GREEN BAY, Wis. — Summer is winding down and back-to-school shopping and preparation are taking place in many homes. While making sure your students have all the right materials, Emplify Health by Bellin and the Ashwaubenon School District encourage community members to make sure their kids are up-to-date on their healthcare needs.
Sending students to school with the right vaccinations, updated medical records and prepared for in-school medical needs can ensure a healthy and successful school year.
“Each student has their own specific healthcare needs,” said Dr. Melissa Hidde, Emplify Health by Bellin Ashwaubenon Family Medicine Physician. “Before the school year begins, ensure your child has all the right documentation, medication and medical requirements fulfilled.”
A primary care provider can help you identify needed vaccinations and help coordinate any medication or medical assistance your child may need at school. Scheduling those visits now can help avoid the back-to-school rush.
“Schools rely on parents to help make sure we are prepared for student medical needs, including updating student health forms in PowerSchool and having medications on hand with the proper medication consents,” noted Kat Herald, Ashwaubenon School District Nurse. “Having those items taken care of before the first day of school can help ensure a seamless transition back to school.”
Herald recommends connecting with your student’s teacher or school’s nurse early.
“We want to make each sure year is successful for our students,” said Herald, “so we are always available for conversations with parents on how we can ensure needs are met, academically or medically.”
Parents should go into their PowerSchool account to confirm that they have updated their health forms for the upcoming school year. School nurses will reach out to parents for more information, if needed, so that they can properly create/update health plans and train the appropriate school staff on a student’s medical needs.
“It’s important to have parents, teaching staff and medical providers be on the same page with what a child needs medically,” noted Dr. Hidde. “Your teachers and providers want to see every student succeed and are always ready to help.”