Health Services

Bacterial Meningitis 

Harmony Public Schools adheres to state guidelines recommending immunization against bacterial meningitis. You can find additional information on the Texas Department of State Health Services website, here. 

When should I keep my student home?

When to stay home chart

 

 

We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of every student. As part of this commitment, we conduct state-mandated health screenings to ensure that potential health issues are identified early, allowing for timely intervention and support.  These screenings play a vital role in keeping students healthy and ready to succeed academically.  

What Screenings Are Conducted?

• Vision Screening 
  • Students are screened to identify vision problems that may affect a child’s ability to learn and participate in classroom activities.
• Hearing Screening
  • Students are screened for signs of hearing loss or auditory issues to detect hearing issues that could impact speech development, social interactions, or learning.
• Acanthosis Nigricans Screening
  • Students are screened to identify a skin condition that may indicate an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes by checking the back of the neck for darkened, thickened patches of skin.
• Scoliosis Screening
  • Students are screened to detect abnormal curvature of the spine that can progress if untreated.

How Can Parents Prepare?

• Stay Informed: Be aware of the screening dates and requirements.
• Provide Documentation: If your child has already been screened by a healthcare provider, please submit the results to the school Health Aide.
• Encourage Participation: Explain to your child that the screenings are quick and easy and help ensure they are healthy.
• Dress for Success: Your student should wear any prescribed eyewear for vision screenings.  For Spinal screenings, a thin t-shirt or tank top should be worn for the screening to help visualize the curvature of the spine. 

Opt-out options

• Vision and Hearing screenings are a requirement by the state.  While you cannot opt out, you can have this screening performed by a healthcare professional of your choice.  Please submit a completed 3rd party screening form to your campus health aide. 
• To opt out of Spinal screenings, please submit a letter stating that you wish for your student to not be screened for scoliosis to your campus.

 

My student must be picked up.  How much time do I have?

We ask that you arrive within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the nature of the issue. If you have received a call regarding a potential life-threatening illness and have requested that emergency services not be contacted, please be aware that we are legally obligated to call 911 if the student's condition worsens or becomes life-threatening. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the family.

 

My student needs to be picked up but I'm not available.  What can I do?

If you are unable to pick up your student, an alternate emergency contact may do so. If you'd like to send someone who is not listed as an emergency contact, please notify the campus administration in writing from the email address associated with your student's account, including the full name of the individual picking up your child.

 

How can my child receive their medication during school?

Parents may complete a Medication Authorization Form to allow their child to receive non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications. Prescription medications require a doctor’s signature, while non-prescription medications require only the parent’s signature. All medications must be signed in with the health aide, including verifying and counting the amount provided. Medications must be supplied by the parent and will be securely stored in the health office. For more information, please contact your campus health aide.

 

I don’t want my child to participate in any health screenings. What can I do?

Vision and hearing screenings are required by the state. You may have them performed by a healthcare professional of your choice by submitting a completed third-party screening form to your campus health aide. If you wish to opt out of spinal screenings for scoliosis, you must submit a letter to your campus stating your request.