Section 2 - Student Welfare

HEALTH CARE 

Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are responsible for the health care of their children. The health of students in St. Mary's County Public Schools is viewed as an important factor in the learning process. Cooperation among a student's parent(s)/ legal guardian(s), healthcare provider, and school is essential to safeguard a student's health and ensure academic success. Each school has a school nurse. Information regarding school nursing services may be obtained from the school's website's nurse page or by contacting the Supervisor of Health Services at 301-475-5511, extension 32150.

Student Health Information

Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are responsible for informing the school about their child's educationally relevant health history, including, but not limited to, such health concerns as chronic illness, allergy, and physical disability. Health information may be shared with school staff who have a need to know. The Student Health Information form may be completed and returned to the school for this purpose.  The form may be obtained in the Forms section of this handbook or picked up at the school office.  

Immunization 

In accordance with laws of the state of Maryland, any student entering or attending St. Mary's County Public Schools shall provide evidence of immunization in accordance with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Minimum Vaccine Requirements for Children Enrolled in Preschool Programs and in Schools.  

In order to attend school, students with less than complete immunizations must provide an appointment date for the needed immunizations.  The appointment must be no later than 20 calendar days from the date of entrance. Military children have 30 calendar days from the date of entrance to obtain any immunization(s) required for school entry. This appointment date will serve as the exclusion date if the student fails to keep the appointment. Exemption from immunization is permitted if it is contrary to a student's religious beliefs. Students may also be exempted from immunization requirements if a physician certifies that it would create a medical problem. Questions concerning the immunization requirement should be addressed to the school nurse or principal. 

Physical Examination 

In order for a child to enter a Maryland public school for the first time, a physical examination by a physician or certified nurse practitioner must be completed within nine months prior to entering the public school system or within six months after entering the system. A physical examination form designated by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene must be used to meet this requirement. Exemption from a physical examination is permitted if it is contrary to a students’ or family’s religious beliefs.

School entry physical examination reports are reviewed and a nursing assessment is completed by the school nurse, together with the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), for all students with diagnosed health problems which may impact learning. 

Lead Testing 

In March 2016, Maryland implemented the Lead-Free Maryland Kids campaign and updated the clinical requirements for blood lead testing of children.  The entire state of Maryland is now considered “at risk” for lead exposure, for children born on or after January 1, 2015. As a result, all children born on or after January 1, 2015 must be tested for lead at ages 12 and 24 months.

Maryland law requires ALL public prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade students to have a Blood Lead Testing Certificate (DHMH Form 4620) on file.  If a student was born on or after January 1, 2015, the health care provider must complete the form. The form is to be completed and returned to the school within twenty (20) calendar days of school entry.

Hearing and Vision Screening 

Unless evidence is presented that a student's vision has been tested within the past year by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, vision and hearing screening required by Maryland law will be completed in the year that a student enters the school system and in grades one and eight. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and/or school staff concerned about a student’s hearing or vision may also refer the student for screening by the school nurse. 

Vision and hearing screening is a relatively short process.  Screenings are not diagnostic, but instead, are used to identify a child at risk for vision/hearing problems.  Screenings do not replace examinations performed by a health or eye care professional that provide diagnosis and treatment, if indicated.  Vision/hearing problems that go undetected or uncorrected may impair a child’s development, lead to behavior problems in school, interfere with learning, and impact health and well-being into adulthood.


A student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) objects in writing to hearing and vision screening, on the basis of the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member, may not be required to take these screenings. 

Illness and Communicable Diseases


When school personnel suspect that a student may have an illness or communicable disease, the school will notify the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and arrangements will be made for the student to be picked up. Medical follow-up should be sought by the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to determine if the student has a communicable disease. 


Students diagnosed with a communicable disease may require exclusion from school. Before the student is readmitted, a healthcare provider’s statement may be required.  Before returning to school, a student must be free of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever for 24 hours without the use of medications to control these symptoms. 


In the event of student illness during the school day, every effort will be made to contact the parent(s)/ legal guardian(s). If the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or designee cannot be reached, the school reserves the right to act in the best interest of the student, i.e., call 911.

Face Coverings

Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Maryland Department of Health (MDS), the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the SMCHD is incorporated into the decision-making process to determine masking protocols for  St. Mary's County Public Schools.  Data is evaluated regularly and detailed masking requirements are available through SMCPS communications.

Emergency Medical Procedures 

Emergency medical information for students is to be supplied by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) each year. This information is kept on file and is considered confidential. When an accident or illness occurs at school, standard first aid practice is followed. 

