Health Services
Medication At School
Sycamore Community Schools has a Medication Policy that complies with the Ohio Revised Code.
The policy requires:
- Medication should not be given at school unless it is absolutely necessary for the health and well-being of the student.
- A Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form must be on file at school, signed by a parent/guardian and a physician, before prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication may be administered. It is also needed for students to carry inhalers or Epi-Pens (epinephrine autoinjectors). Any changes in a medication order require a revised statement signed by the physician. If a student does not take a daily scheduled medication for more than 30 days, a new order is required.
- A new Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form is required each year for ongoing medication. All medication must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the school year. If it is not picked up, it is discarded.
- Medication must be in the original container.
- Students may not transport medication to school.
- The exception is inhalers or Epi-Pens which, with a completed Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form, may be transported by a student. Parents are requested to provide a back-up inhaler and are required by law to provide a back-up dose of Epi-Pen.
- Only the school nurse, a substitute nurse, the principal, or a person designated by the principal, are authorized to administer medication at school. If an Epi-Pen is administered, emergency services will be called.
Mental Health Services
Sycamore Community Schools partners with Mindpeace and Cincinnati Children's Hospital to provide school-based therapy as well as medication services for student's receiving school-based therapy. Click here to learn more about these services.
Health Screenings
Managing Health Conditions At School
Food and insect allergies, asthma, diabetes, and other unique conditions present significant challenges to the health and safety of our students. Many of these conditions can be potentially life-threatening.
The parents, School Nurse, Child Nutrition Services staff, and other employees of Sycamore Community Schools are committed to working together to provide a safe environment for all students with these conditions.
How Parents Can Help
All parents can help ensure the safety of all children by:
- Restricting exposure of children in classrooms to animals.
- Keeping latex gloves and balloons out of schools.
- Ask teachers if any students have food allergies or diabetes before bringing in classroom treats.
- Consider healthy food choices that are nutritious and not too high in sugar for classroom treats.
- Opting for non-food alternatives, such as craft activities or prize bags, to make classroom parties a healthy celebration.
Parents of Children with Special Health Needs Should:
- Contact the School Nurse: Before the start of school to create a comprehensive plan for the child's care.
- Communicate Changes: Inform the school nurse of any changes in health status.
- Identify to Bus Driver: Inform the bus driver about the child’s health issue.
- Communicate Dietary Needs: Parents are responsible for communicating any special dietary needs of their child, including food allergies, to the district’s Child Nutrition Services and School Nurse.
Once the district is notified of a student’s allergies and a signed statement from a physician is provided to the School Nurse detailing the allergy, the district, in compliance with the USDA Child Nutrition Division guidelines, will provide substitute meals to food-allergic students.