Thornton Creek Elementary

Thornton Creek
Elementary
Resources

School Nurse

Thornton Creek School Nurse

COVID-19

If you think your student has been exposed to, or has any one symptom of, COVID-19 please keep your student home and email Nurse Twinkle tnramos@seattleschools.org and the office thorntoncreek.attendance@seattleschools.org

A copy of your negative COVID-19 test result will be required before your student returns to school. Nurse Twinkle will work with families and the district to determine when it is safe for your student to return to school.

Resources:

Breakfast and lunch

All students need the option of a healthy breakfast and lunch to fuel their brains and be successful at school. If you believe your student is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, please visit our district website and complete the required form. If your child has allergies or otherwise needs a special diet you may call Culinary Services at 206-252-0675 and/or submit this diet prescription form.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are important for keeping all our students safe and healthy. Moreover, they are required for continued attendance at school. If you are unsure about your student’s immunization status, you can check the Washington Immunization Information Service and/or view a schedule of required vaccines. Seattle Public Schools is offering COVID 19 vaccination clinics this fall at various locations across the District.

Vision and hearing screenings

Vision and hearing screenings are typically done in the fall. If your child does not pass their hearing or vision screening at school, the nurse will send a letter home, stating the need for further evaluation by their primary care provider.

Incoming kindergarten and 1st graders

The first time in a school setting can be extremely fun for a child! Many children do not take the time to use the restroom for fear that they may “miss out” on something fun and exciting. Just in case that happens, please provide and extra set of clothes to keep in your child’s locker or cubby in case of an accident.

When to keep your child at home

Please keep your child at home for…

  • Fever – Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Students need to stay home for 24 hours after their temperature has returned to normal without the help of fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Diarrhea – Two or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period, especially if the student feels ill. Students should stay home for 24 hours after the last watery stool.
  • Vomiting – Two or more times during the last 24-hours, especially if the student feels ill. Students should stay home for 24 hours after the last time they vomited.
  • Rash – Rashes of unknown origin or those known to be contagious (impetigo, ringworm, or scabies). Students may return to school as soon as treatment has begun.
  • Eye problems – Eyes that are draining mucus or pus or are painful, not due to injury or allergy.
  • Live lice – Students may return to school once treatment has begun.
  • Persistent coughing or bad cold – Students need to be able to cover their cough to be at school. If a cough or cold persists for more than 2 weeks, the student may need to be seen by a health care provider.
  • Diagnosed strep throat or bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) – Good handwashing is key to prevention. Do not exclude students unless recommended by a health care provider.
  • Other indicators of illness – Students who are unusually tired, pale, have no appetite, are hard to wake, or are confused should stay home or see their health care provider.

If you’re unsure about whether your student should miss school due to their health condition, please consult the school nurse.

When your student is absent from school, please report the reason for the absence to the office staff.

Important Health Information

Immunizations Up to Date?

Washington State Law requires every student to provide proof of immunization compliance to attend school. If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter or provide documents to indicate exemptions.

Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse.

SPS immunization requirements

Life-Threatening Health Conditions

If your student has a life-threatening health condition (Diabetes, Allergies, Seizure disorder, Asthma, etc.), the following items must be provided on or before the first day of school:

  • Life-Saving Medication
  • Medication Authorization forms
  • Treatment Supplies

To ensure your student’s health and safety during the school day, Washington State Law requires that your student be excluded from school until these items are received by the school nurse. Please let your school nurse know if you have any barriers to providing these items so they can offer support.

See SPS Policy 3413 for more information regarding the exclusion process.

Annual Student Health Updates

Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse.

How to complete the Annual Student Health Update form:

Medication Form

Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School.

  • Each medication requires its own form
  • Your health care provider must sign the form
  • You must sign the form

 This is required for ALL medications.

Medication

All medications must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label.

Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school.

Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that will last the entire school year.

Flu Shots Help Save Lives!

Schedule a flu shot for your student and family members. Here’s how:

  • Contact a School-Based Health Center (students only)
  • Seek care from your healthcare provider

Watch for announcements for upcoming flu shot clinics.

Protection from Respiratory Illness

Take actions to help manage the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, and keep each other safe.

Register Your Student for a School-Based Health Center

Your student can go to any School-Based Health Center within the district. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.