Decisions about calling healthcare providers, notifying family members, or sending the student to the hospital are made immediately. When possible, a school health services provider (i.e., school nurse or supervisor of health services) is involved in this decision-making process. If it is deemed necessary, the school staff calls 911. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may also request that 911 be called. When 911 is called as a result of injury or illness, the student's care becomes the responsibility of the rescue services personnel upon their arrival at the scene. Usual rescue services procedure is to transport the person to the nearest or most appropriate hospital.   

As part of this process, the staff person: 

Allergies

Severe allergies are increasingly being identified in our student population. Some examples of allergens may include: food, insects, and medications. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are responsible for informing the school nurse about their child’s allergies, as well as providing written medical documentation, instructions, and medications, if needed, as directed by the healthcare provider. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are also responsible for providing the school with emergency telephone number(s). Should this information change, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should notify the school immediately. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should record any allergies or medical information on the student registration form and the Student Health Information form. To ensure a safe environment for students with allergies and reduce the risk of accidental exposure in the school setting, school personnel should work with students, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), and healthcare providers to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs. An emergency action medical plan should be developed to minimize risk and provide a safe educational environment.  Please refer to the SMCPS Guidelines to Reduce the Risk of Allergen Exposure webpage for additional information.  


Due to food allergy and food safety concerns, all food brought to school for students to consume, excluding individual student lunches, or as provided by SMCPS Food Services, shall be commercially prepared and packaged to include an ingredient list.

Student Pregnancy


When information indicating the possibility that a student is pregnant is brought to the attention of a member of the school staff, the student is referred to the school nurse and is counseled to see a healthcare provider. In the event that the student is pregnant, they should be made aware of available resources. A student who is pregnant, either married or unmarried, who has not completed their high school education may elect to remain in the regular school program. 

Sun Safety 

Sun safety practices that are followed consistently and early in life contribute to the prevention of skin cancer. Facilitating sun safety habits in the school setting can assist students and staff in reducing potential risk for ultraviolet-related illnesses. Students may possess and use sunscreen on school property, or at a school sponsored activity, according to manufacturer’s directions without written permission from a health care provider.

Sun safety practices include the following:


MEDICATION AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES 

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication

In general, the administration of medication to students while they are in school is to be discouraged. Treatment schedules which allow doses of medication to be given at times other than during school hours are preferred and encouraged. When, in the opinion of the healthcare provider, it is medically necessary for the student to be given medication during school hours, such medication must be administered in accordance with the following guidelines. 


A student who brings and/or takes medication of any type without following the medication regulation is entirely the responsibility of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and student, and not that of either the school or the health department. 

Emergency Medication

Students who may require administration of emergency medications in the school setting will have a plan to ensure immediate access to the emergency medication. This includes, but is not limited to rescue medications for seizures, anaphylaxis, respiratory, blood, cardiac and endocrine disorders.

Students with emergency medication prescribed by their health care provider shall follow the prescription medication guideline to ensure that individual emergency medication is available at all times. SMCPS stock medication (Epinephrine and Naloxone) is not always available during off-site activities.

Emergency medication is the only type of medication eligible for student self carry and self administration. A  Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) and Physician/Prescriber Authorization-Medication Orders (PS 109) form that includes a health care provider order for self carry/self administration as well as parent/guardian permission and school nurse assessment and approval are required before self carry/self administration is permitted.


Medical Cannabis 

The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or designated caregiver is permitted to administer medical cannabis to a student, who is a qualifying medical cannabis patient, on school property, during school-sponsored activities, and on a school bus.  Before the caregiver is permitted to administer medical cannabis on school property, during school-sponsored activities, and on a school bus, the student’s parent/guardian shall contact the school nurse and the school administrator for further guidance. 


Epinephrine 

Students with known or unknown allergies may experience life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. This reaction can be sudden and severe. An epinephrine injection is the treatment for anaphylaxis. It is a quick acting medication that is administered intra-muscularly. This medication will be available in each St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ health office. School nurses or their trained designees will administer the medication if needed for any student who has signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis during the school day.  Anyone receiving epinephrine must be transported by rescue services personnel to the nearest hospital for further emergency treatment. 

Naloxone 


Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.  This medication will be available in each St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ health office and in a secure wall unit in an accessible location near a centrally located AED. School nurses or school staff can administer the medication to any student or person who is believed or suspected to be experiencing an opioid overdose on school property.  Anyone receiving naloxone must be transported by rescue services personnel to the nearest hospital for further emergency treatment. 

Medical Procedures 


The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must obtain a Parent(s)/ Legal Guardian(s) and Physician/Prescriber Authorization - Medical Procedures (PS 110) Form signed by the health care provider and the parent/legal guardian. Medical procedures administered at school should be done under the guidance of the school nurse.

