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CCS Food Allergy Policy

Keeping our students safe is of paramount importance to CCS. The Columbus Board of Education has adopted a policy [Policy 5161.3] for accommodating students with known food allergies that reduces the likelihood of students being exposed to food items that could cause an allergic reaction at school. If you believe that your student needs medication for their food allergy at school or needs a Special Diet, please contact your student's School Nurse.

PLEASE NOTE: No food shall be distributed by means other than the school breakfast/snack/lunch/vending program without prior approval by the building principal or principal designee. Parents and staff are encouraged to provide non-food items such as pencils, erasers, stickers, games or bookmarks for classroom celebrations.

The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise in the U.S., now affecting 6 to 8 percent of all children and nearly 1 in 25 school-age children. For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For others, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. If your child has a diagnosed food allergy, please make your school aware or contact CCS Health, Family & Community Services Department at 614-365-5824.

See our Food Services Page for menus and more information

Additional Resources About Food Allergies

• FDA: Food Allergens
• The Mayo Clinic: Food Allergy
• FARE: Food Allergy Research and Education
• Ohio Department of Education: Food Allergy Policy Requirements

If medication needs be taken during the school day please follow these guidelines:

Submit a completed, signed Medication Authorization Form to the School Nurse. The nurse can supply this form.

The parent/guardian must complete the bottom section of the form and a healthcare provider must complete the top section for the medication order.

A new Medication Authorization Form must be completed each school year or whenever there is a change in the medication or dose.

All medication must be in the original container in which it was dispensed by the prescribing physician, healthcare provider or licensed pharmacist.

• The container must be labeled with the correct dose and instructions. 
• The label must match what is on the Medication Authorization Form. 
• Students taking a medication at both school and home can request 2 separate labeled bottles from the pharmacy to divide the pills for home and school.

School personnel cannot give students over-the-counter medication unless it has been prescribed by a healthcare provider and a Medication Authorization Form is completed. Prescribed over-the-counter medications follow the same guidelines as stated above for prescribed medications. (Over the counter medications include pain medication such as Tylenol, cough medicine, and ointments.)

Medications ordered three times a day or less, unless there is a time specified, may not need to be given at school.
The medication may be given before school, after school and at bedtime.

All leftover medication must be picked up by the parent or guardian on the last day of school, or it will be disposed of properly

HEALTH ASSESSMENT, SCREENING, AND REFERRAL INFORMATION
Health screenings are the school nurse's way of checking students for possible health problems that might interfere with the child's classroom performance and ability to learn. Screenings may include the child's health history, parent and teacher observations, and the nurse's professional evaluation. The school nurse will make a referral if any concerns are identified.

When and what health screenings will be done on my child at school?
Ohio law 3313.69 requires school nurses to conduct periodic health screenings. Screenings will be conducted on all students new to the district and at the grade levels indicated below. Screenings will start at the beginning of the school year and continue until all screenings are completed. Parents/Guardians will receive notice from the school nurse if the student does not pass the screening and a recommendation for further testing is needed. Contact your student's school nurse with questions or concerns. 

Health screenings will be conducted at your child's school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the screening, please contact your school nurse or the Health Services office.

It's important to stay on schedule with your child's immunizations!

Columbus City Schools wants our school communities to be healthy places to learn. Childhood vaccines help safeguard children and adolescents against preventable disease in school buildings where the potential for disease transmission could be higher. 

Ohio law requires students to be up-to-date on specific childhood vaccines and parents must provide CCS with a copy of the student’s immunization record. The State of Ohio allows a 14-day period after entering school for parents to submit proof of immunizations to the School Nurse at their student’s school.  If you have any questions or concerns about immunization requirements or need help finding a healthcare provider, please contact the School Nurse.

If you child needs vaccines to meet the State of Ohio school vaccination requirements:

• Visit your family physician or clinic
• Contact the Columbus Public Health Department, located at 240 Parsons Ave., which offers immunization clinics.

If you have questions about school vaccination requirements, contact the nurse at your school, or contact Health Services at 614-365-5824

Additional Community Resources
Ohio Revised Code (ORC 3313.671) for vaccination requirement information