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Clinic Communications

Pollen and Dust and Mold OH MY
On our lovely Monday off I noted the very tiniest beginnings of cherry blossoms down on the National Mall. Hard to believe that the beautiful flowers of spring (and the spikes in allergens like pollen) are right around the corner. Some students are already complaining of seasonal allergies during the school day, and because the symptoms are often similar to Covid, this is a good time to check in with your pediatrician or allergist about how to best manage those sniffles, sore throats and sneezes as spring approaches.
 
Back to School Health Paperwork
And speaking of the future-- it will not be long before Magnus begins automatically reminding you of health form requirements for the 2022-2023 school year. Last year we were able to move away from many of the paper forms, however certain forms still require a health care provider's signature. Most returning, non Kindergarten students will not need a form completed by your pediatrician. However, there are some exceptions: see below for a quick glance at what paper forms you may need to plan ahead to have completed at an upcoming physical:
 
 

Paper Form

Required For

Signed By

Commonwealth School Entrance Form

All newly enrolled students, All Kindergarteners, All Preschoolers

Pediatrician and parents

Asthma Action Plan

Students with an asthma diagnosis who will have an inhaler on file at school

Pulmonologist or other Healthcare provider

Inhaler Authorization Form

Students with an asthma diagnosis who will have an inhaler on file at school

Pulmonologist or other Healthcare provider

Antihistamine Authorization Form

Any student who will have Benadryl on file at school for food or environmental allergies

Allergist or other Healthcare provider

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Plan

Any student with a food allergy severe enough for medication to be kept at school

Allergist or other Healthcare provider

Epinephrine Authorization Form

Any student with an allergy severe enough that an epi-pen/Auvi-Q or similar will be kept at school

Allergist or other Healthcare provider

Diabetes Maintenance and Management Plan

Any student with diabetes requiring treatment during the school day

Endocrinologist

Medication Authorization

Any student taking a medication (prescription OR over the counter) other than the ones listed above during the school day

Healthcare provider


*for certain OTC medications, parents may sign this form

Updated Immunization Record

All rising 7th graders (must have Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines prior to the first day of school); All Kindergarteners, All Preschoolers

Healthcare provider
 
What is required to return to school after an illness?
School policy remains that students must have clearance from a healthcare provider OR a negative Covid test performed by a lab to return to school after any illness related absence. We know that missing work for parents when a child is ill can be difficult and disruptive, however please keep your children home from school if they are feeling unwell to stop the spread of illness among classmates.