No child is to carry medications on his or her person or transport them on the bus. Concerns regarding epi-pens or inhalers should be communicated to Laura Dickerson in the clinic.

To ensure the safety of all students at our school, the following guidelines must be followed when medications are sent to school.

1. ALL medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be taken directly to the clinic for safe keeping. The medication must be brought in by a parent or guardian only. Students are not allowed to bring medicine to school. DO NOT SEND MEDICINE ON THE SCHOOL BUS!
2. ALL medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be accompanied by a NOTE FROM THE PARENT. (The note should include the following information: Full name of student, name of medication, time to be given, amount to be given, date(s) to be given.) Medications required for more than one day must be accompanied by an Administration of Medication Request form. This form can be picked up in the clinic.
3. ALL medications must be in the ORIGINAL CHILD-PROOF CONTAINER. Prescription medication must be in labeled PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE with correct dosing information. MEDICATIONS STORED IN ENVELOPES, BAGGIES, ETC. WILL NOT BE GIVEN.
4. Administration of prescription and over-the-counter medicine (even for a short period of time) is discouraged. Parents should check with their physician regarding the need for medications to be administered during school hours. Medications prescribed for three times daily can be given before school, after school, and at bedtime. THERE SHOULD BE NO NEED TO SEND MEDICATION THAT ONLY HAS TO BE GIVEN ONCE OR TWICE DAILY.
5. Medication must be picked up at the end of the year by a parent (guardian) or it will be disposed of by the school.
6. The clinic does NOT provide Tylenol, Advil, antacids, cold medications or any other type of medication for students.

GCPS recommends that any students with flu-like symptoms be isolated until the parents can pick them up.

Symptoms include:

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Acute respiratory illness: sore throat, congestion, runny nose, or cough

Less common symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite

Students should not be sent home on the bus if they have signs of flu-like symptoms.

Parents are encouraged when picking up a student with flu-like symptoms to contact their medical provider or the health department at (770) 339-4260 for additional guidance.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact our school clinic. Further information will be provided as it is available.