Health Services

All students are required to update their health information annually through online registration. This allows parents to share pertinent health information about their child, authorizes the school nurse to provide first aid while the child is at school, and authorizes emergency medical care and transportation in the event of an emergency.  

The emergency contact information must be reviewed and updated annually as part of the online registration process through the parent portal. If your emergency contact information changes during the course of the school year, please contact the building registrar with the updated information. It is essential that you can be reached in the event of an emergency.

The school nurse will use the emergency information provided by parent(s)/guardian(s) in the case of routine illness or accident. The following steps will be made:

• Call the parent(s)/guardian(s) 
• If the parents cannot be reached, the designated alternate contact person will be called
• If the parents and the designated alternate contact person cannot be reached, the physician will be called
• When appropriate, 911 will be called for transportation to a hospital, and a school official will accompany the student 
• If an immediate medical emergency exists, 911 will be called first in the sequence

1. Physical exams by a medical doctor or an osteopath are recommended not more than 3 months prior to entering kindergarten and grades 3, 6, and 9. It is also recommended that every new student file evidence of a physical examination with the Ladue School District.
2. Elementary students are screened during the school year under the supervision of the school nurse. Screening includes hearing tests in grades 1, 3, and 5, and vision screening in grades 1 and 3. For secondary students, screening includes hearing screens in grades 7 and 9 and vision screening in grades 6 and 9. Newly enrolled students will have their vision and hearing tested during their first school year.
3. Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted for kindergarten students based on referrals from kindergarten screeners or teacher recommendations. Outside vision exams from an eye health provider will be considered in lieu of a screening done at school if provided by the parent/guardian.

Each school will attempt to identify students with life-threatening allergies, including food allergies, through the annual registration process. An allergic reaction is an immune system response to a substance that is not itself harmful but that the body interprets as harmful. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. During registration, the parent/guardian will be asked to provide information on any allergies the student may have. All life-threatening allergies must be verified by documentation from a physician, and emergency medication must be provided by the parent/guardian. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will need to sign a release for school personnel to consult with the family physician or allergist and all medical providers. The release will enable effective communication among the school, parents/guardians, and the physician to implement an effective allergy response plan for the student.  

Frequently Asked Food Allergy Questions

It is a state requirement that satisfactory evidence be on file with the school that the student has been immunized or has a valid exemption. The information must be completed and signed by a physician or health facility representative. If a student’s immunizations are not current and/or not on file with the school, the student will not be allowed to attend school until the student is in compliance.  

The Ladue School District is not legally obligated to administer medication to students unless specifically included in a Section 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, the Board recognizes that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness to enable them to remain in school and participate in the district’s educational services. Further, the district prohibits students from possessing or self-administering medications while on district grounds, on district transportation, and during district activities unless explicitly authorized in accordance with district policy. Therefore, the superintendent, in collaboration with the district nursing staff, will establish administrative procedures for storing and administering medications in compliance with district policy and in accordance with state and federal law. Medications will be administered at school only when it is not possible or effective for the student to receive them at home. See the school nurse if you have questions or need additional information.

Please keep in mind the following:

• Only medication that an authorized provider has prescribed will be given at school. An authorized provider is a healthcare provider that is licensed or otherwise authorized by state law to prescribe medication. Medications not listed or approved by the FDA will not be given at school.
• Medication WILL NOT be given without all of the appropriate information. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide all the necessary information to the school nurse. The school nurse reserves the right to contact the student’s physician if there are any questions about administering a medication.
• A form must be on file with the nurse for any medication to be given at an overnight school event. If the appropriate paperwork is not provided, medication will not be given and the child may not be eligible to attend.
• The school nurse may administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the child’s age and weight. A parent does not need to supply this medication.
• Medication brought to school MUST be in its original container and if dispensed by a pharmacy, it should have the child’s name, medication, dosage, ordering physician’s name, pharmacy name, and phone number. A recent prescription label will be considered the equivalent of a physician’s order.
• Over-the-counter medication should be in its original packaging and clearly labeled with the student’s name. Homeopathic medication must also be in its original container and clearly labeled with the child’s name.
• It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school nurse in writing when a medication has been changed or discontinued.
• Medication given at school is to remain at school for the period it is to be given, not to exceed a 30-day supply.
• The first dose of any medication will not be administered by school personnel.
• Medication must be brought to the nurse’s office by a responsible parent or adult. It may not be transported by a student and will not be released to a student. Medication must be picked up from the nurse’s office by the end of the last day of school or within seven days of being discontinued, whichever comes first. All unclaimed medication will be destroyed after that time.
• The school district reserves the right to reject requests for administering medications.

Students with a history of asthma that require the frequent usage of an inhaler can submit a Request for Self-Administration of Medication form that must be filled out and signed by a physician and parent/guardian to allow the student to carry the inhaler with them throughout the school day.  This form must be submitted in addition to the Medication Administration Form.

Students with a history of an anaphylactic reaction or a chronic illness that may need access to medication throughout the school day will be addressed on a case-by-case basis that takes into account the student’s age and abilities. Please make an appointment with the school nurse to discuss your child’s particular needs and abilities.

Medication Administration Form

This form must be completed by the physician and the parent/guardian if a child needs to receive medication at school. The doctor or authorized provider must order the medication, and the parent/guardian must give the school consent to administer the medication.

Request for Self-Administration of Medication Form

This form is to be completed by the physician, parent/guardian, and student.  It is a supplement to the Medication Administration Form and allows students who require medication for life-threatening illnesses to carry and administer their own medications (i.e., EpiPens, inhalers, and diabetic supplies).