Guidelines for Medications at School
Prescription medication will be administered to a student if: 

• Medication has to be brought to school by the parent, in its original container and with the appropriate label intact.
• Children are not permitted to transport controlled substances.
• Ask your pharmacist for an extra bottle to keep at school, they will attach the appropriate label on the extra bottle for you. 
• If a student’s medication changes, a new doctor's note must be received.
• It is the responsibility of the student to report to the designated area to take his/her medicine.

Documents Needed:

Medication Administration Request

Prescription medication given over 10 days will REQUIRE a physician's signature.

• Written notes from the doctor should include the medication, dosage, method of administration, time of administration, for what condition or symptoms the medication is given for, and a timeline for the nurse to administer the medication.(end of school year)

Medication should be scheduled to be given at home by the student’s parent/guardian whenever possible. Medications prescribed or requested to be given three (3) times per day or less are not to be given at school unless the nurse determines that a special need exists. 

All medication will be kept in the school clinic with the exception of those students with asthma or severe allergies who are allowed by their physician and parent to carry their asthma inhaler or Epi-Pen. Documentation of the student’s competency to use their emergency asthma or allergy medicine is needed. The student’s physician and parent must complete the proper form and return it to the clinic before the student carries their asthma/allergy medication at school. 

Whitehouse ISD nurses do not administer dietary or herbal supplements. 

According to the Nurse Practice Act, Texas code, Section 217.11, the school nurse has the responsibility and authority to refuse to administer medications that in the nurse’s professional judgment are not in the best interest of the student. 

Siblings MAY NOT share medication.

Directions on the OTC packaging regarding age, dose and frequency will be strictly adhered to.

• A parent’s request for changes of the packaging guidelines will REQUIRE a doctor’s written note stating the dosage and frequency of the medication to be given.

All OTC medication will REQUIRE a physician's signature on the WISD Medication Request form.

Please be aware that even topical creams/ointments and cough drops/lozenges cannot be given without a WISD Medication Request form being completed.

Documents Needed:

Medication Administration Request
Written note from the doctor as needed for adjustments to manufactures directions. 

All medication must be stored in the clinic except in special circumstances.

A responsible and trained student is allowed to carry and self-administer medication for asthma, diabetes and/or a life threatening allergy provided the Authorization for Self-Carry/Administration form is filled out. (See Health Services Forms below)

Self-carry privileges can be revoked if a student is irresponsible with self-carry and administration.

Documents Needed:

Medication Administration Request
Appropriate Action Plan
Authorization for Self-Carry/Administration

Antibiotics ordered twice a day should be given at home, with doses spaced as close to 12 hours apart as possible.

Antibiotics ordered three times a day should be given at home in the morning, after school, and at bedtime.

School nurses will not administer antibiotics at school.

Medication that requires a dose in the morning should be given at home by the parent.

• Since oral medication typically takes 60 minutes to take effect, it is best practice that parents give medication before school to ensure the best learning environment for their child.

Medication to be given before 8:30 am by the school nurse, will ONLY be given if a doctor’s note is provided that explains why the medication should be given at school versus at home before school.

Medication has to be picked up by the parent by the end of the school year. If it is not picked up, it will be disposed of using proper disposal procedures. This includes, but is not limited to Epipens, Benadryl, Tylenol, and inhalers.

We do not keep medication stored over the summer.

Whitehouse ISD has a no tolerance policy for students in possession of medication of any kind.

• This includs herbal supplements, vitamins, and all over the counter medications including cough drops/lozenges

All medications must be delivered and picked up by a parent or guardian.

All medications are to be stored in the nurse's office.

• With the exception of medications for asthma, anaphylaxis and diabetes with the appropriate documentation 

Failure to store medication in the campus clinic or follow the medication procedure may result in serious disciplinary action.

Medication No-Tolerance Policy

Submission Information:

Need to turn in Immunization Records for your child? The guide below has submission instructions and helpful information.

Immunization Submission Instructions

Immunization Requirements:

2024-2025 (Pre-K) Immunization Requirements (Ingles y Espanol)

2024-2025 (K-12) Immunization Requirements (Ingles y Espanol)

Fitness Gram Testing

The Texas Education Code, sections 38.101 and 38.103 (https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/PFAI_Law.pdf), requires that the fitness levels of all public school students in grades 3-12 and enrolled in a physical education course or any physical education substitute course or activity be assessed at least once annually. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identified FitnessGram as the assessment toll to be used by all school districts beginning in the 2007-2008 school year.

FitnessGran measures each student’s physical ability using a sequence of exercises to determine overall health and function. Components of the overall health and function include aerobic capacity; body composition; and muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Standards for each student, as determined by the State of Texas, are based on age, gender, and physical fitness level required for optimal health. After testing, students are encouraged to work on areas that promote lifelong health and fitness. FitnessGram does not compare student to student.

Results of FitnessGram testing are reported annually to the Texas Education Agency. Results reported do not contain individual identification information of students, such as name, date of birth, or social security number. A copy of your child’s individual testing results is available upon request.

