Eastlake School

Dear Parents,

Many parents request the school nurse to administer medications to students during school hours. Please be aware of the BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY to which the nurse must strictly adhere. This policy includes both prescription and non-prescription medications such as Aspirin, Cough drops or syrup or vitamins.

1. ALL medications, in their original container, must be brought to the nurse's office upon arrival at school and are to be administered by the nurse only. Students may not keep medications with them at any time.

2. ALL medications must be accompanied by a note from the parent AND A NOTE FROM THE PHYSICIAN containing specific instructions stating the name of medications, time of administration and proper dosage.

3. No parent phone instructions can be accepted. All requests and directions must be sent to the nurse in writing from a physician.

It is important to emphasize that the use of non-prescription medications during school hours is not encourage. Physician's notes are necessary because:

1. No licensed registered nurse in the State of New Jersey may dispense ANY medication without a doctor's order.

2. Medications are drugs. We are trying to teach our students a great respect for the use of drugs. Taking medication should never become a matter of just "popping a pill" whenever a symptom occurs.

If a special situation exists with your child (life-threatening allergic reactions and/or asthma), arrangements can be made to have medications on hand when needed.

Please call your school nurse if you have any questions or need further explanation on the District Policy.