The mission of the WCASD Health Services Department is to provide necessary, skilled nursing assessments and services in order to promote the education of all students. Registered Nurses are present at FHE every school day.

Nurses in schools have multiple responsibilities. They are responsible for treating all illnesses and injuries that occur during the school day. They perform several state-mandated health screenings for every student every year. They track and report the physical examination, dental examination and immunization requirements of the PA. Dept. of Health. They monitor public health communicable-disease concerns and they provide a wide variety of medically prescribed daily procedures, so that all students may access the curriculum. School Nurses take their role as health educators and health promoters seriously as well.

Parents are encouraged to communicate directly with the nurse regarding any health concern that may impact the students day in school. The best nursing interventions occur when information is shared.

The Health Office at FHE is covered by two nurses. Please email both nurses at the addresses below or call the Nurse’s office with any concerns.

The direct phone number is (484) 266-1606.

 The school fax number is (484) 266-1699.

Ms. Kim Onderdonk, RN CSN
konderdonk@wcasd.net

Mrs. Wendy McGregor, RN CSN
wmcgregor@wcasd.net

Medication at School

• All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office. Students are not permitted to carry and self-administer meds.
• Parents must pre-approve administration of Tylenol, Advil, Antacid (Tums) and Benadryl (for severe allergic reactions only) when updating the parent portal.
• ALL other medications must have a note from your child’s Health Care Provider and be received in the original bottle/box. This includes EpiPens, inhalers, and prescription medications, as well as OTC cold and cough medicines. The prescription label is not adequate to meet medication guidelines.
• Any medications to be given three times a day or less should be taken at home if possible.
• Please include a parent note requesting that your child receive medication at a specified time.

Physical Exams

PA requires a physical examination be submitted to the school nurse at three separate times during your student’s education: on entry (either Kindergarten or first grade), 6th grade and again in 11th grade. Students transferring in should have a physical exam on file from their previous school or will need to provide a new physical. We can accept a doctor’s office print out for a physical/well visit.

If your child receives an immunization during the visit, please double-check that the immunization is documented on the physical form. School Nurses are required by the state to keep immunizations up to date.

Dental Exams

Students in Kindergarten or 1st grade and 3rd grade are required to have a dental exam completed by their own dental provider. Reports must be submitted within 60 days from the start of school. If your child does not have a dentist, he/she can be seen by the WCASD who may recommend further treatment, if necessary. Parents must sign a permission form to have their child examined at school.

Here is a link to WCASD health forms: https://www.wcasd.net/Page/6886

When to Keep Kids Home

• Children should stay home anytime they have a fever (temp. 100 degrees or higher) and remain home until they have been fever-free for 24 hrs. without medication.
• Any child with vomiting or diarrhea should also be kept at home until symptoms have clearly subsided.
• In case of contagious illness; chicken pox, impetigo, lice- Please contact the nurse, so that we can watch for other cases and advise you about when your child can return to school.
• Respiratory illnesses must be determined on a case by case basis. If your child has a history of asthma, your health care provider should advise you about treatment. Even children without asthma have difficulty focusing on learning when they have a persistent, hacking cough.
• Please help us limit the spread of germs by keeping sick children home, and also reinforcing proper hand washing and cough etiquette.