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All immunizations are now due for the 2022-23 SY   

Students who remain non-compliant with their immunization will not return to school on December 15, 2022. Parents/guardians may view information about student compliance with required immunizations in ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please contact your school to assist you with setting up an account or if you have specific questions about non-compliant immunizations, reach out to your school.  Visit this webpage for more information.

Nurse checking child's lungs with stethoscope

Student Health Services

Student Health Services work to promote child and adolescent health and reduce health-related risk behaviors. It is comprised of school nurses, a school health services supervisor, coordinator, and a medical consultant.

The Role of the School Nurse

School Nurses are Specialized Instructional Support Personnel. They are the pivotal role that bridges healthcare and education. School nurses are instrumental in removing health barriers for all students. They maintain and support students with physical and mental health care needs to support academic success.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the important role school nurses play in promoting the optimal biopsychosocial health and well-being of school-aged children in the school setting.

Required Health Information and Forms for Parents

The first four tabs below provides families with necessary forms and guidance needed to update your student's medical information when returning to school. Medication cannot be administered to any student without appropriate authorization forms completed and on file. Medication must be provided in a new, sealed container with the completed authorization form. Students may not transport medication to and from school. Any medication not meeting the PWCS regulations will not be administered to your student.

We Love Our School Nurses!

Learn if your family is eligible for health coverage through FAMIS

Qualifying students and families can receive Medicaid and FAMIS low-cost or no-cost health insurance. To see if your child may qualify, visit the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) webpage

Medications at School

Medications at School

Medication cannot be administered to any student without appropriate authorization forms completed and on file. Any medication must be provided in a new, sealed container with the completed authorization form. Students may not transport medication to and from school. Any medication not meeting the PWCS regulations will not be administered to your student.

In accordance with the Code of Virginia 22.1-274.2 and § 8.01-226.5:1, students diagnosed with asthma or anaphylactic reaction may possess and self administer certain inhaled asthma medications, self-injected epinephrine, or other emergency medication, with the appropriate authorization form on file.

Medical Authorization Forms

Management of Allergic Reactions in the School Setting/School Age Child Care: Administering Epinephrine Auto-Injector Regulation 757-2

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plans must be submitted annually at the beginning of each school/SACC year dated after May 1, and whenever modifications are made to this plan.

Management of Students with Health Treatment Plans Regulation 757-3

For a complete list of attachment forms, please view Regulation 757-3.

Management of Medication Administration in the School Setting Regulation 757-4

Management of Asthma in the School Setting Regulation 757-5

Management of Diabetes in the School Setting Regulation 757-6

Management of Epileptic Seizures in the School Setting/School Age Child Care Regulation 757-7

Immunization Requirements

Immunization Requirements

Required Health Forms

The following health forms are required for enrolling a student in Prince William County Public Schools.

Athletic Forms: Please refer to the PWCS Student Athletics webpage for additional information. The following forms are needed if a student plans to participate in PWCS athletics.

High School Forms

Middle School Forms

Regulations and Fact Sheets

Health Regulations

Fact Sheets and Other Resources


Additional Information

When Students Should be Absent Due to Illness

Illness or Injury Exclusion Criteria - Reasons for which a child may be sent home from school or for a parent to keep the child home from school.

  1. Fever of 100ºF and over - exclude until the student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
  2. Conjunctivitis (pink eye), strep infections, ringworm, and impetigo are all infections and must be treated with medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Please do not allow affected students back before this time so that other students are not infected unnecessarily.
  3. Rash of unknown origin (especially if accompanied by a fever).
  4. Head injury.
  5. Severe coughing or difficulty breathing.
  6. Colds - a child with thick or constant nasal discharge should remain home.
  7. Diarrhea or vomiting - exclude until the student has been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
  8. Stiff neck associated with a fever and/or a recent injury.
  9. Inadequate immunizations with known disease outbreak in school.

Refer to the Virginia Department of Health Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School Personnel (PDF) for other exclusions/information.

School Health Advisory Board

The School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) is an advisory group composed of individuals from broad-based segments of the community committed to creating healthy school environments so students may realize their learning potential. The School Division generally appoints members of a school health advisory board.

The mission is to advise the School Division on issues and programs related to health and healthy lifestyles.

Wellness Plan

School Nurse Services

What Services Does the School Nurse Provide?

  • Annual Health Screening: Vision and hearing screening of all kindergartners, third graders, seventh graders, tenth graders, and newly enrolled PWCS students is conducted each fall by the school nurse and clinic volunteers. This is only a brief screening; parents should continually be alert to identify vision or hearing difficulties that indicate a need for an examination by a specialist.
  • Health Services: Assess health and development, provides nursing interventions, and evaluates student responses to care.
  • Health Education: Provide health education to students, staff, and parents.
  • Healthy Environment: Identify health and safety concerns in the school environment.
  • Nutritional Services: Support healthy food services programs.
  • Physical Education/Activity: Promote health and physical education which promotes healthy behaviors.
  • Counseling/Mental Health: Assess needs, provides interventions and refers students to appropriate staff or community agencies.
  • Parent/Community Involvement: Promote community involvement in assuring a healthy school.
  • Staff Wellness: Provide health education and wellness programs to school staff.

School Staff Training

Code of Virginia Training Required for School Staff

CPR/First Aid/AED: This course addresses the teaching, learning, and working environment is caring, safe and healthy, and values human diversity of the strategic plan. This course is provided for PWCS staff members. Instruction will be provided for a two year ECSI CPR/AED certification and 3 year First Aid certification. Participants will be trained in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED techniques.

Administration of Medication: This course addresses the teaching, learning, and working environment is caring, safe and healthy, and values human diversity of the strategic plan. This course is provided for PWCS staff members designated to be trained by school principals. Attendees must complete the entire program. Successful completion of the Administration of Medication course will help staff safely care for students requiring medication at school. Once the course is completed a school nurse shall provide annual one-hour refresher training for two consecutive years. School staff designated must also attend a refresher course every three years after initial training. Legal reference: Chapter 881, Code of VA, § 55.1-3408, M.

Insulin & Glucagon: This course addresses the teaching, learning, and working environment is caring, safe and healthy, and values human diversity of the strategic plan. This course is provided for PWCS staff members designated to be trained by school principals. Attendees must complete the entire program. Successful completion of the Insulin & Glucagon course will help staff safely care for diabetic students. Once the course is completed a school nurse shall provide annual one-hour refresher training for two consecutive years. School staff designated must also attend a refresher course every three years after initial training. Legal reference: Section § 22.1-274 part E of Code of VA.


PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Are you THAT nurse with strong critical thinking skills, that can work autonomously in a fast-paced environment, and has a collaborative spirit? If so, come join our PWCS School Nurse Family.

All Nursing Backgrounds Welcomed

NOW HIRING SCHOOL NURSES

APPLY ONLINE:
https://www.pwcs.edu/employment

Photo of a school nurse smiling at a young female student facing her

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Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.