Health Services
By Pierce Nurse, Mary D'Amore
Health Services Information
Dear Pierce Parents and Guardians,
School is officially in full swing, along with cold and flu season. We hope for a healthy school year and encourage families to help students practice healthy habits to reduce the spread of illness.
Important prevention strategies include:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding sharing cups, utensils, and close contact with people who are sick
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, and keyboards
Families are encouraged to review proper handwashing and cough/sneeze etiquette with students.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Health Office at 617-730-2584.
Medication Policy
Medication Procedures at School
Essential medications may be administered during the school day so students can safely attend school. Parent/guardian consent and physician orders are required for all prescription and non-prescription medications.
Faxed medication orders are accepted only when sent directly from the prescriber’s office.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Standing orders from the school physician are available for several commonly used over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
Parents or guardians may authorize administration of these medications by signing the Health and Emergency Information Card.
Short-Term Daily Medications
Medications must:
- Be in the original prescription or pharmacy-labeled container
- Be delivered to the nurse by a parent or guardian
- Include a signed medication administration plan
Long-Term Daily Medications
Long-term and emergency medications must:
- Be in the original prescription or pharmacy-labeled container
- Include a physician’s order
- Include a medication administration plan signed by the parent or guardian
Field Trips
School nurses are rarely present on field trips. When a nurse is unavailable, trained school staff may administer essential medications in accordance with Department of Public Health regulations.
Students may carry and self-administer medications such as inhalers and, in some cases, EpiPens, when approved as age appropriate and safe.
For additional information, review the Brookline Public Schools Medication Administration Policy (opens in new tab) .
When to Keep Your Child Home from School
Most illnesses are contagious before symptoms fully develop. Decisions about school attendance should consider both the child’s ability to participate in school and the impact on others.
Cold or Upper Respiratory Illness
Keep students home if they have excessive coughing, sneezing, significant congestion, or sore throat symptoms. Students with mild symptoms may attend school.
Fever
Students with a fever of 100°F or higher should remain home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Fever with Respiratory Symptoms
Students with fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, congestion, or sore throat should stay home and contact their pediatrician.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Students should remain home until 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea. During outbreaks, this period may extend to 72 hours.
Chickenpox
Keep students home until all sores are dry and crusted over or another diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare provider.
Medication for Contagious Illnesses
Students taking antibiotics for illnesses such as strep throat, bacterial conjunctivitis, or impetigo must remain home until completing at least 24 hours of medication.
Rashes
Students with undiagnosed rashes should remain home until evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Skin Fungus (Ringworm)
Students may return after appropriate treatment has begun and affected areas are covered when necessary.
Dental Procedures
Students should remain home after dental procedures until bleeding has stopped and pain is manageable.
Attendance Reporting
To report an absence, call the Pierce School Absence Line at 617-730-2572.
If the absence is illness-related, please include symptoms or diagnosis information to help monitor potential outbreaks.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.