Health Services

Mission Statement

Good health is fundamental for effective student learning and successful academic performance. School nurses promote and advocate for each student to reach their optimal level of physical, mental and social wellness.

Programs and Services

The primary role of the school nurse is to support student learning. School nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development, promote health and safety, and intervene with actual and potential illness or injuries. The school nurse provides case management services while actively collaborating with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy, and learning.  

School Health Services required in Pennsylvania:

Growth screenings must be done annually on every student including measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI).

Vision screenings must be done annually on every student.

Hearing screenings must be done in grades K-3, 7 and 11.

Scoliosis screening must be done in grade 6 or 7 with follow-up in succeeding grades if indicated.

Physical examinations are required for entrance to school (grade K or 1), grade 6 and grade 11. Private exam by a family physician is recommended, but school exams are available.

Dental examinations are required for entrance to school (grade K or 1) and grade 7. Private examination by a family dentist is recommended, but school exams are available.

Medications in School

Over-the-counter medications

The Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act allows nurses to administer medications that are ordered by a physician. The school physician has approved a number of over-the-counter medications for administration by the school nurse in cases of illness or injury at school. These medications include Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Robitussin, Chloraseptic throat spray, Tums (antacid), Benadryl, and Immodium. If needed for the course of an illness, cough drops or throat lozenges must be provided by the parent along with a note to inform teachers that the student has permission to self-administer the cough drops or lozenges at school.

Prescription Medications

a.     If your child needs prescription medication or over-the-counter medication not available in the Health Room, a Medication Administration Form must be completed by the parent and signed by a doctor. Medications to be given in school must be in the original container, labeled with the child’s name and the dosage of the medication, and the date(s) and time the medication is to be given. Most pharmacies are willing to prepare an extra bottle to be used at school.

b.     Send only medications which absolutely must be given during school hours. Try to space medication doses to avoid school hours whenever possible.

c.      If your child has asthma and carries an inhaler or needs to carry an Epi-Pen for allergic reactions, please complete the medication administration form and ask your doctor to sign the bottom portion. This permission form will be honored for the duration of your child’s attendance in this district.

When Should You Keep Your Child Home From School?

Please check your child for signs of illness before sending him/her to school. To prevent the spread of germs, it is advisable to keep your child home from school if he/she shows any of the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, unusual skin rash, fever over 100 degrees, persistent cough, chills, severe headache or migraine, redness and discharge from the eyes, severe sore throat or any unusual abdominal or other pain.  A child who is ill will not be able to learn, may infect other children and will not be happy.

Please do not send your child to the school nurse with a known illness or injury and request that the nurse examine him/her and prescribe treatment. Only a physician can diagnose and treat illness and injuries.

When Is a Doctor’s Excuse Needed?

According to school policy, if your child is absent three or more consecutive days you must turn in a doctor's note. To avoid unnecessary excessive absence letters, students who visit a doctor during any absence should bring a note to school from the doctor. This is especially important if the child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. A doctor’s excuse is also needed if your child cannot participate in physical education class or any other required school activities due to an injury or illness.

Get to know your child's school nurse

Health experts recommend getting to know your child’s school nurse, especially if s/he has a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes. Even if your child doesn’t have a medical condition, it’s a good idea to drop by and introduce yourself.

How to work with the school nurse to protect your child's health

To make the best of your relationship with the school nurse:

  -  Join forces with the nurse in promoting good health in the school by keeping your child home when he is sick, especially if he is running a fever. In addition, notify the nurse if your child develops an infectious disease or condition such as pinkeye or strep throat.

  -  Keep your child up to date on her immunization schedule. Make sure your child has all the appropriate shots and boosters for her age, and give a copy of those records to the school nurse each year.

  -  Provide current emergency contact information. The school nurse should have a way of contacting you in the event of an emergency. It is important to have up- to- date work, mobile phone and contact information. It is also important to provide back-up contacts should you be unavailable during the day.
  -  Keep her informed. Alert the school nurse to any health and medical issues your child has, such as allergies, vision or hearing problems, etc., and any accommodations that need to be made for him. If your child has an ongoing condition, it is a good idea to meet periodically to update medical information.






