Student Health Department

Health Services

The Health Services Department supports the physical well-being of every student in Grant Parish Public Schools. School nurses work directly with students, families, and staff to manage health conditions, administer medications, conduct required health screenings, and respond to medical needs during the school day.

Each school is served by a registered nurse. For questions about your child’s health needs, medications, screening results, or health forms, contact your school nurse directly. For policy or administrative questions, contact the Health Services coordinator.

Quick Access

Use these links to jump to common Health Services information.

Your School Nurses

Your school nurse is your first point of contact for anything related to your child’s health at school, including medications, health forms, screening results, or day-to-day health concerns.

Reach your school nurse directly through the school where they serve.

Medication at School

Families must contact the school nurse and complete required paperwork before medication can be accepted or administered at school.

Health Tip — Starting a New ADHD Medication?

If your child is starting a new stimulant medication, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, or a similar medication, keep your child home on the first day they take it. This gives you time to observe how they respond and watch for side effects before they are at school. This is especially important for medications your child takes at home rather than at school.

Medication Policy — What Parents Need to Know

This parent summary includes the main steps families need before medication can be accepted or given at school. The full board policy includes additional procedures for parents, faculty, trained employees, field trips, self-administration, emergency medication, and student confidentiality.

  1. A parent or guardian consent form and a signed physician medication order are both required before any medication can be administered at school. The physician must sign the order; a stamped signature is not accepted.
  2. Medication orders must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
  3. A separate order is required for each medication. This includes prescription medication, over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Motrin, and medication a student is allowed to carry, such as an inhaler or EpiPen.
  4. All medication must be brought to school by an adult in the original prescription bottle or unopened over-the-counter container. The student’s name, medication name, prescription number, dosage, and administration time must be on the label and must match the doctor’s order exactly.
  5. When medication arrives at school, an employee trained in medication administration will count it and document the amount on the medication administration form. Both the employee and the responsible adult will sign the form to verify the amount staying at school.
  6. School personnel may only administer oral medications, inhalers, diaper rash creams, and emergency injectable medications such as EpiPens.
  7. The first dose of any medication must be given at home so the parent or guardian can observe the student for possible adverse effects.
  8. Medication may not come to school with your child on the bus. If this occurs, the medication will not be administered until a parent or guardian comes to school and counts it in with a school employee.
  9. After all paperwork is completed, the parent or guardian must call and schedule an appointment with the school nurse to review the medication paperwork. Do not take medication to the school without an appointment because it cannot be accepted until the school nurse approves it.

Health Forms

Download, print, and return completed forms to your school nurse. Do not bring medication to school without first contacting your nurse and completing the required paperwork.

Student Health

Health Information Form

Complete and return to your school nurse at the beginning of every school year. Required for all students. This form lets the nurse know about allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts.

Medication

Parent/Guardian Consent for Administering Medication

Required before any medication can be given at school. Completed by the parent or guardian. Contact your school nurse before submitting because an appointment is required.

Medication

Medication Order

Completed and signed by your child’s physician, dentist, or prescriber, not the parent. One form is required per medication. Faxed orders are accepted; originals must follow within 5 business days.

Confidentiality

Authorization for Release of Confidential Information

Required when health information needs to be shared between the school and outside providers such as hospitals, physicians, or service agencies. Completed by the parent or legal guardian.

Immunizations

Louisiana requires all students entering school to provide documentation of state-mandated immunizations or file a Statement of Dissent from Immunizations. Parents can view their child’s official immunization records online through the Louisiana immunization registry.

Immunization Records

View Your Child’s Immunization Records

Louisiana participates in MyIR Mobile, a free online tool that lets parents and guardians view their child’s official immunization history and check what may be due.

Reference Guide

MyIR Quick Reference Guide

Use this guide for help creating a free account and accessing your child’s immunization records through MyIR Mobile.

Exemption

Statement of Exemption from Immunizations

Louisiana law allows parents to file a written statement if they choose not to provide immunization documentation. This form must be completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian and an authorized school representative.

Outbreak Notice

Exclusion During Outbreaks

Students may be excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease until the incubation period has expired or immunization evidence is provided.

Vision & Hearing Screenings

Vision and hearing screenings are completed yearly by the school nurses. These screenings largely take place in the fall of the school year.

Pre-K, Kindergarten & Even Grades

Vision & Hearing Screening

Odd Grades

Hearing Screening Only

Even grades include 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and so on. Odd grades include 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and so on.

Notification is sent home for students who do not pass a screening. Parents may also contact their child’s school nurse for screening results.

Head Lice Return-to-School Procedure

Return-to-School Requirement

If your child is sent home with lice, they must be brought to school the following school day and cleared to return to class by the school nurse or other trained staff.

Students are not allowed to ride the bus to school on the first day back following lice detection. A parent or guardian must bring the student to school so they can be checked and cleared before returning to class.

Need Help with Health Services?

Contact your school nurse for questions about your child’s health needs, medications, screening results, health forms, or day-to-day health concerns at school.

Main Office:
318-627-3274

Administrative Contact
Melissa H. Steelman, Health Services Coordinator
Extension 1103
Mailing Address
512 Main Street / P.O. Box 208
Colfax, Louisiana 71417
Best First Contact
For student-specific health needs, contact the nurse assigned to your child’s school.