Wellness & Health
SPS is committed to helping students and staff learn, establish, and maintain lifelong wellness patterns. Schools cannot achieve the primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy and fit physically, mentally, and socially. Schools can improve the health of students and staff not only by educating them about the importance of healthy behaviors, but also by implementing policies that promote those behaviors.
VACCINES
In accordance with state law, students are expected to be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. More information can be found at: https://oklahoma.gov/health/prevention-and-preparedness/immunizations.html
Additionally, the CDC recommends everyone 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. Getting your child or teen vaccinated can bring you one step closer to enjoying the activities you miss. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html
MEDICATIONS
School Board Policy - FFACAStudents will on occasion need to take medications at school. Medication will be given only as authorized according to state law and district policy, regulations, guidelines and procedures.
Self-Administered Medications
Certain medications such as asthma inhalers may be self administered by students.
Inhalers may be kept with a student at all times and self-administered as the student deems necessary with written authorization by the parent/guardian AND physician.
Medications used to treat anaphylaxis and diabetes may also be self administered, with appropriate written authorization.
Any unauthorized medication found at school will be confiscated and the parent/guardian notified.
Staff-Administered Medications
Most medication, including herbal/homeopathic medications, can only be given by authorized school staff: school nurse, principal, designated employee or a contracted nurse.
Injected medication requires a medical monitoring plan, a physician’s written authorization and a parent's/guardian’s written permission.
Medication will only be administered with a completed Medication Authorization form.
A new medication authorization form must be filled out for each medication at the beginning of the school year, when there is a medication change, and when there is a dosage change.
All administered doses will be recorded by a designated employee on the back of the Medication Authorization form.
The school nurse will decide whether or not a one-time medication dose will be administered.
Medication sent or brought to school in improper containers, improperly labeled, or not labeled will NOT be given even if the parent/guardian gives verbal or written authorization.
If a student states they forgot to take their medication before coming to school, medication will only be given if the parent/guardian is contacted and verbal authorization is given.
All medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian.
Directions for administering medication must include specific times or conditions.
Expiration dates of medication will be tracked
Medication from a foreign country will not be given.
Medications that require refrigeration will be kept in locked refrigerators.
All medication taken on field trips will be carried in a locked container.
If a medication error occurs, an accident report form will be filled out.
If a student refuses to take medication, the event will be recorded and the parent/guardian will be notified.
All medication must be picked up by parents at the end of the school year. Unclaimed medicine will be disposed of.
All medication issues are considered confidential.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Oklahoma law (70 O.S. §1210.194 and 63 O.S. §1-507) prohibits any child afflicted with a contagious disease from attending school until such time as the child is free from such contagious disease. Contagious diseases include, but are not limited to, scabies, impetigo, strep throat, flu and fifth’s disease. For all illnesses, students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
HEAD LICE
Students will be prohibited from attending school due to head lice. They may return to school when:
They are found to be free of active lice (live lice and nits within ¼” of the scalp), and
They are accompanied by an adult to the school office so the student can be cleared to return to class.
If infestation persists, an appointment should be made with the school nurse to work with the parent/guardian:
Demonstrating nit removal and emphasizing the importance of combing
Reviewing treatment methods for removing nits
Describing terminal cleaning of bedding, clothing and the home
Providing written instructions or pictorial information.
The parent/guardian and student should then return home with the instructions and the understanding that the student is expected to return to school no later than the next school day with nit removal accomplished.
Students who have been sent home three or more times with active lice will be referred to the Payne County Health Department or a private physician. The school nurse will give clearance to return to school after proof of medical evaluation.
BED BUGS
The likelihood of bed bugs infesting a school is extremely remote because bed bugs feed on people primarily at night, but schools can serve as a convenient transfer point from one host to another. In the event that bed bugs are encountered at school:
Staff will tightly seal belongings suspected to contain bed bugs in plastic while at school. Those sealed belongings will be sent home with the owner at the end of the day.
While bed bugs are not associated with uncleanliness or socioeconomic status, but they do carry a substantial social stigma, discretion will be maintained.
Searches for additional bed bugs will be conducted.
Vacuuming is not 100% effective in controlling bed bugs but will help capture and prevent transfer
Chemical treatment of bed bugs at school is not recommended and currently available chemical treatment is considered ineffective.
SCHOOL-PROVIDED FIRST AID
If a student becomes injured or ill during the school day or while attending a school-sponsored activity, any staff member present should render first aid and summon a school nurse. If a school nurse or other professional medical person is not available the staff person will:
Administer first aid to the child or injured person
Notify the student’s parent/guardian, if possible, otherwise, follow instructions on the student's yellow health information card, if available.
In the event of an extreme emergency, summon professional care, with or without parental permission.
In the absence of family transportation or ambulance service, the school nurse, principal, teachers or other designated school personnel may transport the student to the student’s home, to a physician’s office, or to a hospital. An ill or injured student shall be accompanied by an adult.
Medication shall not be administered by school personnel, including the school nurse, without a prescription and a written order from a physician.
A written report of any accident or serious illness must be made as soon as possible, but not later than noon of the following day.
Sex Education
School Board Policy - EHAHAll curriculum and materials, including supplementary materials, which will be used to teach or will be used for or in connection with a sex education class or program shall be available through the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for inspection by the parents/guardians of students who will be involved in the class. The curriculum and materials for the class or program is designed for the exclusive purpose of discussing sexual behavior or attitudes, and may include tests, surveys, questionnaires whose primary purpose is to elicit responses on sexual behaviors or attitudes.
Drug Testing
School Board Policy FNCFD One of the major responsibilities of Stillwater Public Schools is to protect the health and safety of all students in its charge. The position of the district is that the use and abuse of alcohol by students is not only against the law, but harmful to the individual student, fellow students, and the school community as a whole.
Drug and Alcohol Testing may be used at dances, proms, and other school activities as deemed appropriate by the school administration.
Certain school programs may require drug and performance enhancing substance testing as a requirement for participation.
School Board Policy COA-R6
The district mission is best served when students are fit mentally and socially and remain drug free. As wellness and health issues arise, a comprehensive, consistent mental health and drug prevention curriculum becomes increasingly necessary in the district in order to promote healthy lifestyles.
Guidance/Counseling
Each school has a counselor working in the broad areas of individual counseling, group guidance, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
Students may ask, and are encouraged, to meet with a counselor or make an appointment at any time to discuss any school or personal issues they may be experiencing.
Principals and teachers may refer students to counselors.
Parents may contact the counselor with questions or make an appointment
Academic, behavior, and attitude progress reports for a student may be requested through the guidance office.
Recesses
School board policy COA-R3Periodic breaks from academics and physical activity are vital parts of a child’s development. SPS holds recesses for many grade levels, and encourages physical activity at all levels.
Contact games are not allowed (i.e., tackling, pushing, hitting with any object, etc.).
Follow game rules and all instructions of the playground monitor.
Be courteous toward others and be sportsmanlike.
Community Use of Recreational Facilities
The district encourages students and their families to make use of our spaces, facilities, and outdoor classrooms outside of school hours for family outings or activities such as league sports. Rental agreements may be needed for organizations.
Ask your school’s office about access and appropriate use of secured facilities
Use of space is at your own risk
To reserve space at a school contact the school directly.