Health Services/Medical

Asthma & Allergies

Asthma and allergy awareness helps students breathe easier, stay healthy, and succeed at school through prevention, early recognition, and proper care.

Learn how to use your child's inhaler with or without a spacer to help them breathe easier and keep their asthma under control.

Cancer Prevention Act (AB 659) and HPV vaccination

The State of California recommends that students follow current immunization guidelines for full human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination before admission or advancement to the eighth grade level at any private or public elementary or secondary school.

These guidelines are recommended by:

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The American Academy of Pediatrics
• The American Academy of Family Physicians

Important information for families:

• HPV vaccination is not required for school entry.
• HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11–12 years and may begin as early as age 9.
• The vaccine is more effective when given earlier because pre-teens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older teens.
• Vaccinating at a younger age can also help protect children before they are exposed to the virus.

HPV vaccination can prevent over 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccines are very safe, and scientific research shows that the benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the potential risks.

For more information, see California Department of Public Health resources on HPV vaccines and cancer prevention: English, Spanish, Vietnamese.

Healthy Choices Every Day

Discover healthy eating tips and nutrition resources to help your child grow strong, stay active, and succeed in school.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and routine wellness check-ups help children grow strong, prevent chronic diseases, and succeed in school.

Food Allergy Awareness and Safety

Franklin-McKinley School District is not a nut-free or seafood-free district. The district is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, including those with food allergies. Families are encouraged to inform the school of any known allergies so that appropriate health plans and emergency response procedures can be implemented.

Although the district cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and emergency epinephrine is available at all school sites. Individualized Health Plans (IHPs) or other accommodations may be developed in collaboration with families and the school health office to support student safety.

KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFE TOGETHER
Food Allergies & Anaphylaxis

If your child has a food allergy with a history of anaphylaxis, please have your healthcare provider complete and sign the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan and submit it to the school health office.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan:    English   Spanish   Vietnamese

A health exam helps make sure your child is healthy and ready to learn. Please take the Report of Health Examination for School Entry form to your child’s doctor and return the completed form to school.

This form is not required for enrollment, but we strongly encourage families to complete it.

California law (EdCode § 49455) requires schools to provide vision and hearing screenings for students in specific grade levels, including Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th, and 8th grade.

Students may also receive screenings as part of their assessment and evaluation process, including students with Individualized Education Programs.

Franklin-McKinley School District works in partnership with Healthier Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to perform screenings. Parents/guardians will be notified if a possible concern is found so they may follow up with their child’s healthcare provider.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in mandated health screenings, please complete the opt-out form and submit it to your school’s office.

Students with health conditions

If your child has a health condition that school staff should be aware of, such as diabetes, seizures, allergy/anaphylactic reactions, or asthma, please have the appropriate form completed and signed by your child’s healthcare provider. These forms help us understand your child’s needs and provide safe support during the school day.

Required Immunizations for School Entry

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 120325–120375, children in California are required to meet specific immunization requirements to attend school. Immunizations must be complete or up to date at the time of enrollment.

A student may be admitted on a conditional basis if they are missing a required dose in a vaccine series and the next dose is not yet due. This means the student has received at least one dose in the series and is not yet past the due date for the subsequent dose.

Immunization Requirements Information

Shots Required for TK–12 and 7th Grade:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) – 5 doses

• Polio – 4 doses

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) – 2 doses

• Hepatitis B – 3 doses

• Varicella (Chickenpox) – 2 doses

 Students Advancing to 7th Grade Must Also Have:

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster) – 1 dose

Guide to Required Immunizations:  English      Spanish    Vietnamese

Illness & Injury Guidelines

Per Education Code 48213, a student may be sent home if there is reasonable cause to believe the student is suffering from a suspected communicable or contagious disease, or if the student’s condition presents an immediate health or safety concern. No child will be sent home without first attempting to contact the parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached at home or at the place of work, the person designated on the Emergency Card will be contacted. It is important to you and your child that the information on the emergency card is accurate and up to date. Please notify your child's school site  administrator of any changes to this important information.

When Should You Keep Your Child Home from School?   English       

¿Cuándo debe mantener a su hijo(a) en casa y no enviarlo(a) a la escuela?  Spanish

Khi nào phụ huynh nên cho học sinh nghỉ học ở nhà?  Vietnamese

Returning to School After Injury or Illness:

Students may return to school after an illness or injury when they are well enough to safely participate in the school day and can manage their symptoms without disrupting learning or requiring medical care beyond school staff support.

Students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil, etc) and should not have symptoms that could be contagious or interfere with participation in class.

After an injury, a student may return when they are able to safely attend school, follow classroom expectations, and any necessary medical documentation or clearance (such as for casts, mobility restrictions, or post-surgical care) has been provided if required. The school health office may request medical clearance for certain conditions to ensure student safety and appropriate support.

For more information, please visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website: Santa Clara County Public Health – Disease Reporting and Exposure Notices for Schools and Childcare

Medication at School

Per California Education Code Section 49423, students who need medication during the school day may be assisted by school personnel only when the school receives a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by both the parent/guardian and the student's licensed health care provider.

