allowed. 
• All medication consent forms are valid for the current school year. All medications must be picked up by the end of the school year, and resubmitted for the next school year with an updated medication consent form. Medications not picked up by the last day of school will be discarded.

Supplying Medication

• The parent/guardian must supply any medication they would like their child to receive both prescription and/or OTC.  There will not be any “School Stocked” medication available.
• Prescription and OTC medications must be supplied in their original container. The dispensing directions must be on the outside of the container and agree with the Medication Consent Form.
• Please be mindful of expiration dates for medications before bringing them to school. The school cannot dispense any medication that is out-of-date. If a medication expires while at school, the school will notify the parent/guardian to replace it.
• A parent/guardian must deliver the appropriate medication to be dispensed to the school health room. Students are not permitted to carry or self-administer prescription or OTC medications without an appropriate Medication Consent Form on file. 

Self–Carry Medication 

• The Self-Carry Consent Form and Medication Consent Form must be signed by the physician, parent, student, and school nurse prior to the student carrying the medication.
• Only Emergency/Lifesaving Medication may be carried by a student, ex; Epinephrine, Albuterol, Insulin, Glucagon, Pancreatic Enzymes.
• The student must properly demonstrate to the school nurse the ability to safely carry and administer the medication before permission is given to Self-Carry.  

Field-trip Medication 

• If a student will require medications (prescription or OTC) to be administered during an overnight field trip, the Medication Consent Form along with the medication need to be delivered to the school health room two weeks prior to the field trip departure date for processing. Medications will not be accepted the day of the trip.
• Quantity of medication to be delivered to the school health room should not exceed the amount needed to be administered while on the field trip.
• Medications that are on file for the current school year will be sent on the field trip to be administered as needed.
• A parent/guardian must deliver the appropriate medication to be dispensed to the school Health Room. Students are not permitted to carry or self-administer prescription or OTC medications without an appropriate Medication Consent Form on file.
• A parent/guardian serving as a chaperone is authorized to medicate their own child, and is not required to submit the medication or forms.

Required Immunizations:

As required by North Carolina Statute (G.S. 130-A-152 (a)), all Union Academy students must have a complete record of immunizations on file signed by a physician or bearing a physician’s stamp. 

Parents will be notified in writing when their child does not meet immunization requirements. The law allows parents or guardians 30 calendar days from the first day of the child’s attendance to present the required up-to-date immunization records. Upon termination of the 30-calendar-day period, the child shall not be permitted to attend school until he or she provides a Certificate of Immunization as required by law.

5 DTP, DtaP, or DT doses (if 4th dose is after 4th birthday, 5th dose is not required)
4 PCV (no individual 5 years of age or older is required to receive PCV)
4 Polio doses (if 3rd dose is after 4th birthday, and 6 months after 3rd dose, 4th dose is not required.)
1-4 HIB doses (series complete if at least 1 dose given on/after 15 months and before 5 years of age; not required after age 5.)
3 Hepatitis B doses (Children born on or after July 1, 1994 are required to have 3 doses.)
2 Measles doses (on/after 12 months of age, and doses must be at least 28 days apart)
1-2 Mumps doses (1st dose on/after 12 months of age, 2nd dose required if entered K on/after 7/1/08)
1 Rubella dose (on/after 12 months of age)
1-2 Varicella dose (required if born before 4/1/01, 2nd dose not required if entered K before July 1, 2015)
1 Tdap dose (all rising 7th grade students or 12 years of age whichever comes first)
2 MCV dose (all rising 7th grade students or 12 years of age, whichever comes first, all rising 12th grade students or 17 years of age , whichever comes first)

**To claim a religious exemption, the parent or guardian must date and sign a statement that includes: their religious objection to the immunization(s), as well as, name and date of birth of the student for whom the exemption is being requested.

**To claim a medical exemption, the parent or guardian must submit a letter from a physician who is licensed to practice in North Carolina. This letter must certify that the specified vaccine is detrimental to the student's health and include both the student's name and date of birth.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the school with a record of the completed immunizations prior to the first day of school. The documentation must come from a physician’s office, health department, or state immunization registry. Please submit this documentation to the school nurse. For more information regarding immunization requirements for entry to school, visit NCDHHS.

Immunization Requirements for Rising 7th Graders:

Immunization Letter for Rising 7th Graders

Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine

Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) Vaccine

Immunization Requirements for Rising Seniors:

Immunization Letter for Rising Seniors

Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine

Field Trip Medication Guidelines

• If a student requires medication to be administered during an overnight field trip, medication consent forms along with the medication need to be delivered to the school health room two (2) weeks prior to the field trip departure date for processing.
• Medications that are on file for the current school year will be sent on the field trip to be administered as needed.
• Prescription and OTC medications must be supplied in their original container. The dispensing directions must be on the outside of the container.
• A parent/guardian must deliver the appropriate medication to be dispensed to the school health room. Students may not carry or self-administer prescriptions or OTC medications without a self-carry consent form on file. (See Self-Carry Guidelines.)

