Health Alert

As you may be aware, an outbreak of Swine Flu has been reported in Mexico, with additional cases now being reported in the United States. Recognizing that parents may have concerns about these reports, we are providing general information about the disease as well as resources for additional information.

While this is a new virus, it is entirely treatable and preventable. Public health officials want people to be aware of the symptoms related to the Swine Flue, which include fever, respiratory congestion, coughing, headache, and sore throat. At this time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that anyone who has recently traveled, and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, should stay home and contact their health-care provider.

The spread of Swine Flu, like many other illnesses, can be prevented. Here are some ways to protect your family and to reduce the spread of germs or disease.

• Keep children who are sick at home and excluded from school until they are well.
• Teach children proper hand washing techniques using soap and water for 20 seconds. Encourage frequent hand washing, and be sure to model this behavior for children.
• Teach children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
• Teach children to stay at least six feet away from people who are ill.
• Stay home from work or school if you are symptomatic, particularly if you have recently traveled.

Our two highly qualified school nurses attend to immediate student health needs; health, vision and hearing screenings; participate in the development and implementation of individual health plans for students with special needs; and maintain immunization and other required public health records and provide health education.

To contact the University Academy School Nurses:

• Lower School (K –5) – Ms. Saberi, 816-412-5979
• Middle and Upper Schools (6 – 12) – Ms. Stevenson, 816-412-9225

Immunizations
The state of Missouri requires parents to present immunization records for each child including DTP, polio, mumps and both measles vaccines (rubeola and rubella). For a complete listing of those immunizations, click: Missouri Department of Health.

We welcome your child to the University Academy! Student health requirements are important as we partner with our families to create a safe and effective learning environment. In order for us to understand your child’s individual health needs and how we can support them while they are here at school, we are requesting you to fill out several forms and returned them to the office prior to the first day of school.

These forms are available at from the school nurse.

Emergency Health Information
This form contains parental, emergency, general health and medical information. Please list known allergies on this form as well as any additional health concerns you may have. (This form must be signed and turned in.)

Required Immunizations
Please reference the “Required Immunization” form. All students entering a Missouri school are required to present certification from a physician or local health department indicating that the student has received all the immunizations required by Missouri law. All immunizations must be up-to-date before students are permitted to attend class. New students will be required to submit a copy of current immunizations before entering school. Returning students will be notified if any immunizations need to be up-dated.

Medication Policy
Please familiarize yourself with our medication policy for prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine. 

Over-The-Counter Medication Form
Over-The-Counter medications will be administered sparingly when indicated to make your child more comfortable and able to remain at school. With your signed permission, the school nurse or delegated staff person may administer the approved medications listed on this form. If you only want certain medications, or no medications to be given to your child, you must also indicate this on the form. (This form must be signed and turned in.) 

Authorization for Medications Form
Written parental/guardian consent will be required prior to giving any prescription medicine or personally provided over-the-counter medications at school. This form is to be completed for each personally supplied medication given.

Thank you very much for your ongoing support of school and home working together for the health and safety of our students. Please feel free to contact our school nurses at any time regarding acute, chronic or exceptional health problems concerning your child. We look forward to having your child attend the University Academy!

The UA Wellness Center
Operated by Children's Mercy Hospital, the Wellness Center provides a special, professional school-based health care service for our students. More than 800 UA students are already registered with the Children's Mercy Hospital Wellness Center. 

For more information regarding the Wellness Center, or to learn how to register your child , please contact the UA Wellness Center, at 816-412-5978 - or CLICK HERE to learn more about this program.