A Medication Authorization Form is required for all medications administered at school, including:

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter medications

• Home remedies

A new form must be submitted each school year and whenever there is a change in the medication, dosage, or administration instructions.

Medication Requirements

• Submit the completed Medication Authorization Form to the school health office before medication can be administered.

• Medications must be provided in the original pharmacy-labeled or manufacturer's container.

• A parent/guardian or designated adult must deliver the medication to the school.

• Any necessary medical equipment or supplies must be provided by the parent/guardian.

Medication Administration Authorization Form:   English    Spanish   Vietnamese

Self-Carry and Self-Administration

Students may carry and self-administer emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens, Auvi-Q, etc), asthma inhalers, insulin, and glucagon (including Baqsimi), when authorized by their health care provider and parent/guardian. A completed Self-Administration of Emergency Medication Form must be on file in the school health office and renewed annually.

Required TK/Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment

Education Code Section 49452.8 requires public school students to have an oral health assessment no later than May 31 of their first year of enrollment in a public school. This requirement applies to students entering transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten, and to students enrolled in their first year of public school, including TK, kindergarten, or first grade if not previously enrolled. Students must complete an oral health screening performed by a licensed dental professional and submit proof of the assessment. The assessment must be completed within 12 months of initial enrollment in kindergarten or first grade (if the student did not attend kindergarten).

Oral Health Assessment Form

Waiver of Oral Health Assessment Requirement

Franklin-McKinley School District collaborates with the Healthy Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports schools by providing preventive dental services and oral health education for students, usually at little or no cost to families, to help the district meet state oral health requirements. Please see this link for more information.

If you do not want your child to participate in dental screenings provided by the Healthier Kids Foundation (HKF), please complete the HKF opt-out form and submit it to your child's school office.

Naloxone (Narcan) at School

In accordance with California Education Code Section 49414.3 and guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the district maintains naloxone (Narcan) at school sites for emergency use. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Trained school personnel may administer naloxone to an individual who is experiencing, or is reasonably believed to be experiencing, an opioid overdose while emergency medical services are contacted.

Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan (naloxone) to save a life.

For more information, please visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Naloxone webpage.

Emergency Epinephrine (EpiPen) in Schools

Per California Education Code 49414, as amended by Senate Bill 568, school districts are required to provide emergency epinephrine to students experiencing, or reasonably believed to be experiencing, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can be triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, latex, exercise, or unknown causes and requires immediate treatment.

Franklin-McKinley School District maintains standing orders for the administration of emergency epinephrine (EpiPen) by trained staff or a licensed school nurse. If epinephrine is administered, Emergency Medical Services (911) will be activated. If trained staff or a nurse is not immediately available, 911 will be called.

Parents/guardians must notify the school in writing if a student has a medical condition that makes the use of an EpiPen unsafe or not recommended.

For students at risk of anaphylaxis, parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to provide an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) to be kept at school. Having epinephrine available on-site allows for immediate treatment in the event of a severe allergic reaction, helping to protect the student’s health and safety while emergency services are contacted.

If your child has a food allergy with a history of anaphylaxis, please have your healthcare provider complete and sign the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan and submit it to the school health office.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan:    English   Spanish   Vietnamese

Recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and learn how to safely administer an EpiPen®—quick action can save a life.

For more information, please visit the California Department of Education (CDE) website on the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors.

Stock emergency albuterol inhalers are available at all FMSD school sites to support students or other individuals who are experiencing, or are reasonably believed to be experiencing, respiratory distress. Breathing emergencies can happen unexpectedly, including in students who may not have a known asthma diagnosis, or may not have their personal inhaler available. Stock albuterol allows trained school personnel to respond quickly while emergency medical services and parents/guardians are contacted.

If your child has asthma, you are still required to provide the school with your child’s asthma action plan, medication authorization form, and any prescribed asthma medication needed during the school day. Stock albuterol is intended for emergency use and does not replace a student’s personal asthma plan, prescribed medication, or parent/guardian responsibility to provide medication when needed.

For information about legal regulations regarding stock emergency albuterol inhalers, see California Education Code Section 49414.7.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to occur in Santa Clara County, and screening helps protect the health of students and school communities.

All students enrolling in schools in Santa Clara County must have their healthcare provider complete the Santa Clara County Public Health Department TB Risk Assessment for School Entry form.

For more information on TB screening requirements, refer to the Santa Clara County - Public Health website.

Type 1 Diabetes Information

Pursuant to California Education Code Section 49452.6, this type 1 diabetes information is for local educational agencies to provide to parents and guardians of incoming elementary school students beginning January 1, 2023.

Type 1 diabetes in children is an autoimmune disease that can be fatal if untreated, and the guidance provided in this information sheet is intended to raise awareness about this disease.

Description

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults but can occur at any age

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of type 1 diabetes in youth increased nationally from 187,000 in 2018 to 244,000 in 2019, representing an increase of 25 per 10,000 youths to 35 per 10,000 youths, respectively.
• The peak age of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is 13-14 years, but diagnosis can also occur much earlier or later in life.