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MORE GREAT HEALTH INFORMATION ONLINE

For more information on children's health, safety and medical conditions, check out "Your Child's Health" on our Web site at http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/index.jsp

Forms and Info

PA School Immunization Requirements*

Private Physician’s Report of Physical Examination*

Private Dentist’s Report of Dental Examination*

Emergency Information Form*

Medication  Authorization  Form*

*requires Acrobat Reader

Meet the Health Services Staff

Elementary Center           610-921-8028

Mrs. Susan Sellgren, RN, BSN, CSN

California Public Health Certification 
Graduated cum laude in June 1981 from Point Loma College, San Diego, California 
Chairperson, Muhlenberg Wellness Committee since 2008 
Hospice Volunteer for Berks Visiting Nurse Association since 2007 
Pharmacy Leader of the Point of Dispensing (POD) Team based at Muhlenberg School District in the event of a pandemic crisis.

19 years experience as a school nurse; two of those years spent in the Albuquerque School District in New Mexico.  In addition worked in community health as a hospice nurse and in the hospital setting in the recovery room and on an orthopedic floor.

Mrs. Renee Snow, RN 

Graduate of Reading Hospital School of Nursing. Worked at Reading Hospital for 18 years.  Orthopedics/urinary  and prn. Worked in the Health Room at Muhlenberg Middle School and as a sub nurse for Muhlenberg School District.

C.E. Cole Intermediate School  610-921-8212

Mrs. Kathy Bower, CRNP,MSN, CSN

Health Services Department Director

Certified School Nurse- Muhlenberg Middle School, C.E. Cole Intermediate School, Holy Guardian Angels School
Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing at Alvernia University.
School Nurse certification Millersville University.
Master's Degree in Nursing and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner( Pediatrics) credentials at Gwynedd Mercy College.
Currently enrolled at Alvernia University in Master's of Education Program- School Health Focus.

Nurse for 23 years with extensive experience in Pediatrics, Traumatic Brain Injury, Rehabilitation. Infection Control,and in Employee Health and Safety and a school nurse for 16 years. Member of the County and National Association of School Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

Mrs. Maryann Ligenza, RN

Graduate of Reading Hospital School of Nursing
Alvernia University - currently completing BSN and School Nurse Certification

Graduated first in her nursing school class and has been a nurse 25 years. She has experience in medical/surgical, critical care, industrial/occupational health, and emergency medicine. She has worked in the Muhlenberg schools for the past 8 years.

Middle School        610-921-8034

Mrs. Kathy Bower, CSN, MSN, CRNP

Ms. Wendy Graup, LPN Assistant Nurse

Graduated from Schuykill Technology Center,
Worked at Schulykill Center, Skillled Nursing Facility
Muhlenberg Middle School Health Room from 2008 to present.

High School             610-921-8078

Mrs. Sherri Mathews, RN, BS, CSN

Bachelor’s of Science degree with major in nursing at Albright College.
School nurse certification completed at Kutztown University.
Enrolled at Alvernia University in Master's of Education Program- School Health emphasis Member of:Wellness Committee, SAP team, Student Services Team, Attendance Committee.
Coordinator of annual High School Miller-Keystone Blood drive.

A  nurse for 27 years with experience in medical/surgical nursing, critical care, cardiac care, post anesthesia care, and interventional radiology. Has worked in the schools for the past 10 years and as the certified school nurse at Muhlenberg High School for the last 3 years. Member of the County, State and National Association of School Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

Mrs. Marcie Mauroschadt, LPN

Graduated from the Reading/ Muhlenberg Vocational Technical
Worked at St. Joseph's Hospital on the orthopedic and medical surgical units and at Manor Care for several years.
Currently works prn for Phoebe Berks Health Care Center
Muhlenberg High School Health Room from 2007 to present