360-412-4653

Nurse: Cate Fairhead, RN cfairhead@nthurston.k12.wa.us
Health Room Assistant: Amanda Sawyer asawyer@nthurston.k12.wa.us

If your child has any health concerns, it is important that you inform the Health Room staff. If your child requires medication at school - like oral medication, asthma inhaler, or has any special needs - please inform the Health Room. Parent permission and an Authorization for Medication at School form are required to give medication and/or treatment at school. This form can be picked up in the Health Room. 

Don't forget to let the Health Room know if your child has a new diagnosis that may affect him or her at school (such as asthma or diabetes).

Life Threatening Health Conditions: Many students have health conditions such as bee sting or peanut allergies, severe asthma, diabetes, seizures, or heart conditions that may cause a life-threatening emergency during the school day. These students must have a plan, including medication and/or treatment orders, in place prior to the first day that they will attend school. Please contact the health room for the necessary forms.

Vision and Hearing: Screenings are with students in kindergarten, first, second, third, and fifth grades annually. Ongoing referrals from teachers are tested throughout the year. If a concern shows up, parents will be contacted. If you have questions about this procedure, please contact the Health Room.

Handwashing: One of the most effective things that a child can do to keep healthy and free of disease is to wash their hands. Although hand cleaning and basic hygiene habits are learned in early childhood, many kids just don't do it and this spreads germs! Viruses and bacteria that cause colds, flu, and other diseases keep your child out of school. The CDC reports that infectious disease accounts for close to 22 million lost days of school each year. Encourage your child to wash their hands often, use warm water and soap, rub all surfaces well for 20 seconds, then rise and dry well.

All health rooms will be available before school starts to drop off required paperwork and medications that need to be on file before your child can start school, such as EpiPens, diabetes orders and supplies, and critical medications. All students with life-threatening conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, seizures) need to have orders and medications turned in before they can attend school. If you have any questions, call your school's Health Room or Office.

What about the COVID-19 Vaccination? While the state of Washington does not require a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school, we highly encourage those that can, to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from severe complications and/or death. Find a vaccine near you: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

Effective since 8/1/20: All students must be compliant with updated state immunization rules in order to attend the first day of school. There is no longer a 30-day conditional status.

Download Useful Health Forms | Descargar formulario de información de salud en español

Helpful Information

• To locate or print your child's immunization record (for Washington state), go to Washington My IR: https://wa.myir.net 
• If you need a blank Certificate of Immunization: Download PDF >>  Descargar en español >>
• If you need a blank exemption form: Download PDF >>
• SeaMar Walk-In Clinic (Immunizations & other services) se habla Español
• Contact your local pharmacy for immunizations for children 7 and up
• Thurston County Department of Health Immunization Website
• WA State Department of Health Immunization Information
• District Policy & Procedure on Immunization: Policy 3413 & Procedure 3413P
• District Policy & Procedure on Medication at School: Policy 3416 & 3416P

The most important thing you can do to prevent illness is for you and your child to wash your hands often with water and soap. Keep yours and your emergency contact information current at your school in case your student becomes ill at school. Questions? Reach out to your school nurse!

• Fever: Does your child have a fever over 100 F degrees orally? Their temperature should remain normal (below 99.6 F degrees) for 24 hours without any fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
• Sore Throat: Is the sore throat accompanied by fever, headache, stomachache, or swollen glands?
• Vomiting: Has your child vomited two or more times in a 24-hour period?
• Diarrhea: Has there been more than two occurrences in a 24-hour period?
• Eyes: Are your child's eyes crusty, bright red, and/or discharging yellow or green fluid?
• Nasal Discharge (yellow or greenish): Is there colorful nasal mucus that is accompanied by a fever or other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection?
• Cough: Does your child have a persistent, productive cough?
• Appearance/Behavior: Is your child unusually tired, pale, has a lack of appetite, difficulty waking up, or confused?
• Rash: Does your child have a body rash not associated with heat, eczema, or an allergic reaction to medication?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, please keep your child home from school and consider seeking medical attention.