Type 1 diabetes affects insulin production

• As a normal function, the body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose (blood sugar), the basic fuel for the body’s cells.
• The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood into the cells.
• In type 1 diabetes, the body’s pancreas stops making insulin, and blood glucose levels rise.
• Over time, glucose can reach dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia.
• Untreated hyperglycemia can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a life-threatening complication of diabetes.

Risk Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes

It is recommended that students displaying warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes, which are described below, should be screened (tested) for the disease by their health care provider.

Risk Factors

Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop type 1 diabetes and others do not; however, having a family history of type 1 diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes. Other factors may play a role in developing type 1 diabetes, including environmental triggers such as viruses. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices.

Warning Signs and Symptoms Associated with Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Warning signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children develop quickly, in a few weeks or months, and can be severe. If your child displays the warning signs below, contact your child’s primary health care provider or pediatrician for a consultation to determine if screening your child for type 1 diabetes is appropriate:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination, including bed-wetting after toilet training
• Increased hunger, even after eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling very tired
• Blurred vision
• Very dry skin
• Slow healing of sores or cuts
• Moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or behavior changes

DKA is a complication of untreated type 1 diabetes. DKA is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:

• Fruity breath
• Dry/flushed skin
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion

Types of Diabetes Screening Tests That Are Available

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A blood test measures the average blood sugar level over two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
• Random (non-fasting) blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken any time without fasting. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher suggests diabetes.
• Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test. A test measuring the fasting blood sugar level after an overnight fast with periodic testing for the next several hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

There are no known ways to prevent type 1 diabetes. Once type 1 diabetes develops, medication is the only treatment. If your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, their health care provider will be able to help develop a treatment plan. Your child’s health care provider may refer your child to an endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in the endocrine system and its disorders, such as diabetes.

Contact your student's school nurse, school administrator, or health care provider if you have questions.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

KidsHealth

Mayo Clinic

National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health’s MedLine

Questions:   Office of School-Based Health Programs | OSBHP@cde.ca.gov

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Type 2 Diabetes Information

Pursuant to California Education Code Section 49452.7, this type 2 diabetes information is for local educational agencies to provide to parents and guardians of incoming seventh grade students beginning July 1, 2010.

The California Department of Education developed this type 2 diabetes information in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, American Diabetes Association, California School Nurses Organization, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Also see available translations of this information.

Description

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults.

• Until a few years ago, type 2 diabetes was rare in children, but it is becoming more common, especially for overweight teens.
• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three American children born after 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime.

Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to use sugar (glucose) for energy.

• The body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body’s cells.
• The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cells.
• In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist the effects of insulin, and blood glucose levels rise.
• Over time, glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia.
• Hyperglycemia can lead to health problems like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.

Risk Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

It is recommended that students displaying or possibly experiencing the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes be screened (tested) for the disease.

Risk Factors

Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop type 2 diabetes and others do not; however, the following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children:

• Being overweight. The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children is excess weight. In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is overweight. The chances are more than double that an overweight child will develop diabetes.
• Family history of diabetes. Many affected children and youth have at least one parent with diabetes or have a significant family history of the disease.
• Inactivity. Being inactive further reduces the body's ability to respond to insulin.
• Specific racial/ethnic groups. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, or Asian/Pacific Islanders are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 diabetes.
• Puberty. Young people in puberty are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger children, probably because of normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance during this stage of rapid growth and physical development.

Warning Signs and Symptoms Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

Warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children develop slowly, and initially there may be no symptoms. However, not everyone with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes develops these warning signs, and not everyone who has these symptoms necessarily has type 2 diabetes.

• Increased hunger, even after eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination
• Feeling very tired
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of sores or cuts
• Dark velvety or ridged patches of skin, especially on the back of the neck or under the arms
• Irregular periods, no periods, and/or excess facial and body hair growth in girls
• High blood pressure or abnormal blood fats levels

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Methods and Treatments

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. Even with a family history of diabetes, eating healthy foods in the correct amounts and exercising regularly can help children achieve or maintain a normal weight and normal blood glucose levels.

• Eat healthy foods. Make wise food choices. Eat foods low in fat and calories.
• Get more physical activity. Increase physical activity to at least 60 minutes every day.
• Take medication. If diet and exercise are not enough to control the disease, it may be necessary to treat type 2 diabetes with medication.

The first step in treating type 2 diabetes is to visit a doctor. A doctor can determine if a child is overweight based on the child's age, weight, and height. A doctor can also request tests of a child's blood glucose to see if the child has diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition which may lead to type 2 diabetes).

Types of Diabetes Screening Tests That Are Available

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A blood test measures the average blood sugar level over two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
• Random (non-fasting) blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken at a random time. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher suggests diabetes. This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.
• Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL is normal. A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test. A test measuring the fasting blood sugar level after an overnight fast with periodic testing for the next several hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes in children is a preventable/treatable disease and the guidance provided in this information sheet is intended to raise awareness about this disease. Contact your student's school nurse, school administrator, or health care provider if you have questions.

References

American Diabetes Association Clinical Journal

Helping Children with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel

KidsHealth

Mayo Clinic

National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health’s MedLine

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Questions:   Office of School-Based Health Programs | OSBHP@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-6277

Last Reviewed: Monday, March 24, 2025