Health & Wellness
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SPPS Health and Wellness provides health services to students to enhance educational achievement by removing health-related barriers to learning to the best of our ability. Our staff consist of Licensed School Nurses and Health Assistants.
The primary goal of the program is to assist students to be self-sufficient in managing their health care within age appropriate and developmental expectations, thereby preparing all students for life.
To accomplish this as part of the school team, Health and Wellness staff strive to:
- Promote student and staff well-being.
- Provide skilled nursing and health condition management.
- Encourage self-care and self-advocacy.
- Assist with identifying and obtaining health resources
Please contact your building Licensed School Nurse (LSN) regarding any health concerns that impact learning, require medication at school, or have the potential to result in an emergency.
Upcoming Flu Immunization Clinics at SPPS
SPPS will be working with Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health and M Health Fairview to host flu vaccine clinics at school sites in October and November. In both cases, this is only for the influenza vaccination. The Covid vaccine is not available at this time.
St. Paul Ramsey County Public Health will be offering flu shots on the following dates:
- 12/01: Gordon Parks High School, 1212 University Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN 55104, 1:30-4:00pm. Walk-ins welcome but advance registration preferred.
M Health Fairview has committed to offering flu shots on the following dates:
- 11/30 Crossroads Elementary Science & Montessori, 543 Front Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55117, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
No advance registration is required for these events; walk-ins are welcome
Health & Wellness Information
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Early Childhood Screening
Early Childhood Screening (ECS) is a program that helps you see how your child is developing before they enter Kindergarten. ECS also helps find potential health and developmental concerns that may cause barriers to your child’s learning. ECS connects you and your child to programs and resource to support healthy growth and development.
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Healthcare Management at School
The Licensed School Nurse coordinates healthcare for students during the school day
- Specialized care cannot be performed without written order from a prescribing healthcare provider as well as written consent from the parent/guardian
- Healthcare provider orders must be renewed annually or whenever there is a change of service
- The supplies and equipment needed should be provided by the parent/guardian
- If your student has an emergency care plan (seizure, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes etc.) provide a copy to the health office
Healthcare Management Forms:
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Illness/Absence
Saint Paul Public Schools takes guidance from Saint Paul Ramsey County Public Health, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and follows guidelines developed by the epidemiologists at Hennepin County Community Health Department when deciding if a student should be sent home or kept home from school.
IS MY CHILD OKAY TO GO TO SCHOOL?
- If your child has a fever of 100°F or more, keep them home for 24 hours after their temperature returns to normal without using fever- reducing medication
- If your child has vomited one or more times, keep them home for 24 hours following the last episode
- If your child has diarrhea, is uncomfortable due to abdominal cramping, and needs to use the bathroom frequently, keep them home for 24 hours following the last episode
- If your child has a rash from an unknown or infectious cause, check with a health care provider before sending them to school
STUDENT ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
It is important to report your child’s absence each day your child misses school. Please call the school and report your child’s:
- Name
- Grade
- Reason for absence
- If your child has symptoms of, or has been diagnosed with, any communicable diseases (such as influenza, chicken pox, strep throat, COVID-19, etc) please provide that information to the health office staff
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
- If your child becomes ill at school and needs to go home, the health office staff will contact a parent/guardian. Students are encouraged to call from the health office and not from their personal cell phones
- It is important for parents/guardians to provide current contact information and update the school with any changes
- It is important for parents/guardians to provide 1-2 emergency contacts that are will be called in the event parents/guardians cannot be reached
- If staff are unable to reach parents/guardians and determine that the student must go home, the emergency contacts will then be called
- Your child will not be allowed to leave with any person who is not listed as an emergency contact unless verbal permission is obtained by a parent/guardian to allow an alternate person to pick up your student
Resources:
Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual
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Immunizations Needed for School
State Law (MS 121A.15) requires all students in public schools be fully immunized or have a notarized statement exempting them from immunizations while enrolled in school.
All students new to Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) must bring their immunization record or exemption record to school upon enrollment.
Vaccinations given on time throughout childhood are essential to helping provide immunity to children before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children.
Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2021
Use this chart from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to make sure your child's immunizations are up to date:
- Are Your Kids Ready? (English)
- Are Your Kids Ready? (Hmong)
- Are Your Kids Ready? (Somali)
- Are Your Kids Ready? (Spanish)
- Are Your Kids Ready? (Vietnamese)
Downloadable Forms: includes immunization record form & medical/non-medical objection to immunizations form (CO form)
- Immunization Record (Amharic)
- Immunization Record (English)
- Immunization Record (Hmong)
- Immunization Record (Karen)
- Immunization Record (Russian)
- Immunization Record (Somali)
- Immunization Record (Spanish)
- Immunization Record (Vietnamese)
Resources for Immunizations:
Contact one of the following clinics to schedule an appointment for free or low cost immunizations:
- Health Start Clinics, located in SPPS high schools, 651-233-8951
- MN Community Care, multiple locations, 651-602-7500
- Open Cities Health Center-North End, 916 Rice St, 651-290-9200
- Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Immunization Clinic, 555 Cedar, 651-266-1234
- United Family Medicine Clinic, 1026 W. 7th St, 651-758-9500
- Saint Paul Public Schools Placement Center, 2102 University Ave W, 651-632-3763
- Immunization Resources for Families - listing of various clinics that offer low-cost immunizations, along with hours and phone numbers
Additional information can be found at:
- Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC): Data Privacy and MIIC Records
- Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/
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Medication and Medical Procedures Needed at School
Due to a health condition, your student may need to take medication or have a medical procedures administered during the school day
- Written parental/guardian authorization is required for any medication given during the school day
- In cases where medication is prescribed for short-term use and required to be administered 3 times daily, students are encouraged not to bring the medication to school but to instead take their dose upon returning home in the afternoon
- Healthcare provider authorization is required for medication taken for more than 2 weeks and/or if the medication is controlled
- Medication to be given in school must be supplied in the original container or prescription bottle
- Schools do not supply 'stock' over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Advil to students
Forms:
- Authorization for the Administration of Medication/Treatment
- Authorization for Administration of Medications for Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, and Seizures
SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
- State law permits select medications to be self-carried and administered by the student at school (i.e. insulin, inhaler, pain relievers) with written parent/guardian permission, and in some cases, healthcare provider authorization as well
- If a student requests to self-administer medication, the Licensed School Nurse will assess the student’s ability to administer the medication accurately and appropriately
- Students of any age with demonstrated competency can carry an inhaler (asthma medications), Epi-Pen, or insulin. However, only secondary students, grades 6-12 are allowed to carry over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers (e.g. Tylenol, Advil, and ibuprofen)
- The privilege to self-medicate can be revoked at any time if unsafe use of medication is observed
Authorizations/Releases/Consent forms:
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Sports Physicals
Students participating in middle school, high school and/or Minnesota State High School League Sports are required to have a physical exam on file that was performed within the last three years. This physical exam must be on file in the student health record.
Sports physical eligibility forms are available in the school health office or online.
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Vision/Hearing Screening
Impaired vision and/or hearing can drastically impact a child's ability to learn. At SPPS, school health office staff are trained to identify vision and hearing issues and to work with families to find solutions. We routinely screen students onsite at school.
- SPPS works in collaboration with community partners such as Phillips Eye Institute and Helen Keller International for all students in grades K, 1, 3, 5 and 7 (when resources are available)
- Color vision screening is done each year for kindergarten boys only
- Additional vision or hearing screening may be requested by teacher, parent, or student or when a student is referred and/or evaluated for specialized services
- Parents will be notified of students who do not pass screening. They will receive a referral form that should be completed by a healthcare provider and then returned to the school health office
Drug-Free Schools
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Saint Paul Public Schools cares about the overall health and wellbeing of the students we serve. We encourage students to make positive choices and seek support for the challenges they may face. That includes challenges with chemical health support and prevention. Our goal is to educate students about making positive, drug- and alcohol-free choices that help their academic progress, social engagement, and physical and emotional health.
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Talking to Your Kids
Drug use and mental health challenges frequently go hand in hand and are sometimes difficult topics to discuss with your children. Below are some resources to help you begin the conversation.
How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health
Talking with your child about emotional topics, such as their mental health, can feel uncomfortable. This can be due to the stigma involved, lack of information or even fears of possible blame. It can be tough to know how to start the conversation — let’s consider some helpful ways to talk with your children about their mental health.
How to Talk About Mental Health: For Parents and Caregivers of Children
As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help.
Use These 5 Goals When Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs
It’s never too early to talk with your children about the risks of underage drinking and other drug use. Research suggests that one of the most influential factors in healthy childhood development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. Though it may not seem like it, children really hear your concerns, and it’s important that you discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs with them.
Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts
Today, fads on social media can take the form of viral stunts captured on video. And since kids are sensitive to peer pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out), they're often the first to want to try them.
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Resources
Ramsey County Information
Statewide Information
National Information
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
- National Institute of Drug Abuse
- SAMHSA Parent Resources
- Alcohol Facts and Statistics
- Smoking and Tobacco Use
- What is Marijuana?
- Drug Descriptions and Information
- Fentanyl Awareness
SPPS Policies and Manuals
Health Office Directory
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651-888-7643
St. Paul, MN 55102
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651-888-7601
St. Paul, MN 55102
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651-266-9350
St. Paul, MN 55101
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St. Paul, MN 55104
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St. Paul, MN 55106
Contact Health & Wellness
- Fax: 1-651-228-3649
- Fax: 651-632-3704
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