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OKMULGEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog

Health Services

Okmulgee Bulldog Logo and Health Services

About Health Services

At Okmulgee Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our students. We understand that a healthy student is a successful student, and our Health Services team plays a vital role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Our Health Services Goals:

  1. Promote Student Health and Wellness: We aim to provide comprehensive health services that support the growth and development of every student. This includes regular screenings, immunizations, and health education programs designed to help students make informed decisions about their health.

  2. Prevent Illness and Injury: Through proactive health measures, including first aid, emergency care, and health interventions, we focus on preventing illness and minimizing the impact of injuries when they occur.

  3. Address Physical and Mental Health Needs: Our school health services team offers resources to address both physical and mental health concerns, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed in a safe and nurturing environment.

  4. Collaborate with Families and Communities: We partner with parents, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create a strong network of care for our students, helping them to access necessary medical resources and receive follow-up care when needed.

  5. Comply with Oklahoma State Health Requirements: We are dedicated to maintaining compliance with all Oklahoma state health regulations and ensuring that all students meet the required health criteria for enrollment and continued attendance. This includes immunization records, health screenings, and mandatory health education.

When to Stay Home 

These guidelines are based on the Oklahoma Law, which states that any student who has a contagious disease or head lice may be prohibited from attending school.

Conjunctivitis: Students with thick white, yellow, or green discharge from either eye will be sent home and should receive medication for a minimum of 24 hours, be symptom-free, or a physician's statement that they are not contagious before returning.

Diarrhea: Students who have diarrhea at school will be sent home and may return after being symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.

Fever: Students who have a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be sent home and may return after being fever-free without medication for 24 hours.

Head lice: Students with head lice or nits must be picked up from school and may return after treatment and all live bugs are gone. The school nurse or health clerk will check for lice prior to returning to class.

Vomiting: Students who vomit at school will be sent home and may return when they are symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.

Other: Other possibly contagious conditions, such as an unexplained rash, will require a clearance from the doctor.

For illnesses that require an antibiotic, the child should have taken the medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

 

Oklahoma State Health Requirements:

In accordance with Oklahoma state law, all students must comply with specific health requirements to ensure their well-being and safety within the school environment. Some key requirements include:

  • Immunizations: Students must have up-to-date immunization records on file. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) provides the guidelines for the required vaccines for school-aged children.

  • Health Screenings: Oklahoma schools are required to conduct certain health screenings, including vision, hearing, and scoliosis checks at specified grade levels.

  • Emergency Action Plans: Schools are required to have emergency procedures in place for students with severe allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions.

  • Physical Examinations: For certain grade levels or school sports participation, a physical exam may be required.

For more information about Oklahoma's school health requirements, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) website or consult with our school nurse.

Resources:

Thank you for visiting our Health Services page. We are here to help support your child’s health and well-being throughout the school year! If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to our Health Services team.

If your child takes medication at school, please review, print, and complete the following forms. These must be handed in to the school site’s health office or emailed to:  Shelli Byrd, LPN, School Nurse – sbyrd@okmulgeeps.com .  

  • Oklahoma law allows exemptions for medical, religious or personal reasons. 
  • There is no legal penalty for parents/guardians who obtain exemptions for these reasons. However, unvaccinated children are at greater risk of catching diseases and might be excluded from school, child care or Head Start programs for the duration of a disease outbreak if one occurs. 
  • Children with specific medical contraindications to any or all immunizations may be allowed to attend if the medical reason is stated and this statement is signed by a licensed physician and submitted to the school, child care facility or Head Start program. Children whose parents object to immunizations based on religious teachings or personal beliefs may seek an exemption. 
  • Lost immunization records are not grounds for an exemption. Parents who have lost their child’s records should contact their local health department or family physician/health care provider. The nurse or doctor can interpret past immunization history, provide any needed immunizations, and create a record for the parent that can then be submitted to the school, child care facility or Head Start program and transcribed for the student’s record. 
  • In the case of a disease outbreak in a school, representatives of the Oklahoma State Department of Health or local health department will visit the school, thoroughly review student immunization records, and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Health on whether students with exemptions should be excluded from school or school functions for the duration of the outbreak. 
  • The Commissioner of Health has the authority to exclude students with exemptions from school for the duration of a disease outbreak. This decision is usually based on the risk of disease transmission in the facility. The risk of transmission depends on the characteristics of the disease and the potential number of susceptible people who could be exposed to it. 

OSDH - Immunization Services

 

OSDH Immunization Service - Request an Exemption

At Okmulgee Public Schools, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, including those with allergies or anaphylaxis. As part of our efforts to promote student health and well-being, we encourage parents and guardians to be proactive in managing their child's allergies and anaphylaxis, ensuring that they are well-prepared for any emergency that may arise. Please fill out the form with your child’s physician and return it to the school’s Health Services Department. 

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan Form

 

 

The Oklahoma Legislature has enacted HB 3737 codified as Section 1210.196 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes. This law requires the State Department of Education, in coordination with other appropriate entities, to develop informational materials for parents/guardians of students upon enrollment and before entry into sixth grade. These materials must be made available through the Department’s website. Okmulgee Public Schools is providing this link to meet this requirement. This site includes important resources, such as Healthcare and Education Plans, to assist in managing your child’s health and educational needs.

Diabetes Information

Meningitis Information

Measles Information

Meningococcal Disease

An Asthma Action Plan is a personalized, written plan developed by a healthcare provider to help manage your child’s asthma while they are at school. This plan helps school staff respond quickly and effectively in the event of an asthma emergency and provides clear instructions on when and how to treat asthma symptoms.

 

Sample Asthma Action Plan