Examples of medical procedures are: 

STUDENT SAFETY 

St. Mary's County Public Schools believes that one of our greatest responsibilities is to provide for the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. A safe and orderly environment ensures the greatest opportunity for student learning. Open communication, strong community partnerships, progressive policies and procedures, and proactive action by staff enhance school safety and security. Additional information is available on the SMCPS website www.smcps.org/safety-and-security. 

Supervision

Students in school, at school-sponsored activities, or traveling to and from school on school buses are responsible to the school, and the school is responsible for them. School personnel assigned to their supervision serve in loco parentis.  Students who engage in any type of school practice or activity after dismissal time should have written permission from home. The school will not assume responsibility for students following the conclusion of such practice or activity.   

Student Risk Behaviors 

St. Mary’s County Public Schools, through community partnerships and collaboration, provides education and prevention programs that directly address high-risk youth behaviors.  These behaviors are defined as any behavior having a negative impact on the development, health, and well-being of students. Prevention programs include focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, bullying prevention, substance misuse, cyber safety, young drivers safety, healthy relationships and teen dating violence prevention, and underage drinking.  For more information about these and other prevention programs and additional resources please visit www.smcps.org/safety-and-security/student-risk-behavior. 

Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect 

Occasionally, there are factors in a student's appearance and behavior that lead to suspicions of child abuse or neglect.  Maryland law requires that all educators and other school employees, including volunteers and bus drivers, report suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities for investigation in order that students may be protected from harm and the family may be helped.  All employees participate in mandatory training annually to review the procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect. 

Custody 

Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must provide copies of court orders, protective orders, notarized statements, or other legally binding instruments to the schools their children attend. These documents will be maintained in the student's cumulative record. Should there be a circumstance in which parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are prohibited by court order from having contact with a student, school personnel must have a copy of the court order or other legally binding instrument on file. Students will only be released to those who can be identified as having proper authorization to take custody of the student. 

School Emergency Preparedness 

St. Mary’s County Public Schools continually plans and prepares for events that would necessitate an emergency response.  All emergency preparedness and planning is fully coordinated through active participation in a number of emergency planning and response meetings. 

Preparedness activities maintained by SMCPS include: 

Throughout the school year, drills are conducted to familiarize students with response actions and exiting routes out of the school.  All drills are conducted under the supervision of the principal or assistant principal and the school staff. Students are instructed in the safety procedures to be followed during the drills or other emergency situations. Additional types of drills to be conducted at schools will include emergency medical and bus evacuation drills. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are encouraged to remind their children of the seriousness of these activities. Site administrators are required to document all drills. 

Asbestos Management Plans 

In October 1986, the United States Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Under this law, comprehensive regulations were developed to address the presence of asbestos in public and private elementary and secondary school buildings. These regulations require all schools to inspect for friable and non-friable asbestos, develop asbestos management plans that address asbestos hazards in school buildings, and implement response actions in a timely manner. 

The EPA requires the school system to have an accredited inspector perform re-inspections of the asbestos material every three years.  An accredited AHERA Inspection/Management Planner will perform the re-inspections and continue to make recommendations for the safe management of asbestos materials in all buildings and relocatables. The school system will be performing semi-annual surveillance inspections. 

The program for fulfilling AHERA responsibilities is outlined in the asbestos management plan for each school or facility.  This plan is available for review at each school site and contains information on inspections, re-inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic surveillance activities that are planned or that are in progress. 

The asbestos management plan can be reviewed at the school or at the Division of Supporting Services, 27190 Point Lookout Road, Loveville, Maryland, during normal working hours. For more information, please contact Courtney Lacey within the Department of Operations at 301-475-4256, option 4. 

Integrated Pest Management Program 

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program employed by St. Mary’s County Public Schools is a proactive approach to insect and rodent control in school facilities.  The IPM program includes routine, monthly inspections or surveys of all school buildings and grounds to identify conditions conducive to pest invasion, pest population monitoring, non-chemical treatments, and when necessary, occasional use of pesticides by personnel meeting the Maryland Department of Agriculture requirements.  As a first step in pest control, the IPM approach employs a number of preventative strategies and alternatives to pesticide application, such as: employee education, source reduction, inspection and identification of potential problem areas, and improved sanitation. Each approach is monitored and evaluated, and modifications are made if necessary.  Pesticides are used only as a last resort. 

Maryland Law requires that parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of all elementary school children be notified prior to any interior pesticide application.  Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of elementary school students and staff members employed at an elementary school will receive notification of pesticide applications during the school year. 

Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of middle and high school students and staff members employed at middle and high schools must submit a written request to the school to receive notification of pesticide applications during the school year.  Notification will be provided by the school at least 24 hours prior to a pesticide application unless the application is an emergency. In the case of an emergency application, notification will be provided within 24 hours after the application. 

