As district nurses, we believe healthy children are successful learners. Our goal is to support student success through assessment, intervention and follow-up care for all students. We strive to provide for the safety and well-being of students and staff by integrating health solutions and partnering with parents and health care providers.

Nursing services:

  • Assessing student health needs
  • Implementing Individual Health Plans
  • Supervising medications
  • Planning for students with life threatening health conditions
  • Developing classroom accommodation plans
  • Acting as a liaison between families, students, school personnel and the medical community
  • Monitors communicable diseases
  • Oversees immunization compliance
  • Provides state mandated screenings

If your child has a life-threatening condition such as diabetes, anaphylaxis or seizures an Individual Health Plan (IHP) is required prior to school attendance. Physician’s orders and medical forms (linked below) are needed in order for the IHP to be written.

Please contact us if you have concerns related to your child’s health and school.

Should I send my child to school?

Students exhibiting any of these symptoms at school may be asked to go home. Students who have a fever must be free of fever for 24 hours, without the use of medication, before returning. Students must also be free of vomiting or diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. If you have specific questions about when it is ok to send your student to school, please reach out to one of our nurses.

Contact

Amber Erdmann, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN
360-318-2176

Stacy King, RN
360-318-2289

Fax Number
360-318-2197

Immunizations

DOH K-12 Schools website

Safe Foods List

Stay home if:

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wet or productive cough
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • New loss of taste of smell

Notify school if:

  • Your child is going to be absent
  • Symptoms of illness
  • Hospitalization takes place

Obtain a note from your doctor if:

  • Your child needs medication of any kind at school
  • Child has a communicable disease (lice, impetigo, pink eye)
  • Child has a rash
  • Child unable to participate in certain activities
  • To notify about medical conditions (asthma, allergies, diabetes, etc.)

Immunizations

Before a student can attend school, parents must provide proof of full immunization, proof that a schedule of immunization has been started or a certificate of exemption. Immunization must be provided against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella. Immunizations protect the health of your child, and the health of others. Learn more about required immunizations.

Required Paperwork

On or before the first day of attendance, all students must have turned in medically verified documentation of immunization records.
Certificate of Immunization Status (English)
Certificate of Immunizations Status (Spanish)

Immunization Exemption Law
A Certificate of Exemption (COE) form signed by the healthcare provider stating that the parent/guardian received information about the benefits and risks of immunization is now required for any type of exemption (medical, religious, or philosophical) request.

Health Forms

Resources for Families

Whatcom County Health Department
A local resource with information about immunizations, communicable diseases and services for Children with Special Needs.

Washington State Department of Health
Provides information on statewide public health concerns, including immunizations and current news topics