Health and Physical Education

Whitehouse ISD SHAC Guidelines For Outdoor Activities During Extreme Weather Conditions

During extreme weather conditions, district/campus officials will assess the weather conditions throughout the day and the impact of that weather on the safety of students and staff.

WISD will use the AccuWeather data for temperature readings. The link to this can be found on the WISD homepage or at the following link:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/whitehouse-tx/75791/weather-forecast/32905_pc?utm_source=www-whitehouseisd-org&utm_medium=oap_weather_widget&utm_term=link_current&utm_content=accuweather&utm_campaign=current

The following temperature guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for students participating in outdoor activities such as physical education classes and recess. The "feels like" temperature considers the wind chill factor and heat index, adjusts the temperature accordingly, and is an accurate measurement of how hot or cold it really feels.

There will be no outside activity if one of the following occur:

• The “Feels Like” temperature is above 100°F, or
• The “Feels Like” temperature is below 36°F

*For WISD athletic practices and events, the athletic trainers and coaches will monitor temperatures and make adjustments accordingly based upon each activity/event and the safety of the athletes.

Certain students and staff, because of existing medical conditions or risk factors, may need to exercise additional precautions. These conditions may include but are not limited to asthma, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, immunosuppression or cystic fibrosis. Consult with the campus nurse regarding individual concerns.

It is never a bad time to revisit how you and your family can stay protected from the spread of the flu virus. Please teach your children how to stay healthy by promoting good hygiene techniques and share the following suggestions.

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or by using the bend of the arm when they cough or sneeze and have them throw the tissue away after they use it. 
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 
• Remind them to not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
• Keep your distance by at least 3 feet. If you are near someone who is showing signs of the flu, social distancing will reduce your chance of infection.
• Stay home if you are ill. To help prevent the spread of the flu virus, staying home or keeping your children home when they are sick is the best way to protect them and others.

Know the symptoms! Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting. If you or your child shows any of these symptoms, please stay home! Contact your physician about treatment options.

Antibiotics will not treat the flu, but other medications can lessen the severity of the flu if given soon enough. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any therapy.

For more information, contact your school nurse or the Northeast Texas Public Health District at 903-595-1350 or visit the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Pediculosis (head lice) can happen to anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, or sex. Pediculosis affects between 6-12 million people in the United States each year, and is the most common childhood affliction following the common cold. Unlike the cold virus, however, pediculosis is a social issue, and not a health problem.

Pediculosis is more prevalent among children than adolescents and adults, probably because children are naturally affectionate and have head to head contact through play and other activities. Children are more likely to share personal items such as caps, helmets, combs, brushes, etc. They forget that in sharing these items, they may also be sharing head lice. Pediculosis, therefore, is a common nuisance that parents may find themselves dealing with during their children’s early school years.

Based on recommendations by the Texas Department of Health, the Whitehouse ISD nursing department will only perform head checks on an as needed basis and in private. Students with live lice will be sent home and may return as soon as appropriate treatment is completed. The parent must bring the student by the nurse’s office for an examination prior to readmission. Your nurse is able to provide you with information regarding treatment and control of pediculosis. Parents are encouraged to periodically check their student for nits, which would indicate the presence of an adult, egg-laying louse.

Managing Lice: A Survival Guide for Parents

Healthcare

• Special Health Resources – Provides affordable, comprehensive healthcare for your entire family. 
• Pediatric Services by Family Circle Of Care: 903-535-9041; 214 East Houston Street Tyler, TX 75702

• Personal Care Services (PCS) by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): 888-276-0702; 2521 W Front, Tyler, TX 75702

  • Medicaid benefits help people who are 0 to 20 years old. Provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and health-related functions to help clients with physical, cognitive, or behavioral functional limitations related to a disability, physical or mental illness, or chronic condition.

• NET Health-Immunization: 903-510-5604; 815 North Broadway, Tyler, TX 75702

  • Vaccine Clinic hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Wednesdays 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m –6:00 p.m.

• Tyler Lions Club – Assists with a vision exam and glasses

Health Insurance

• Texas CHIP (Children's Health Insurance) or Texas Medicaid: Children in Texas without health insurance may get low-cost or free health coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid.

Food/Clothing/Housing Assistance

• Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): 877-541-7905; 3613 South Broadway Avenue Ste 100 Tyler, TX 75701

• Mobile Pantry by East Texas Food Bank: 903-597-3663; Lindsey Park 12557 Texas 364 Spur; Hours: 1^st Friday: 10:00am-11:30am

• Philadelphia Blessing - Whitehouse Food Pantry by Tyler Metro Church: 903-839-6769; 411 Hwy 110 N, Whitehouse, TX 75791; Hours: Monday & Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm). Eligibility: Must live in Whitehouse, TX

• Khakis for Kids Program by St Paul Children's Services: 903-531-9455; 358 E Richards St Tyler, TX 75702

  • School uniforms, shoes, socks, and underwear are provided for low-income children in East Texas. Registration is at the beginning of each summer; needs are met on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Homeless Student/Parent Resources

211Texas: As a trusted state resource available 24/7, 211 Texas is a connector for all Texans to critical, community-based services.

Bacterial Meningitis Facts

Reye’s Syndrome Information

Homeless Student Resources