School Health
Contact Information
Phone: 301-766-8793
Fax: 301-766-8695
The Washington County Public Schools School Health Program promotes optimal health and safety among our students to support achievement of academic success. In addition to our students, our staff and community are also an important part of our focus for a healthy and safe environment and self. WCPS provides health services and health education in each of our schools in collaboration with Meritus Medical Center and the Washington County Health Department.
Medications/Treatments
If a medication or treatment is necessary during the school day, the parent/legal guardian(s) must provide a written physician order signed by a licensed health care provider. An order is needed for all prescription and over-the-counter medications and treatments.
For students’ safety, all medications must be transported to and from the health room by an adult. All prescribed medication dispensed by a pharmacy must have a pharmacy label attached. Health room staff will only accept over-the-counter medications in the original, unopened manufacturer’s container. Medications sent in envelopes, plastic bags or daily reminder containers cannot be administered. Health room staff cannot accept or administer expired medication(s).
It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian(s) to provide all equipment and supplies necessary to administer any ordered treatments.
Health Forms for Enrollment
Immunization Records- The parent/legal guardian(s) must provide evidence that their child has received all vaccinations required by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 10.06.04).
Blood Lead Testing Certificate- Proof of blood lead testing is required for children enrolling in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. The parent/legal guardian(s) must provide a completed Maryland Department of Health Blood Lead Testing Certificate signed by a licensed health care provider.
Record of Physical Examination- All students enrolling in a Maryland Public School are required to have a physical examination by a licensed health care provider within nine months prior to enrollment or within six months after enrollment in the public school system.
Resources and copies of the required forms can be printed from the Documents section to the right of this page.
IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION REMINDERS
All students must remain compliant with Maryland immunization requirements from enrollment through graduation. There are four vaccinations that are required for students as they advance grades. Documentation of receipt of these vaccines is due to the school at the following intervals:
- A second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is required by the child’s 5th birthday.
- A second dose of the varicella vaccine is required by the child’s first day of kindergarten.
- A dose of the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is required by the child’s first day of 7th grade.
- A dose of the meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine is required by the child’s first day of 7th grade.
For assistance with obtaining the required immunizations, locate the Immunization Provider Resource List in the Documents section to the right of this page.
For questions regarding School Health Services, please contact:
Amy Edwards, BSN, RN
Supervisor of School Health Programs
301-766-8723
[email protected]