A list of the pesticides and bait stations, by common name, that may be used in school buildings during the school year are as follows:

Copies of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels for each pesticide and bait station used on school property are maintained by the contact person.  There may be occasions when a pesticide product that is not listed is used on school property. In the event that this occurs, a SDS sheet will be provided to the school administrator.  Parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) will be notified of the application as stated in the notification procedure outlined. Persons wishing to review this information should contact the Operations Foreman in the Department of Operations, Division of Supporting Services, 27190 Point Lookout Road, Loveville, MD, 20656, 301-475-4256, option 4.

Inclement Weather 

When inclement weather may cause the schools to delay the regular opening time or close for the day, the information will be posted on the St. Mary’s County Public Schools website and social media, and a system-based “phone out” will be made to all student households.  Radio and television stations will be notified before 6:00 a.m. so that notices may be broadcast as early as possible. 

When school is unexpectedly dismissed early, the school cannot call parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Please discuss this important matter with your child.  The school will assume an early bus dismissal schedule.  Information will be posted on the St. Mary’s County Public Schools website and social media, and a system-based “phone out” will be made to all student households.  Radio and television stations will be notified. 

The following stations will carry the announcements: 

RADIO STATIONS  

TELEVISION STATIONS 

Delayed Openings 

In the event that the opening of schools is delayed two hours to permit buses to run their routes under safer conditions, the following will apply: 

Emergency Early Dismissal 

If conditions exist which cause a decision for early dismissal due to inclement weather or extreme heat and humidity, radio and television stations will be notified as early as possible so that parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are informed.  Information will be posted on the St. Mary’s County Public Schools website and social media, and a system-based “phone out” will be made to all student households. Radio and television stations will be notified. 

Early dismissal will be decided by the Superintendent of Schools. Radio and television stations will carry the announcement whenever possible. 

THE COORDINATED PUPIL SERVICES PROGRAM 

The Coordinated Pupil Services Program within each school is one component of an overall school program. Each student services area uses a systematic and integrated program to deliver individual and collaborative strategies with the goal of assisting students to achieve academic, health, career, personal, and interpersonal competencies. 

Each Pupil Services Team may include a school administrator, school nurse, school counselor, pupil personnel worker, school psychologist, and other appropriate staff. This school team meets at regular intervals and analyzes data to plan, implement, and evaluate how its members can most effectively meet the needs of students. 

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 

School systems are required to ensure that no qualified person with disabilities shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from federal financial assistance. Should you have questions about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, please contact the Department of Student Services at 301-475-5511, ext. 32150. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES 

Special education services are available at every school in St. Mary’s County. To ensure that every child has access to the general education curriculum and every child’s educational program is implemented in the least restrictive environment, St. Mary’s County Public Schools offers a range of general and special education services in a continuum of educational placements. To the maximum extent appropriate, students receive instruction in the general education classroom with the necessary accommodations and adaptations provided under the direction of the special education staff. This integration into the general education classroom allows for maximum interaction among students and staff and encourages students to learn from each other.  

In all St. Mary’s County Public Schools, students with disabilities have access to all aspects of academic and extra-curricular programming. Special education programs are continuously evaluated to ensure that they are meeting the needs of our ever-changing student population. St. Mary’s County Public Schools is committed to providing all students an education that prepares them academically, socially, and emotionally for adult life. If you have any questions, information is available on the SMCPS’ website www.smcps.org/offices/se or you may contact the Department of Special Education at 301-475-5511, ext. 32206. 

The Department of Special Education also offers families and school staff support through the “Partners for Success Resource Center for Families and Schools.” The following services may be included: 

The center is staffed by a parent of a child with a disability. Contact the Partners for Success resource specialist at 240-309-4113 or partnersforsuccess@smcps.com. 

TITLE IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in all activities and programs of educational institutions receiving federal funds, which includes St. Mary’s County Public Schools.  Prohibited sex-based discrimination includes pregnancy, discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 20 U.S.C. § 1681) 

Four Things to Know About Title IX 

Federal Regulations

Federal regulations for Title IX were issued in 1975 and prohibit discrimination in:

Anti-Discrimination Statement

The St. Mary’s County Public School (SMCPS) System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or disability in matters affecting access to programs.  Likewise, any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability will not be tolerated.  Any student who believes he/she/they have been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. 

SMCPS is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment.  If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined in accordance with SMCPS policy.  Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion.  For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office of Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System for the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

Students, parents/legal guardians, and community members may report allegations of harassment to the School Title IX Coordinator at their school or to the District Title IX Coordinator, Department of Student Services, 23160 Moakley Street, Suite 104, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650, 301-475-5511, extension 32150.