Health Services

The St. Cecilia Catholic School Health policy is governed by the Texas Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops Education Department and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Health Manual for the Catholic Schools Office.

Illness
Guidelines for “Excluding and Re-admitting of Ill Students” will be according to the current policy of the Archdiocese and published each school year in the Parent-Student Handbook.

Communicable Diseases
Inform the nurse of contagious diseases. This would include strep throat, head lice, influenza, pink eye, and any childhood illness such as chickenpox. Rashes of unknown etiology will be sent home. Contagious diseases will require a doctor’s note to return to school. Some communicable diseases require notification to the Texas State Health Department.

Health Screenings
Screening of vision, hearing, scoliosis, and acanthosis nigricans are done according to the State of Texas requirements. The parents will be notified by letter if their student fails a screening and will be referred to their doctor for further evaluation. Parents are to notify the school nurse with any follow up recommendations or interventions.

TB Screenings
TB Questionnaires are to be filled out each year for all students. If the child is referred, the parents are responsible for seeing the doctor for further evaluation and returning the report to school nurse.

Immunizations
All students must be in compliance with the immunization requirements of the State of Texas at the start of the school year. No exemption due to reason of conscience will be accepted as directed by the Catholic Schools Office. Parents have 14 days after notification to become compliant.

Medication
Only medications that will help the student stay in school will be administered during school hours. All medications (prescription, over the counter medications, creams, and ointments) require physician’s orders with specific dosing, indications, and time of administration. The clinic does not have “stock” medications, therefore all medications must be provided in the original bottle and must be brought to the school by a parent. Students may not carry medication, including cough drops. Students may carry emergency medications such as asthma inhalers and epi pens if the proper procedure as stated by the Archdiocesan policy is followed.

Chronic Illness
Students with chronic illness will be identified and measures will be taken to insure the proper care and precautions are taken while they are in school and at school activities. Parents are required to notify the school of all health conditions that are serious, life-threatening, or effect learning. Examples of these conditions include diabetes, asthma, seizures, severe allergies, and others.

Emergencies
St. Cecilia has staff trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located in the clinic, gym, and church.