Health Services

When a student has a diagnosed condition (i.e., diabetes, asthma, seizures, heart conditions or severe allergies), it is necessary for the parents to provide this information at the beginning of each school year on the health and emergency information form. Parents will receive a medical management plan stating what steps typically will be taken if an emergency situation occurs. Parents, the student and the school nurse will collaborate to individualize the plan to meet the student's specific health needs. Any restrictions or limitations at school will be included. Students' health information will be shared with appropriate school personnel, keeping in mind confidentiality.

Homebound instruction is available after 15 consecutive school days of absence. Requests can be made through the school nurse, counselor or social worker.

If you have additional questions please feel free to contact the school building health room staff.

One of the goals of health services is to assure a healthy environment. Many students and families are frequently concerned about when students should stay home or attend school. View detailed information on some common childhood illnesses. The following information is intended to help with this decision.

• If student is unable to participate in routine activities.
• If student has a fever of 100 degrees or more, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal (without fever-reducing medication).
• If student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
• If student has any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your family physician before sending the student to school.
• If student is unusually tired, has uncontrolled coughing, unexplained irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs for the student. Do not send to school until a health care provider has done an evaluation to rule out severe illness.
• If student is ill at home, please call the school attendance line daily to report the reason for absence. It is helpful if specific symptoms and/or diagnosis are reported.
• The health services paraprofessional at your child's school should be notified when a student has a communicable condition (i.e., chicken pox, strep throat or head lice) so appropriate measures may be taken. Notices may be sent home when these conditions occur in a student's classroom.
• If you have additional questions please feel free to contact the school building health room staff.

Medications can be dispensed in school only when necessary and for the student's well-being. All medications must be kept in the school health room unless special arrangements are made with the School Nurse for that building.

Students will be screened according to the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. Parents or teachers can also request vision or hearing screening any time if they have a concern about their child. If a student does not pass the vision or hearing screening procedures, the screening will be repeated. If the student does not pass the screening the second time, a physician referral notice will be sent to the parent. Parents are strongly encouraged to return the referral form to the school's Health Services office.

Animals and pets are not allowed to visit inside schools without principal permission and specific policy requirements. This policy is in place because of student and staff health needs and air quality issues. Some exceptions may be made; please check with the principal before bringing any animals in the classroom. Eden Prairie Schools encourages a fragrance aware and latex limited environment. "Fragrance Aware" means that we will try to have a fragrance and scent-free environment. "Latex Limited" means that no latex gloves or latex balloons are allowed.

Eden Prairie Schools District recognizes the need to balance student safety with the need for physical activity. EPS will follow this new guidance from the MN Department of Health and will cancel all outdoor activities when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the “Unhealthy” red range of 150 and above. At lower air quality levels, Building Administrators may use their judgment to determine if their schools' outdoor activities should be moved inside.

For students with asthma who have pre-exercise medication available with a current healthcare provider order, health staff will make plans to pre-medicate students before going outside. When asthma is well-managed and well-controlled, students should be able to participate fully in all activities. Health staff will monitor students and will address concerns with families as needed.

For outdoor athletic events, EPHS follows the Minnesota High League Board Policy for Weather Conditions and Competition or Practice:

• Any athlete or team personnel who develops a cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath should not exercise outside when the air quality is bad.
• Athletes with asthma should move indoors for an AQI of 100 or above.
• Moving indoors when the AQI is above 150 is recommended.
• When the AQI is greater than 200, all outdoor activities should be moved indoors, postponed, or canceled.

Please visit AirNow.gov and enter your school's zip code to find the current AQI. More information and resources may be found at the Minnesota Department of Health.