HEALTH SERVICES
Official handbook information for Legacy Traditional Schools Arizona families about health services.
Legacy has a staffed health office on campus in order to provide the basic health services necessary to support students during school hours. The primary role of health services at Legacy is to support the learning environment through the promotion of health in both the individual student and the school community. Staff in the health office will aid students with basic first aid, illnesses, medication administration, and other duties as determined by the district and building administration. The parents/guardians are responsible for providing the health office with a Student Health Screening form upon enrollment, as well as updates in health status as they occur, in order for health services to provide appropriate care.
Basic medical supplies such as bandages, gauze, wound wash, tweezers, nebulizer, finger splints, cotton swabs, and toothbrushes are available in the health office. Specialized equipment and materials, when necessary for care during school hours and ordered by a licensed health care provider, must be provided by the parent. Examples of such equipment include nebulizer tubing and attachments, specialized wound dressings, spacers for inhalers, and diabetic supplies.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, the school will attempt to contact the parent/guardian or emergency contacts provided by the parent/guardian on the annual enrollment form. If the condition is life-threatening or beyond the scope of the health office staff, or if the parents/emergency contacts cannot be contacted, the school will contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to assess and treat the student. If medical transport is required, as determined by EMS, the parents/guardians are responsible for any costs incurred.
Hearing and Vision Screenings
LTS screens the hearing and vision of students in certain grade levels, newly enrolled students, and students receiving special education services. These screenings take place each school year, per Arizona legislative mandates. A parent/guardian may opt their child out of the hearing and/or vision screening by submitting a screening waiver. For both hearing and vision screenings, parents/guardians will not receive a notice home unless your student fails the screening.
Immunizations
Arizona state law requires that all children must have proof of all required immunizations, proof of immunity, or a valid exemption in order to attend school. The record of each vaccine dose must include the complete date and name of the doctor or clinic. Arizona law allows exemptions for medical reasons, lab evidence of immunity, and personal beliefs. According to the McKinney-Vento Act, schools must allow homeless students to enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in school activities regardless of immunization status at the time of enrollment. The statutes and rules governing school immunization requirements are Arizona Revised Statutes §15-871-874 and Arizona Administrative Code R9-6-701–708. Childcare and preschool immunization requirements are posted at ADHS Arizona Immunization Program.
Arizona Immunization Program Office
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-3630 / Toll-free (866) 222-2329
Lice Policy
Head lice (pediculosis) are small insects that infest the scalp and hair, laying eggs (nits) near the base of the hair shaft. Lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact, although they can also be transmitted by sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, or bedding. Lice do not jump or fly. Students with live lice are excluded from school attendance until treated with a pediculicide and may return when free of live lice. Please see the health assistant for further information on treatment and home infestation control. Students sent home with lice may not return to class until the health office clears them.
Medication Policy
Prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be given by the health assistant or another staff member, as delegated by the school principal, during school hours. Medications will be given at school only when necessary to support a student’s health, and only under approved conditions. Medication should be administered at home whenever possible, unless needed to maintain health and participation in the school day.
Prescription Medications
All prescription medications require written authorization from the student’s parent or legal guardian. These forms must be renewed each school year and when any changes to the medication, dosage, or instructions occur.
Prescription medications must meet the following requirements:
- Ordered by a licensed healthcare provider
- In the original pharmacy-labeled container with the student’s name, provider’s name, dosage, and instructions clearly stated
- Delivered to the school health office by the parent/guardian
- Unexpired
- In a form and dosage safe for use by the student for whom it is prescribed
- Accompanied by completed medication administration forms
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
The health office stocks a limited supply of common OTC medications for use during the school day, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), topical hydrocortisone cream, triple antibiotic ointment, and lip balm (e.g., Vaseline or Carmex). Parent/guardian permission for use of these stocked OTC medications must be documented on the student health history form and verbally confirmed as needed. OTC medications will be administered according to the product’s label instructions and are generally not given during the first or last hour of the school day unless medically necessary.
Self-Carry and Self-Administered Medications
Students may carry and self-administer rescue medications, including asthma inhalers (such as albuterol or levalbuterol) and emergency epinephrine for anaphylaxis (such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q), with proper authorization. A completed self-carry/self-administration form, signed by both the parent or guardian and the student, must be submitted and renewed each school year.
Students with diabetes may also carry and self-administer their medications and supplies when authorized by a licensed healthcare provider and parent or guardian, as documented in the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan.
Students who are approved to self-carry are expected to use their medication safely and appropriately and must notify school staff after each use.
Pest Control
LTS buildings and grounds are treated for pests each month. Notices are posted on the entrance to the building two days in advance of treatment.
Illness Policy
Students must be healthy and in attendance in order to learn effectively. Therefore, it is important to limit the spread of communicable disease and illness within the school community. Students with symptoms of certain communicable diseases, such as chickenpox (varicella), whooping cough (pertussis), “stomach flu” (norovirus and others), and the flu (influenza), need to remain home until they are no longer contagious or are cleared by a licensed healthcare provider. See the health office for specific guidelines and more information.
● However, in general, students may not remain at school with a fever greater than 100.4 degrees, vomiting, or diarrhea. Students exhibiting these symptoms may not return to school until fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 24 hours, free of vomiting for 24 hours, and free of diarrhea for 24 hours.
● Any student with an open wound that is draining a discolored or foul-smelling discharge will be sent home with a recommendation for further evaluation. Open wounds must be covered during school hours.
● Students who become ill during school hours may not leave without visiting the health office and having a parent/guardian sign them out at the front office desk.