Overview of Health Services
For minor injuries or illnesses that occur while a student is under school supervision—such as bruises, small cuts, contusions, stomachaches, or headaches—the student may be referred to the school nurse for evaluation and care.
The school nurse’s primary role is not to diagnose illnesses or treat injuries that occurred outside of school. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that a qualified, licensed physician provides care for injuries or illnesses that occur at home. Students should not be sent to school with a known illness or injury with the expectation that the school nurse will diagnose or prescribe treatment, as only a licensed physician may legally perform these functions.
If a student becomes ill or injured during the school day, the school will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian so the student may be sent home and receive appropriate medical care as soon as possible. A child who is ill is less able to learn and may pose a risk of spreading illness to others.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their child for symptoms such as fever, persistent cough or sore throat, headache, chills, skin rashes, swollen glands, eye redness or discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea, and to seek medical care when needed. When a student is not feeling well, parents are asked to carefully assess whether the child should attend school or remain at home. Please do not send students to school when they are ill, as this may jeopardize the health of others. Parents or guardians will be notified if the nurse determines that the student needs to go home or seek further medical attention.
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Please do not send your child to school if they have…
Vomited in the last 24 hours
Had multiple episodes of diarrhea within the last 24 hours
Had a fever (100.4 or higher) within the last 24 hours
Meet Your Nurse
Hi everyone! My name is Leah Gehringer and this will be my 7th year as a Certified School Nurse. I received my nursing degree from DeSales University, my school nurse certification from Cedar Crest College, and my Masters in School Health from Eastern University. Besides working in the school, I also work per diem at Lehigh Valley Health Network. I love working with kids and their families in the school setting. One of my favorite parts of the job is watching the kids throughout their education journey and seeing how they progress and grow up!
When I am not working, I am spending time with my two kids and my husband. We live on a small farm. I love to travel and we often travel to National Parks or State Parks to do some hiking. I also coach my kids’ soccer teams and love to read.
I look forward to working with everyone this school year!
