School Health

We prioritize the health and well-being of our students at St. Paul. To ensure the safety and proper care of our students, we have introduced the Parent Medication Authorization form as an essential component of our commitment to health services.

To send medication to school, parents are required to submit this form. All medications must be administered by the nurse in the health center. This protocol is crucial for ensuring the safety and accuracy of medication administration to students—confirming the right student, correct medication, proper dosage, and appropriate timing. It is important to note that without the submission of the Medication Authorization Form, the school cannot administer any medication to your child on the premises.

Parents should keep their children at home under specific health conditions outlined in the school’s regulations. 

• If a student has a fever of 38 degrees C or higher, they must stay home until the fever has subsided for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 
• Severe coughs or sore throats hindering studies also warrant staying home until improvement. 
• Vomiting or diarrhea occurring more than once at home requires a day off. Students may be observed in the health center after one episode at school; a second episode prompts the student’s return home for at least the rest of that day. 
• Bacterial pink eye cases necessitate immediate treatment, with return permitted after 24 hours without discharge and with 24 hours of eye drop use. 
• The guidelines also cover various health issues, including influenza, head lice, and contagious diseases, providing specific instructions for each. 
• Additionally, students spending excessive time in the nurse’s office will be sent home to maintain a healthy office environment. 
• Parents can contact the School Health Center for further clarification or questions.

Air pollution poses a significant health risk, particularly to children. Following WHO guidelines, the school implements an Air Quality Index (AQI) to assess daily air quality, focusing on four major pollutants: ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.

• AQI Monitoring: The school employs air quality measuring equipment and monitors AQI multiple times each day.
• Notice and Action Levels: Staff receives email notifications if AQI exceeds 150, and outdoor activities cease at AQI 170 for ES students and 200 for MSHS students.
• Sensitive Students: A list of students with respiratory conditions guides tailored actions based on AQI levels and is shared with appropriate staff as needed. 

The attached SPAS Air Quality Protocol outlines the actions to be taken at various levels of the AQI.

Heat Index Protocol aims to safeguard students and staff from heat-related illnesses by outlining a comprehensive protocol. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring the heat index, the guidelines categorize actions based on specific temperature zones. It highlights risk factors, especially for those with respiratory conditions, and provides specific actions for various temperature levels. The SPASH Heat Index Protocol details recommended actions in the Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red zones, focusing on hydration, activity modification, and heightened awareness. Through yearly staff training, sun protection guidelines, and integration into the curriculum, SPASH prioritizes education and prevention to ensure the well-being of the school community during high-temperature conditions. 

More detailed information can be found in the SPASH Heat Index Protocol guidelines.