I am Denise Portell, the school nurse at Wharton Dual Language Academy. I feel privileged to be part of your child's education and wellness. Ensuring that every child is protected from injury and disease promotes overall well-being in our school family. Please call me with any questions and concerns you may have.

 

Phone and Extension: 713-556-5162 

 

Office Hours & Location 

The nurse's office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:50 p.m. during regularly scheduled school days. The office is located inside the main office and is also accessible from the main hallway. 

 

Illness at Home 

Students are advised to stay home if suffering from active illness to protect them from possible virus/disease transmission. Students should remain at home until their illness has been resolved. If a student is absent for three consecutive days, it is mandatory that he/she presents a physician's note indicating that the child has been seen and is safe to return to school. This will allow the absences to be marked as excused and reassure the school community that every effort to minimize the transmission of treatable contagious diseases is being made. Parents must document all absences by writing a note and sending it with their child. We also request that parents report all confirmed or suspected contagious diseases to the school nurse.

 

Illness / Injury at School 

When a student becomes ill or injured during class, a pass to the nurse's office must be obtained from the current teacher. 

Students should report any injuries sustained during a school-related event as soon as possible to the nurse's office.  

 

Hazel Health 

Hazel Health offers virtual physical and mental healthcare to students during school hours for free. You can learn more about it and sign or decline consent forms here: Hazel Health consent 

 

Emergency Situations 

We have 7 AED (Automated Emergency Devices) in our building. Current locations are: 

 

Vision and Hearing Tests 

Vision and hearing tests are typically conducted throughout the school year, according to district policy. Parents will be notified if test results indicate that additional follow-up care is necessary by a primary care physician. 

 

Doctor Appointments 

It is recommended that doctor appointments be scheduled outside of school hours. Parents should notify the Attendance Office in advance with exact appointment times, anticipated period of absence, and time of return to school. Parents are required to sign their child out of school and sign their child back in upon return.

 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions 

Students having medical conditions that require monitoring (e.g. diabetes mellitus, seizure disorders, etc.) must have that information clearly defined on their Health Inventory Sheet, along with instructions and contact numbers in case of an emergency. Information regarding health concerns can also be shared confidentially with the Principal Celedon. 

 

Medications 

All medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescribed drugs, and/or inhalers must be kept in the Nurse's Office at all times. In addition, only a parent can deliver medication to and from school. Students are not allowed to carry or store medication of any kind.

 

Students requiring any daily or long-term medication that needs to be taken during school hours must have the appropriate medication authorization, which grants permission for medication to be administered by the nurse. Medications must be sent to the school in the original container with dosage instructions and will be stored in a locked cabinet in the health office.  

 

All medications must be kept with the nurse, though special exceptions are made on an individual basis.  

District policy allows a student at risk for anaphylaxis or a diagnosis of asthma or diabetes to possess and self-administer prescription medicine for management of their care under certain conditions. Parent and physician must complete and return the appropriate medication administration form found digitally online or by requesting a paper copy from nurse’s office.

 

Let's continue having a healthy and safe school year, 

 

Please visit the Nurse's Corner web page for important forms and more information.