School Nurse & Health Services

Welcome to the Health Services page!

 Our mission is to promote student health and learning by supporting every child’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. We work closely with families, staff, and healthcare providers to ensure a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all students.

General Health & Medical Updates

To maintain accurate health records and provide optimal care, please notify the school nurse of any new or ongoing medical concerns throughout the school year—including injuries, surgeries, updated immunizations, new diagnoses, or medication changes.

Note: Healthcare providers do not automatically send medical records to the school. Please request that your provider fax records to the school or bring a visit summary to school following your appointment. Paris R-II School District Fax: 660-327-6220 | Attn: School Nurse

Medication Policy

To ensure student safety, students are prohibited from carrying or possessing medications (prescription or over-the-counter) while at school or on school buses. Whenever possible, medication doses should be scheduled outside of school hours.

Administering Medication at School

If a student requires medication during the school day:

• Parent Delivery: All medication must be delivered directly to the office by a parent, guardian, or designated adult in an unopened or original pharmacy container.

• First Dose at Home: To ensure safety, the first dose of any new medication must be administered at home prior to school administration so parents can monitor for adverse reactions.

• Authorization Form: A completed Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent/guardian must be on file in the nurse's office for each medication.

  • Download: MO500-3301 Medication Authorization Form (DESE)

• Container & Labeling: Medication must be unexpired and in its original container.

  • Prescription Medications: Must be in the original pharmacy container labeled with the student’s name, dosage, frequency, physician name, and clear directions. Medication will be administered strictly according to the pharmacy label directions.

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Must be in the original, unopened manufacturer container with ingredients and dosage instructions clearly visible. OTC medications will be administered according to manufacturer instructions at the nurse’s professional discretion with written parent authorization. Dosages exceeding package recommendations require a physician’s order.

Self-Carry Exceptions (Missouri State Law)

In accordance with Missouri state law (RSMo 167.625 & 167.627), students diagnosed with asthma, severe life-threatening allergies (anaphylaxis), or diabetes may self-carry and self-administer rescue medications (such as Asthma Inhalers, Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, and Insulin/Glucagon).

To self-carry, the student must have on file:

•  A completed Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent/guardian

  • Download: MO500-3301 Medication Authorization Form (DESE)

Emergency Action Plans (EAP) & Special Diets

Emergency Action Plans

A physician-signed Emergency Action Plan must be submitted annually at or prior to the start of each school year for students diagnosed with chronic or critical health conditions. Your provider can use their own preferred EAP or utilize one of the examples below:

• Asthma

  • Download: Asthma Action Plan

• Severe / Food Allergies

  • Download: FARE Allergy Action Plan

• Diabetes

  • Download: Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)

• Seizure Disorders

  • Download: General Seizure Action Plan

Meal Modifications & Food Allergies

To request breakfast or lunch menu modifications for food allergies or medical dietary needs, Missouri DESE regulations and USDA federal guidelines require:

1. Written documentation of a diagnosed medical condition or food allergy signed by a licensed physician.

2. A completed Medical Statement for Student Requiring Meal Modification submitted to the school nurse and food service department.

   • Download: Medical Statement for Student Requiring Meal Modification (DESE)

Note: Federal and state regulations prohibit food service menu alterations for non-medical dietary preferences or general intolerances without formal physician documentation.

Immunization Requirements & Health Screenings

Immunizations

Missouri state law (RSMo 167.181) requires all students to meet state immunization requirements prior to attending school. Students who are not up-to-date on required immunizations or do not have an official exemption on file will be excluded from attendance. 

For more information regarding immunization schedules, preschool or grade-level requirements for school enrollment, acceptable exemption forms, and more, please visit the MO DHSS Schools & Childcare/Preschool website.

•  MO DHSS Schools & Childcare/Preschool Health & Wellness Guidelines

General Illness & Injury Guidelines

Our primary goal is keeping students healthy, active, and engaged in the classroom. However, to protect our school community and limit the spread of communicable illnesses, students experiencing contagious symptoms must remain home.

Parent Notification & Emergency Contacts

If a student develops a fever or symptoms of a contagious illness during the school day, the school nurse will contact a parent, guardian, or designated emergency contact to arrange prompt pickup. Please ensure your emergency contact information remains updated in the district portal.

Guidelines for Staying Home & Returning to School

Students must remain home and may return to school once they meet the following criteria:

• Fever (100.0°F or higher): Must remain home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol/Acetaminophen or Advil/Ibuprofen).

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Must remain home until symptom-free for 24 hours from the last episode without the use of anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication.

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): May return 24 hours after starting prescribed antibiotic eye drops and when eyes are free of active purulent discharge.

• Strep Throat: May return 24 hours after starting prescribed antibiotic treatment and once fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

• Ringworm: May return once medical treatment has begun. Affected areas must remain completely covered while at school.

• Unexplained Rashes, Impetigo, or Staph/MRSA: Requires evaluation by a physician and a written medical release to return. All open lesions or sores must be completely covered with a clean, dry bandage while at school.

• Head Lice: Immediate treatment is expected upon detection. Students may return after their first treatment once examined by the nurse and verified to have no live lice present. Please notify the nurse so follow-up checks can be conducted.

• Respiratory Illnesses (Flu, COVID-19, RSV): May return when overall symptoms have significantly improved for 24 hours and the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

• Reportable Communicable Diseases (Measles, Chickenpox, Pertussis/Whooping Cough, Hand-Foot-Mouth, etc.): Exclusion and return timelines are governed by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS) regulations. Please consult your physician and notify the school nurse promptly.

Injuries, Concussions & Physical Activity Restrictions

When a student experiences a significant injury or medical procedure, clear communication between your healthcare provider and the school nurse is essential to ensure a safe recovery.

Physical Accommodations, Casts, & PE Restrictions

If your child has an injury requiring crutches, a wheelchair, splint, cast, brace, or sutures:

• Submit Medical Documentation: Provide a written note from the treating physician detailing the injury, required accommodations, and specific physical activity restrictions (e.g., restricted from PE, recess, or 

• sports). A physician’s clearance note is required to resume activity once the injury has healed.

• Elevators & Mobility Accommodations: If elevator access or assistance moving between classes is needed, please notify the school nurse prior to the student returning to school.

Concussions & Return-to-Learn / Return-to-Play

In accordance with Missouri law and school district policy, any student diagnosed with or suspected of having a concussion must follow a guided recovery process:

• Medical Evaluation: Provide a signed note from a licensed physician confirming the diagnosis and outlining any necessary classroom accommodations (e.g., reduced screen time, frequent rest breaks, modified assignments).

• Return-to-Learn Plan: The nurse and school staff will work together to implement academic adjustments while brain healing occurs.

• Return-to-Play Protocol: Before returning to PE, sports, or strenuous physical activity, the student must complete a step-wise return-to-play protocol and submit a final, unrestricted written medical clearance note signed by an authorized healthcare provider.

Telehealth Services (Clarity Healthcare)

We are proud to partner with Clarity Healthcare to offer convenient, on-site telehealth services for students and staff. This partnership helps ensure primary health care and treatment are easily accessible directly through our district, minimizing missed class time and work hours. Please contact the school nurse to learn more.