As we settle into the school year, I wanted to provide a quick reminder about communication from the nurse's office. This information is also available in the Health Office section of the Finn School website.
Typically, Parents/guardians are not contacted every time a student visits the nurse's office. Many visits are routine and can be appropriately managed by the nurse without a phone call home.
I will contact you if there is a cluster of 3 or more of the same communicable illness in your child's classroom, or when your child:
- Requires dismissal from school due to illness or injury
- Has a significant injury or medical concern
- Is visiting the nurse frequently, or there is a pattern that would be important to discuss
- Has a health concern or situation that needs follow-up with a parent or guardian
When communication is needed for non-urgent matters or health-related concerns, I may reach out using ParentSquare. Please make sure the ParentSquare app is downloaded and that notifications are turned on. For urgent matters, I will always call first. If I am unable to reach any contacts, I will send a ParentSquare message. ParentSquare will not be used for urgent situations that require immediate attention. If you haven't already done so and your child was a Finn student last year, please complete the PowerSchool Returning Student Form to ensure we have up-to-date contact information.
As always, you are welcome to contact me with any questions, concerns, or medical updates that may help to better support your child at school. I look forward to working together to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!
Medications: While parents/guardians complete a medication consent form at the beginning of the school year that allows the nurse to administer certain medications, a parent/guardian will always be contacted before giving medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Please know that I am always happy to answer questions or discuss concerns regarding your child’s care in the nurse’s office. Open communication with families is very important, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
--
Kathleen Carvalho, MSN, RN
School Nurse
Mary E. Finn Elementary School
