A new school year is always exciting, new uniform shirts, new shoes, new friends, and re-connecting with old friends, but sometimes we get hurt in sports practice, overheated in marching band, have anxiety, get headaches, a bad day for our asthma or allergies, or some days we just do not feel great! Maybe you need to check your blood sugar or take medications on a regular basis. These are all reasons to visit the Concordia Clinic.
The clinic at Concordia is staffed all day, every day with a Registered Nurse who can help your student to navigate all health issues. I am here to assess health situations and along with your student look for the best solution.
I have some over the counter medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums and Pepto-Bismol) that, with the proper written permission from parents (on the emergency form), your student can purchase for 25 cents. You may also send in medications to me that will be locked in the clinic for the school year for your student to use as needed. They must be in the original container with original instructions intact. Students MAY NOT carry any medications on their person, in their school bag or sports bag, or have in their locker. This is a violation of a state law and will be subject to expulsion.
The clinic also has hot tea, ice packs, warm rice bags, cots (including a cot in a dark corner for migraines), as well as a place to get out of the fray for a bit. I also work closely with the Office of Student Success and the Guidance Counselors to come up with solutions as situations arise.
Please ask your student to not call or text you if they feel ill, but rather come to the nurse for a professional assessment. Many times, a solution is already here. If I find that they need to leave school, I will contact you.
As always, the best way to start the school year is with a great breakfast, adequate rest, and plenty of water to keep that brain working well.
Jayne Dwyer-Reff, RN
School Nurse