Whitman School Nurse

Announcements

Medications Taken At School Form

Greetings from Ms. McIntosh, School Nurse! Spring is here, and that means allergy season. We are also not done with cough and cold season here at Whitman, either. I have had many students come to me for coughs, sore throats, or allergy symptoms and ask what I can give them. Many kids ask me for cough drops. Unfortunately, all medications and over the counter treatments are considered medications, and I cannot dispense them. What I can do is assess your child for a contagious illness and send them home if they are ill, or for mild non-contagious symptoms, give them space to sit down in my office (which has air filtration) and have some ice chips or water to soothe irritated throats. 

I am happy to administer medications or over the counter treatments, like allergy medicine, cough drops, Tylenol/ibuprofen etc if families would like me to. I just need parent signature, provider signature, and for the family to provide the medication or treatment in the original packaging.

Please visit the SPS Student Health Forms to get more information about the Authorization for Medications Taken at School Form. State or federal law requires that a form must be completed and signed by both parent/guardian and a licensed health care provider with prescriptive authority for ALL medications to be given at school, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This form needs to be renewed at the beginning of each school year.

Feel free to call me at 206-252-1207 or send me an e-mail if you’d like to discuss more. In health, Kathleen McIntosh, BSN RN (she/her) Registered Nurse, Whitman Middle School.

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Whitman MS Nurse Kathleen E. McIntosh!

My name is Kathleen McIntosh and this is my first year of school nursing. I did a rotation at Aki Kurose Middle School and fell in love with the idea of school nursing. Fast forward 7 years working at Swedish, dabbling in inpatient and outpatient nursing, with the last four being in pediatric gastroenterology.

I was a fourth grader at Catharine Blaine K-8 with undiagnosed Crohn’s disease, so I know what it’s like being in pain and worried not knowing what is going on with your health. My job is to support your child’s health and wellbeing so they are ready to learn. Health and safety is our highest priority. It is my honor and privilege to help your kid flourish here at Whitman!

Kathleen McIntosh, BSN RN (she/her); Registered Nurse, Whitman MS, SPS. Phone: 206-252-1207, Fax: 206-743-3188, Email: kemcintosh@seattleschools.org For immediate crisis support: Call 911 or 988 for Mental Health.

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If Your Child Feels Ill at School Resources

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District Updates

Important Health Information

Immunizations Up to Date?

Washington State Law requires every student to provide proof of immunization compliance to attend school. If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter or provide documents to indicate exemptions.

Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse.

SPS immunization requirements

Life-Threatening Health Conditions

If your student has a life-threatening health condition (Diabetes, Allergies, Seizure disorder, Asthma, etc.), the following items must be provided on or before the first day of school:

• Life-Saving Medication
• Medication Authorization forms
• Treatment Supplies

To ensure your student’s health and safety during the school day, Washington State Law requires that your student be excluded from school until these items are received by the school nurse. Please let your school nurse know if you have any barriers to providing these items so they can offer support.

See SPS Policy 3413 for more information regarding the exclusion process.

Annual Student Health Updates

Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse.

How to complete the Annual Student Health Update form:

• Visit The Source
• Complete a paper copy of the Annual Student Health Update form
• You may also contact the nurse directly by phone or email

Medication Form

Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School.

• Each medication requires its own form
• Your health care provider must sign the form
• You must sign the form

 This is required for ALL medications.

Medication

All medications must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label.

Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school.

Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that will last the entire school year.

Flu Shots Help Save Lives!

Schedule a flu shot for your student and family members. Here’s how:

• Contact a School-Based Health Center (students only)
• Seek care from your healthcare provider

Watch for announcements for upcoming flu shot clinics.

Protection from Respiratory Illness

Take actions to help manage the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, and keep each other safe.

• Get vaccinated
•  If you feel sick, stay home
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Wash your hands frequently
• Keep hands away from your face

If you test positive for COVID-19, notify your school, and isolate at home for five full days.

Register Your Student for a School-Based Health Center

Your student can go to any School-Based Health Center within the district. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.

• Interactive map to find the School-Based Health Center closest to you
• Learn more about King County School Health