Policies & Procedures
Starting school is a big milestone and every child reacts differently. Parents can ease the transition by listening, encouraging and focusing on the positives. Healthy routines such as good hygiene, nutrition, exercise and sleep support learning and build lifelong well-being. Parental involvement from the start helps every child succeed.
Keeping Your Child Home
Keep your child home if they have a fever over 100°, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash with fever, eye infections with discharge, or a contagious condition such as scabies, impetigo, ringworm or head lice (until treated). Children should also stay home if they are too ill to participate in activities or require more care than staff can provide safely.
Children should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
Health Office Memorandum to Parents
Emergencies
Keeping the school and the nurse informed about changes in residence, telephone numbers (work and home) and emergency contacts is vital and the responsibility of the parent/guardian. We must be able to contact a parent/guardian or emergency contact during the school day. In case of an emergency involving your child, it is the policy of this school corporation to render first aid treatment while contacting the parents for further instructions. Only after reasonable efforts to reach the parents without success will we call a doctor and only in extreme cases will your child be taken to a hospital of 911 contacted.
Health Problems
It is important to notify the school nurse if your child has any health conditions that may impact the school day. Depending on the health problem (asthma, seizures, diabetes, etc.), the school nurse will ask you for further information. You may be asked to complete specific health history and/or health care plans. It is very important to return this information in a timely fashion. Your health provider’s signature may be required on these health problems. Keeping your school nurse informed and your child’s health care needs will provide a healthful learning atmosphere.
Medication and Treatment Procedures
Students may occasionally need to take medication during school hours. Whenever possible, parents are encouraged to work with their healthcare provider to give medications at home. All prescription and over-the-counter medications, including cough drops and herbal supplements, require a signed Authorization for Administration of Medications at School form. Herbal supplements also need written physician instructions.
Medical Assistance
Health information can be accessed through your family health care provider or at a variety of other community resources. Information on children’s health and growth and development may be obtained at KidsHealth. 
Many children may qualify for a state medical insurance coverage program called Hoosier Healthwise. To find out about the plan and if your child may qualify visit the Family and Social Services Administration.
Sports Health Information
A student participating in athletics must have a physical every year prior to try outs and practice. Some physicals are offered by the individual schools. Check with the athletic office or your school nurse for the Sports Physical Participation form and the scheduled dates.
Important Information about Concussions
Student-athletes and parents must read concussion info and sign a form before participating. Suspected concussions require immediate removal from play. Return is only allowed with written medical clearance. Required forms include athlete/parent fact sheets, SCA form, and return-to-play form.
MRSA in Athletics
MRSA spreads easily in sports due to close contact and shared gear. To prevent infection: cover all wounds, practice good hygiene, don’t share personal items and report skin issues. Coaches should regularly check athletes for signs of infection.
Immunization News
All Indiana public school students must meet state immunization requirements (IC 20-34-4-5). Schools typically request updated records when students are new, or entering kindergarten, 6th, or 12th grade.
For questions or exemption requests, contact your school nurse.
FWCS offers immunizations at FACE Health Services (230 E Douglas Ave, Fort Wayne). Open weekdays 8 AM–4 PM. Call 260.467.7260 for an appointment and bring your child’s shot records.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Introduction
New starts are always exciting. Health Services and your School Nurses are available to answer questions.
Coming to school well rested, clean and neat appears to provide a better beginning for students. As children grow there is a need for 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Usually elementary school children will need parent help or supervision with bathing, shampooing, hand washing, teeth brushing, blowing noses and appropriate clothing choices for weather changes. Teaching these things will help build self-confidence. Good hygiene and clean clothing is important to develop positive self-esteem.
If you have concerns about anything, contact your school nurse.
Other community resources for immunization:
Allen County Health Department 260.449.7533
Immunization Resources:
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Super Shot: 260.424.7468
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Allen County Health Department: 260.449.7533
Healthy Habits for Children:
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Encourage daily exercise and limit screen time.
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Ensure 8–10 hours of sleep each night from preschool through teen years.
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Schedule routine dental care to prevent pain, infections, and other issues.
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Provide nutritious meals with more milk and water, fewer sugary drinks. Preventing obesity helps avoid serious health conditions.
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Teach proper and frequent hand washing to prevent illness.
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Keep up with immunizations to support long-term health.
Important forms - entering school for the first time:
It is important that children enter school healthy and ready to learn. Good health plays an important role in school success. We invite all students new to FWCS to visit the Health Clinic at FACE. The nurses at FACE can make sure we are meeting the health needs of your student starting the first day they attend school. We can do vision and hearing screening, review medical conditions and provide required and recommended immunizations. Please call 260-467-7260 to make an appointment. There is no cost to you for these services. Therefore, we also ask that students have following:
Elementary Health Overview
Young children thrive with simple, consistent care:
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Exercise: Prioritize active play over screen time.
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Sleep: Aim for 8–10 hours each night.
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Dental Care: Regular checkups prevent pain and long-term issues.
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Nutrition: Choose water and milk over sugary drinks; focus on balanced meals.
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Hygiene: Teach proper handwashing to prevent illness.
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Immunizations: Stay up to date for lifelong protection.
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Positive Example: Model kindness, respect, and healthy habits.
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Quality Time: Read, play, and talk daily, especially at bedtime.
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School Nurses: Here to support your child’s health, reach out anytime.
Middle School Health Overview
Middle School Overview
Middle school is a time of rapid growth and change. Adolescents begin to seek independence, rely more on peers and make choices that can have lasting effects on their health and development.
Key Areas to Watch
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Adolescents are forming identity and values while navigating peer pressure
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Healthy habits like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are especially important now
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Talk regularly and openly with your child, stay involved in their daily life
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Encourage respectful relationships and responsible decision-making
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Reinforce family values and set clear expectations around risky behaviors (substance use, internet safety, sexual activity)
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Behavior changes lasting more than a few days may signal a deeper concern
Support from the School Nurse
School nurses are here to support students’ physical and emotional well-being. They can help manage health concerns, offer guidance and are available to parents with any questions.
High School Health Overview
High school is a key time for growth and change. Teens (ages 14–19) go through physical, emotional and social development, making healthy habits more important than ever.
Key Changes
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Physical and sexual maturity
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Developing personal values and abstract thinking
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Increased focus on friends, relationships and appearance
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Possible interest in body art or piercings
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Changing appetite and peer-influenced eating habits, which may lead to malnutrition or obesity
Parent Tips
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Support healthy routines: sleep, nutrition, exercise and hygiene
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Stay connected and communicate openly
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Encourage positive choices and self-awareness