Medication COnsent and Self-Carry Form

Communicable Diseases

Schools have a critical role in preventing infectious diseases and ensuring the health and safety of students, staff, and the wider community. Union Academy strives to provide a safe and orderly environment for all students and employees.  Union Academy also strives to maintain a balance between the need to educate all eligible students, to protect students and employees’ rights, and to control communicable diseases. Under certain circumstances, students with communicable diseases may pose a threat to the health and safety of other students and employees. Union Academy works closely with the Union County Health Department to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Decisions regarding the educational status of students with communicable diseases will be made on a case-by-case basis. Nothing in this handbook is intended to grant or confer any school attendance or education rights beyond those existing by law.

We realize there are times when it is in the best interest to keep students home from school due to illness. Our goal is to provide a healthy environment for all students. Please contact your school nurse or child's doctor if you are unsure if you should keep him/her home. The following are some basic guidelines.

Your child should remain home if:

• Temperature greater than 100.4 F; may return to school when fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
• Antibiotics are prescribed; may return after taking the antibiotic for 12 to 24 hours and fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Minimum time will vary based on diagnosis (please check with your School Nurse).
• Vomiting/Diarrhea (2 or more episodes); may return when 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting/diarrhea without medication.
• Cough that is persistent and interferes with normal activity.
• Distracting pain from earache, headache, sore throat or recent injury.

respiratory virus guidance

All children entering Kindergarten or public schools for the first time are required to present the completed North Carolina Health Assessment Transmittal form on or before the first day of attendance. Health Assessments must be completed within one year prior to a student’s enrollment. 

Health Assessment Requirements General Statute

Useful Links:

North Carolina Rules and Laws Regarding Immunizations

North Carolina K-12 Immunization Requirements

CDC Immunization Schedules

Garrett's law

(NC Senate Bill 444) was enacted by the North Carolina legislature in 2004.  It mandates that schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal meningitis and influenza and the vaccines that protect against these diseases. The law was expanded in 2007 to mandate that information also be provided about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccines available to protect against HPV.

Influenza

What is it? Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can be easily spread to others. Infection with flu viruses can result in illness ranging from mild to severe and to life-threatening complications. 

What are the symptoms? Symptoms include fever/feeling feverish or chills, headache, fatigue (tiredness), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle/body aches. Other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea are much more common in children than adults. 

How is it spread? Flu is spread when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of a person and multiplies. 

Vaccine Information: The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. A vaccine against flu is available every year beginning in October, through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. Also, vaccine locations can be found by using the CDC Flu Vaccine Finder.

Meningococcal Meningitis: 

What is it? Meningococcal Meningitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It can cause dangerous inflammation in the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord or a serious blood infection.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms can progress rapidly and may resemble the flu. They can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sensitivity to light. Children with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

How is it spread? The disease is spread from person to person through the air or by contact with saliva, usually through close, personal contact with an infected person. The disease can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or shared items like a drinking glass. 

Vaccine Information: A vaccine against the most common types of the disease is available through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. More information about Meningococcal Meningitis can be found on the CDC Meningococcal Disease webpage and CDC Vaccines and Immunizations webpage.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is it? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. There are greater than 40 types of HPV that can cause infection and raise the risk of cervical cancer in women. The highest prevalence of HPV infections occurs among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25. 

What are the symptoms? Some people will develop visible growths or bumps in the genital areas but the virus can live in the body and cause no symptoms, which is why it is so easily spread. Most people who have HPV do not know they are infected. 

How is it spread? HPV is spread through close intimate skin-to-skin contact. Both males and females can get it – and pass it on without even realizing it. 

Vaccine Information: A vaccine against HPV is available through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. More information about HPV and the vaccine can be found on the CDC HPV webpage.

Health Services will offer distance vision screenings at Union Academy Charter School. Prevent Blindness Certified Vision Screeners will conduct this screening during the first quarter of the school year. The purpose of school vision screening is to assist in detecting vision problems that may affect the student’s ability to be successful in the classroom. Screenings may be performed individually or in a group setting. Please note, a screening is not a substitute for an exam by a medical provider. Recent legislation has mandated that public schools implement a policy requiring written parental refusal for students not to participate in health screenings. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to opt your child out of the screenings. Parents who wish to opt-out of the vision screening process for their child are required to fill out and submit a Vision Screening Refusal form. Each individual student needs his/her own refusal consent form. 

Students will be screened unless a signed and completed Refusal consent form is submitted to the School Nurse.

vision screening opt-out form

5th Grade Talk:

This is an optional program for your 5^th grade child that is meant to provide accurate and factual information about puberty in objective and reassuring terms for pre-adolescents. Students will be divided into male/female groups and will watch a video on puberty. Each group will cover the changes that they can expect in their own bodies. Following the video, students will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding development. Questions regarding intercourse or changes that are not related to their own bodies will be referred back to parents.

