Mounds View Schools provides a safe environment for students with severe/life-threatening allergies while at school and during school sponsored activities. In order to facilitate this safe environment the Licensed School Nurse collaborates with parents/guardians, health care providers and school staff in the following ways:

The Licensed School Nurse will develop an Individual Severe Allergy Health/Emergency Plan for the student in consultation with the parent/guardian, Licensed Health Care Provider, and student (as appropriate) to address:

• Accommodations to prevent exposure wherever possible (these accommodations may be documented in a 504 Plan)

• Intervention in the event of a reaction including administration of emergency medication.

Parents/guardians are expected to provide emergency medication along with an Anaphylaxis Action Plan Medication Authorization signed by the Licensed Health Care Provider and the parent/guardian to their student’s school. 

• Completing a Severe Allergy Questionnaire is a helpful way to share information with the Licensed School Nurse and Licensed Healthcare Specialist.

• The Licensed School Nurse will assess an individual student’s ability to self-administer emergency medication as requested when endorsed by both parent/guardian and the prescriber.

The Licensed School Nurse will provide training to appropriate staff members and/or other persons (at the discretion of the Licensed School Nurse) including:

• Providing a safe environment for students with severe life-threatening allergies (exposure prevention)

• Recognition of and response to severe allergic reactions, including how to administer epinephrine

Parents/guardians of students with food allergies are encouraged to: 

• Send a small supply of safe treats for your child to have in the classroom as an option in case unexpected snacks or treats are served in the classroom (ie., a celebration)

• Review with your child the importance of washing hands with soap and water or a wet wipe before eating

• Remind your child to not eat food given to them by other students

• Submit a Special Dietary Statement if appropriate for students who need dietary accommodations at school. More information regarding Mounds View Schools Special Diet procedures can be found here. 

As appropriate, a letter will be sent to parents/guardians of the student’s classmates requesting that they not bring particular foods into the classroom.

Our Licensed School Nurses collaborate with families, healthcare providers, and school staff to provide a safe environment for students with seizure disorders.

It’s important that parents/guardians work with the Licensed School Nurse to ensure that students have a Seizure Action Plan in place and emergency medication at school if prescribed. Together any additional necessary accommodations can be considered as well. The Licensed School Nurse will train staff who will be responsible for carrying out the student’s plan and will help bring together a team of additional student support staff as needed.

• Seizure Action Plan and Medication Authorization
• Parent/Guardian Seizure Questionnaire 

Visit the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota for more helpful information about seizure disorders/epilepsy.

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after an injury, or may not appear, or may not be noticed until hours or days after the injury.

Common symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Physical: headache, fatigue, nausea, problems with vision, balance or sleep that can affect attendance at school

• Cognitive: problems with remembering, thinking and concentrating that can affect school performance

• Emotional: feelings of sadness, irritability or increased emotionality

When a head injury occurs at school, the student will be observed for any signs of concussion symptoms. Parents will be notified and if any potential concussion symptoms were observed, parents will receive additional information that can be shared with the student’s health care provider.

Parents are urged to seek medical attention for their child/teen when signs of a concussion appear following any head injury or body blow. Concussions can have serious effects on a young, developing brain and appropriate intervention is important.

• Concussion Parent Fact Sheet

The physical, cognitive and emotional effects of a concussion can affect a student’s attendance and school progress. The School Student Support Team (Dean, Licensed School Nurse, School Psychologist) can assist students, parents and teachers with identifying the most appropriate accommodations and support to minimize the effects on learning from concussion during the recovery period. Medical information from the health care provider is critical to developing a “Return to School” plan.

Please contact a member of your student’s Student Support Team whenever a concussion is diagnosed or suspected to avoid delays in determining and implementing appropriate support and any needed accommodations.

More concussion information can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html

For students with Type 1 diabetes, daily management is crucial to their short and long term health and wellness. The level of support each student needs depends on many factors including (their age, understanding of their condition, their buy-in and interest, and more). Our Health Services teams are dedicated to supporting each student with diabetes in our schools. Licensed School Nurses work with families, students, and school staff to create individualized plans that outline their care plan and appropriate accommodations for students with diabetes at school so that they can participate fully in their school activities. 

Each school year, students with Type 1 diabetes need a current Diabetes Management Plan signed by their parent/guardian and healthcare provider. Most local endocrinologists have their own versions of a Diabetes Management Plan for schools. 

An example can also be found here: Diabetes Management Plan Medication Authorization

Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for further information about managing diabetes at school.

Asthma is a common condition among school-aged young people.  We encourage students with asthma to have an Asthma Action Plan Medication Authorization at school each year, signed by both the prescribing healthcare provider and parent/guardian.

Some students may require additional accommodations at school. 

To arrange for your student’s asthma management at school, please contact the Health Office staff at your student’s school.