Keene ISD Health Services

About Health Services

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Keene ISD Health Services is committed to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all students and staff by providing safe, evidence-based, and accessible healthcare. We strive to remove health-related barriers to learning through compassionate care, early intervention, and collaboration with families, staff, and community partners.

Vision Statement

Keene ISD Health Services envisions a healthy school community where every student is supported, empowered, and ready to succeed. Through proactive care, innovative practices, and coordinated health services, we aim to foster lifelong wellness and create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and physically.

Role and Responsibilities of School Nurses

Our students are our most valuable resource. In recognition of this, Keene ISD provides a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and part-time nurse paraprofessionals at both KES/SLA and JH/HS campuses to support the health needs of our district.

The school nurse serves as a vital liaison between school personnel, families, healthcare providers, and the community, advocating for student health and fostering a safe, healthy learning environment.

School nursing is a specialized area of professional nursing that focuses on the identification, assessment, prevention, and intervention of student health needs. The primary goal of the school nurse is to promote optimal health and support each student’s ability to achieve their full educational potential.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Monitoring and maintaining required immunization compliance

• Conducting state-mandated health screenings (vision, hearing, spinal, acanthosis)

• Tracking and managing communicable diseases

• Planning for and responding to medical emergencies

• Providing direct care for illness, injury, and chronic health conditions

We encourage you to explore the resources on this page to learn more about Keene ISD Health Services and how we support student wellness.

Services Provided

Keene ISD Health Services is dedicated to promoting student health, safety, and academic success. Our nursing staff provides a wide range of services to meet both routine and specialized healthcare needs within the school setting.

Direct Care & Assessment

• First aid and care for illness or injury

• Ongoing assessment and monitoring of student health concerns

• Management of acute and chronic conditions during the school day

Medication Administration

• Administration of prescription and approved over-the-counter medications

• Monitoring for side effects and effectiveness

• Safe storage and documentation in accordance with district policy

Chronic Condition Management

• Development and implementation of Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs)

• Coordination of care for conditions such as:

  • Asthma

  • Diabetes (including CGM support)

  • Seizures

  • Severe allergies (anaphylaxis)

  • Cardiac conditions

• Collaboration with families and healthcare providers

Emergency Care & Preparedness

• Immediate response to medical emergencies

• Maintenance and oversight of emergency equipment (AEDs, emergency medications)

• Participation in campus emergency response teams

Health Screenings

• Vision screening

• Hearing screening

• Spinal screening (as required by the state)

• Acanthosis Nigricans screening

• Parent notification and referral follow-up

Communicable Disease Monitoring

• Identification and tracking of communicable illnesses

• Implementation of infection control measures

• Guidance on illness exclusion and return-to-school criteria

Health Records Management

• Maintenance of accurate and confidential student health records

• Monitoring of immunization compliance

• Review of medical documentation and physician orders

Health Education & Support

• Education for students and staff on health and safety topics

• Guidance on managing chronic conditions at school

• Support for student wellness and healthy habits

Care Coordination

• Communication with parents/guardians regarding student health needs

• Collaboration with healthcare providers for safe care at school

• Support for 504 Plans, IHPs, and other accommodations

When to Keep Your Child Home

To help maintain a healthy school environment and prevent the spread of illness, please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Fever

• Temperature of 100.3°F (37.9°C) or higher

• Must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school

Vomiting or Diarrhea

• Any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea

• Must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning

Contagious Illness or Symptoms

• Persistent cough that interferes with learning

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing not controlled with medication

• Sore throat with fever

• Undiagnosed rash or skin eruption

• Red, draining eyes (possible pink eye)

• Head lice (must be treated prior to return per district policy)

General Illness

• Severe cold symptoms

• Fatigue that prevents participation in school activities

• Any illness requiring more care than school staff can safely provide 

When Your Child May Return to School

Your child may return to school when:

• They are fever-free for 24 hours without medication
• They have not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours
• Symptoms have improved and they are able to participate in normal school activities
• Any required treatment has been started (if applicable)

Doctor’s Notes & Medical Clearance

A healthcare provider’s note may be required for:

• Certain contagious illnesses
• Extended absences
• Return after specific medical conditions or injuries

Help Us Keep Our Schools Healthy

• Prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff
• Support faster recovery for your child
• Maintain a safe learning environment for all

If you are unsure whether your child should attend school, please contact your campus nurse for guidance.

Keene Elementary School & Summit Leadership Academy Clinic 817-774-5327

Keene Junior High & Keene High School 817-774-5304