We will be using the “Always Changing and Growing Up” Program. The video will help both boys and girls:

• Understand the physical and emotional changes they experience during puberty and acknowledge that these changes are a normal part of growth and development.

• This includes body changes that happen to both girls and boys

• Understand that personal hygiene is each individual’s responsibility.

• Understand how girls manage their periods.

• Learn about making good decisions and powerful words to make a positive impact.

• Learn how to stay healthy and confident from the changes that occur to their brains, eating well, and staying safe.

• Talk to parents and trusted adults about their feelings and questions during puberty to help them better understand and get the support they need.

We encourage you to use this lesson as a springboard for starting to talk about the topic with your child, if you haven’t already started. You, too, play an important role in helping your child navigate puberty with confidence! 

Always changing and growing Up Video - Girls Puberty education

Always Changing and growing up video - boys puberty education
 

6th Grade Talk

This is an optional program for your 6^th grade child that is meant to provide accurate and factual information about puberty in objective and reassuring terms for pre-adolescents. Students will be divided into male/female groups and will watch a video on puberty. Each group will cover the bodily changes that both males and females can expect. Following the video, students will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding puberty in both the male and female body. Questions regarding intercourse will be referred back to parents.

We will be using the “Always Changing and Growing Up” Program. The video will help both boys and girls:

• Understand the physical and emotional changes they experience during puberty and acknowledge that these changes are a normal part of growth and development.

• This includes body changes that happen to both girls and boys

• Understand that personal hygiene is each individual’s responsibility.

• Understand how girls manage their periods.

• Learn about making good decisions and powerful words to make a positive impact.

• Learn how to stay healthy and confident from the changes that occur to their brains, eating well, and staying safe.

• Talk to parents and trusted adults about their feelings and questions during puberty to help them better understand and get the support they need.

We encourage you to use this lesson as a springboard for starting to talk about the topic with your child, if you haven’t already started. You, too, play an important role in helping your child navigate puberty with confidence!

always changing and growing up -co-ed puberty education video

It is the position of Union Academy that management of head lice in the school setting should not disrupt the educational process. The Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses strongly discourage screening for head lice and “no-nit” policies- both of which have been proven to be ineffective in controlling the spread of lice. “No-nit” policies that require a child to be free of nits before returning to school lack evidence of being effective and result in unnecessary absenteeism. Unnecessary absenteeism leads to the loss of learning opportunities for the student and potentially family wages due to missed days of work. It is important to know that head lice are not related to a lack of personal hygiene or cleanliness, and although a nuisance, have not been shown to spread disease. Misconceptions and prejudices about head lice continue to exist, placing unwarranted stress and pressure on schools and staff. This guidance was developed using the most current and professional evidence-based factual information available.

Head lice information

Goals of Controlling Head Lice:

1. Decrease school absenteeism.
2. Educate and support families in their efforts to control and eliminate head lice.
3. Educate and support school staff on Head Lice Guidelines, Protocols, and   Procedures.
4. Maintain student confidentiality, privacy, and emotional wellbeing.

When a student is confirmed to have live lice by the school nurse:

1. The parent/guardian will be notified and information on head lice will be provided in written form.
2. Notification will include information explaining that the student may return to school when they have obtained appropriate lice removing treatment. 
3. An information letter will be distributed by the teacher notifying parents of the potential exposure and steps to take.
4. The student may stay until the end of the school day, however it is acceptable if the parent wishes to pick their child up after being notified.
5. The parent is instructed that the student must be treated and re-examined by the school nurse before returning to the classroom.
6. Upon re-examination, if live lice are found, the parent is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.

When to check beyond the identified student with live lice or nits:

1. Determine if the student has siblings. If yes, then check the siblings.
2. If the student has other siblings (not in the immediate school building), the parent/guardian will be made aware of the benefit of checking family members and taking precautionary measures to avoid family infestation.
3. In some cases, the school nurse may use her professional judgment on an individual basis regarding further screenings.

“Studies have shown that control measures such as, mass screenings for nits, have not been shown to have a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in a school community, nor have they shown to be cost-effective” (Devore et al. 2015; Meinking & Taplin, 2011 CDC 2013a)

This Law ensures that students in grades nine through 12 will receive information annually on the manner in which a parent may lawfully abandon a newborn baby with a designated safe person, in accordance with the law [G.S. 7B-500, 115C-47(52)].

North Carolina’s Safe Surrender Law allows a parent to surrender a newborn up to 30 days old to a designated safe person without the parent providing his or her name. Safe Surrender is legal and aims to prevent newborns from being hurt or abandoned.

What the Law Says about Safe Surrender