School Health Department
Dickson County Schools takes student health seriously and want all students to be at their best, not just academically but physically as well. Because students spend the majority of their day at school, student health should be second only to academic achievement. Good overall health allows students to focus on studies and activities with fewer injuries and less stress on their body. Poor dietary habits such as skipping breakfast and eating a limited range of foods can adversely affect a student's ability to concentrate. Lack of daily exercise also negatively affects a young person's academic performance and physical well-being. Imbalance of both diet and exercise can eventually lead to childhood obesity which significantly impacts the health of the student even into adulthood.
Parents/Guardians Resources
5th Grade Growth and Development
The school nurse's conduct a growth and development class for all 5th graders. These discussions will be held with the girls and boys at different times. The intent of this class is to inform our students of the developmental changes they will be experiencing, as they become teenagers. There will be a video presentation designed to cover the physical changes and functions of their bodies followed by a question and answer session. A note will be sent home with all 5th graders prior to the class. Anyone that wishes to opt out of this class should change their preferences for family curriculum to no in skyward.
Girls Video.mkv5th Grade Girl's Growth and Development Video
Boy's Video.mp45th Grade Boy's Growth and Development Video
Medications
All medication must be brought to the school by a parent/guardian and checked in with the school nurse or other trained staff. All prescription medications must have a pharmacy label with the following information: name, prescription number, name of medication and dosage, administration instructions, date filled, prescriber’s name, and pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number. All non-prescription medications must be brought in the original unopened manufacture container with the ingredients listed. The student’s name, dose, and frequency of medication should be written on the bottle with a permanent marker.
Medication AuthorizationIndividualized Health Plan (IHP)
Students that have chronic health conditions noted on the student health concerns form that is completed in Skyward at the beginning of the school year, will receive an nursing assessment to determine if an IHP is needed. The nursing assessment will be a collaboration with the parent/guardian, healthcare provider, and school staff. The school nurse will assess health status, risks, concerns, and strengths. Any student with an emergency medication at school will have an IHP.
IHPImmunization and Physical Exam Requirements
Immunization and Physical Exam RequirementsReligious Exemption From Vaccination(s)Meningococcal and Influenza Diseases/Vaccine Information
Tennessee code 49-6-5005 requires schools to notify families about meningococcal and influenza diseases and the effectiveness of vaccination at the beginning of every school year. You can find information about these topics and many more health related topics on the State of Tennessee Department of Health website.
Please contact your healthcare provider or the Dickson County Health Department for additional information. There is no Dickson County Schools requirement for these vaccinations.
Other Resources
When to Keep Sick Students Home from SchoolSend Home Readmisson ProcedureHead Lice Tips for ParentsHead Injury Fact Sheet for Parents
Dickson County Schools believes that student health is of utmost importance and it is the district's mission to address any health concerns that would prevent student learning in the classroom. To support this, nurses are made available at every school in our district. Our professional and caring nursing staff provides a wide range of services to students. If you have a question about the school nursing program, please call (615) 446-7571 or contact your child's school nurse by calling the school.