Where Students Come First
Melody Stowe, RN
Nurse Coordinator
972.563.7504 ext. 2032
Jannifer Arnold, RN
W. H. Burnett Pre-K, One on One nurse
972-563-1452 ext. 1033
jannifer.arnold@terrellisd.org
Susan Salazar, LVN
W.H. Burnett Pre-K
972-563-1452 ext. 1033
Mary Wood, MA
Global Leadership Academy
972-551-5796 ext. 3625
Alicia Negrete, RN
Gilbert Willie Elementary
972-563-1443 ext. 2025
Callie West, MA
Gilbert Willie Elementary
972-563-1443 ext. 2025
Joann Tucker, LVN
Dr. Bruce Wood Elementary
972-563-3750 ext. 5116
Paula Griffis, RN
J. W. Long Elementary
972-563-1448 ext. 4012
Katie Holland, RN
Furlough Middle School
972-563-7501 ext. 6015
Stephanie Taylor, RN
Terrell High School
972-563-7525 ext. 7491
Weather Guidelines
ELEMENTARY PE/RECESS
No outside recess or PE when:
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The heat index is greater than 95°F
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The temperature or wind chill is less than 44°F
Per the National Weater Service: www.weather.gov
OZONE LEVELS
Green - Okay for all students
Yellow - Watch severe asthmatics
Red - Asthmatics (students on daily meds or have prn meds in the clinic) should stay indoors
Purple - All students should stay indoors
Medicine at School
Only medication that cannot be given outside of the school day will be administered at
school (i.e. mealtimes, physician designated time, four times a day or greater.) All
medication taken at school must be prescribed by a doctor or dentist licensed to
practice in the State of Texas. School nurses must also have a signed parent request.
LABEL REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
All medication must be in the original container and properly labeled with:
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Student’s name
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Name of medication
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Dosage and times to be taken
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Doctors order.
GIVING MEDICATION TO SCHOOL/NURSE
All medications must be deposited with the school nurse or in the school office. It is
recommended that only a 30 day supply be brought to school.
It is strongly suggested that a parent deliver the medication to the clinic and remain to
count the medication amount with school personnel.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
Over-the-counter medications (i.e. advil or cough drops) will not be administered at
school unless there is:
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A signed parent request
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Medication must be brought by parent and/or guardian
STUDENTS CARRYING THEIR OWN MEDICINE
Students may carry and self-administer emergency rescue medication while at school or
school functions with permission from parents, physician, and school nurse.
IMPORTANT FORMS
Immunization Exemptions
The State of Texas does allow for exemptions to the immunization requirements based
on medical need or reason of conscience; however, both types of exemptions require
proper documentation. Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services school
immunization page for more information about immunization exemptions.
Bacterial Meningitis
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Meningitis caused by bacteria is the most likely form of the disease to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by multiple organisms. Two common types are Streptococcus pneumoniae, with over 80 serogroups that can cause illness, and Neisseria meningitidis, with five serogroups that most commonly cause meningitis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Someone with bacterial meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
HOW SERIOUS IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, most people make a complete recovery. If left untreated or treatment is delayed, bacterial meningitis can be fatal, or a person may be left with permanent disability.
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SPREAD?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes) or when people cough or sneeze without covering their mouth and nose.
The bacteria do not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the bacteria for days, weeks or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
HOW CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE PREVENTED?
Vaccination. Bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis may be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine which protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae is called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV. This vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for children in the first year of life. Neisseria meningitidis is prevented through two types of vaccines. The first is a meningococcal conjugate vaccine which protects against four serogroups A, C, W, and Y and is referred to as MCV4. The second is a vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and is referred to as MenB.
The ACIP recommends MCV4 for children at age 11-12 years, with a booster dose at 16-18 years. In Texas, one dose of MCV4 given at or after age 11 years is required for children in 7th-12th grades. One dose of MCV4 received in the previous five years is required in Texas for those under the age of 22 years and enrolling in college. Teens and young adults (16-23 years of age) may be vaccinated with MenB. This vaccine is not required for school or college enrollment in Texas.
Vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis are safe and effective. Common side effects include redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops about 1-2 weeks after the vaccines are given and lasts for five years to life depending on vaccine.
HEALTHY HABITS
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Wash your hands. Limit the number of persons you kiss. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not having close contact with people who are sick, also helps.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
Certain groups are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. These risk factors include HIV infection, travel to places where meningococcal disease is common (such as certain countries in Africa and in Saudi Arabia), and college students living in a dormitory. Other risk factors include having a previous viral infection, living in a crowded household, or having an underlying chronic illness.
Children ages 11-15 years have the second highest rate of death from bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Also, children ages 16-23 years have the second highest rates of disease caused by Neisseria meningiditis.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU THINK YOU OR A FRIEND MIGHT HAVE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
Seek prompt medical attention.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all infectious diseases. You may also call your family doctor or local health department office to ask about meningococcal vaccine.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
How to Fight the Flu: English Version | Spanish Version
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)