 HEALTH OFFICE
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.Certified School Nurses (CSN) in Pennsylvania hold a Bachelor's degree and an Educational Specialist Certification from the state just like a teacher. Many school nurses are Master's degree prepared nurses and/or are Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners(CRNP's).The Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1965 requires that there is one CSN for every 1,500 students.School nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development, promote health and safety, and intervene with actual, potential, and chronic illness, injuries and emotional crisis. The school nurses provide case management services while actively collaborating with other eduactors 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.
Immunizations Required for School Attendance in Pennsylvania:
ALL Students grades K-12 must have the following shots:
* 4 doses of tetanus and diphtheria usually given as DTP, DtaP, DT orTd
(One dose needs to be given on or after the 4th birthday)
* 3 doses of polio
* 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella(MMR)
(First dose must be given on or after 1st birthday)
* 3 doses of hepatitis B
* 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
(First dose must be given on or after 1st birthday) OR
* History of chicken pox disease
Students ENTERING 7th grade need the following:
*1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, accellular pertussis (Tdap, Dtap, Td) if 5 years has elapsed since last tetanus immunization.
*1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
Medications in School
Over-the-counter medications
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has recently changed its medication administration policy for schools. All schools in Pennsylvania must now have parent permission before they are able to administer over- the counter medications(OTC)(such as medications for pain, fever, upset stomach, cough etc.).
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 licensed health care provider. 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. All medications that need to be taken in school should be delivered by a parent/guardian to the school nurse's office. 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 100 degrees or over, 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/CRNP/PA outside of the school 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/she is sick, especially if they are 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 their 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, cell phone and alternate contact information. It is also important to provide back-up contacts should you be unavailable during the day.
- Keep the school nurse 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 them. If your child has an ongoing condition, it is a good idea to meet with or call the school nurse periodically to update medical information.
-Call the nurse for help anytime. School nurses are very knowlegeble about many different areas of health care and community resources that can assist your child and your family.
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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
Certified School Nurse at Muhlenberg Elementary Center
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.
21 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. Marcie Mauroschadt, LPN-Assistant Nurse
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.
Also worked prn for Phoebe Berks Health Care Center.
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
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.
Master's of Education Degree- School Health Focus from Alvernia University.
Nurse for 26 years with extensive experience in Pediatrics, Traumatic Brain Injury, Rehabilitation. Infection Control, Employee Health and Safety.
School nurse for 19 years.
Member of the County and National Association of School Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
Mrs.Emelinda Huyett, RN –Assistant Nurse
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing at Reading Area Community College
Associate in Arts Degree in Psychology at Reading Area Community College- Graduated cum laude
Behavioral Science- 3 years (Bachelor's Degree Program) at Maryknoll College, Quezon City, Philippines
Received her Nursing Clinical experience from The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Saint Joseph Medical Center, Lancaster General Hospital (Psychiatric Unit), and Berks Heim.
Worked briefly at Assured Assistance and was Learning Support Instructional Assistant/Life Skills Assistant substitute at Muhlenberg School District for several years. Was a volunteer at the Infusion Center at TRHMC.
Training and Certification in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care, IV Venipuncture course certificate, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Pandemic Flu, Delaying Myocardial Infarction, and Bipolar Disorder Treatment.
Middle School 610-921-8034
Mrs. Kathy Bower, CSN, MSN, CRNP
Ms. Wendy Graupp, 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
Certified School Nurse at Muhlenberg High School and Holy Guardian Angel's School
Bachelor’s of Science degree with major in Nursing at Albright College.
School nurse certification completed at Kutztown University.
Master's of Education Program- School Health emphasis at Alvernia University
Member of: Wellness Committee, SAP team, Student Services Team, Attendance Committee.
Coordinator of annual High School Miller-Keystone Blood drive.
A nurse for 30 years with experience in medical/surgical nursing, critical care, cardiac care, post anesthesia care, and interventional radiology.
Has worked in public education for the past 12 years and as the certified school nurse at Muhlenberg High School for the last 5 years.
Member of the County, State and National Association of School Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
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