3542 3542Business/Non-Instructional Operations
Food Services
The school lunch program shall be an integral part of the school district s total educational program. An attractive, wholesome, well-balanced lunch is essential for students to produce their best work.
Administration of the food services program will be coordinated by a Food Services Director, under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.
The educational aspects of the school lunch program will be the responsibility of each building Principal, subject to advice, counsel, and direction from the Superintendent of Schools.
Business functions will include the use of cooperative purchasing of food and supplies when possible and appropriate, planned nutritionally balanced menus, and an annual audit of the related accounts.
The Board of Education shall approve the type of food services to be provided, prices for school lunches, and milk prices for students and school personnel.
Each building principal, in consultation with the Food Services Director, shall be responsible for the organization of the lunchroom routine. Variations from a typical routine is subject to approval by the Superintendent of Schools.
Food services shall be offered only to students, school personnel, and to such occasional school guests as the building Principal may authorize.
Records and Reports
Monthly reports and operating statements for the school lunch program and cafeterias shall be prepared by the Bookkeeper and transmitted to the Superintendent of Schools (Superintendent). Reports to the Board will be presented at regular meetings.
Free or Reduced Price Lunches
National School Lunch Program regulations require that lunches be provided for needy students when family income is insufficient to provide the basic necessities, including food of the proper quality and amount for good nutrition. The Board shall follow all applicable Federal and State guidelines to carry out this program.
A letter and application form will be distributed to all parents during the first few weeks of school. The letter will contain information on the eligibility standards, procedures for applying for free meals for needy children, and how an appeal may be filed for an adjustment in the decision with respect to their application. This information and an application form will be provided whenever a new student is enrolled.
A public news release containing this same information will be made available to local news representatives early in the school year. Copies of this public release will be made available upon request to any interested party. Subsequent changes in the school eligibility standards during the school year, which are approved by the State agency, will also be publicly announced.
1. Free or reduced price lunches and/or supplementary milk will be provided for all students who qualify on the basis of financial need. Breakfast snacks may be provided in cases of extreme nutritional deficiency.
2. There shall be no discrimination in the furnishings of meals or supplementary milk (because of race, religion, handicap, source of income, etc.)
3. The anonymity of students receiving assistance under this policy shall be protected. The names of these students will be treated in a confidential manner. They will use the same tickets for milk and lunch and will obtain these items in the same manner and place as do all other children.
4. Requests for free lunches, reduced price lunches and/or supplementary milk which have been denied may be appealed to the Superintendent.
5. Records of students receiving assistance will be kept in each school. A monthly report will be submitted to the school system office where records for audit purposes will be maintained.
6. If school authorities feel that a family s financial situation has changed, and the students are no longer eligible for free meals, the Superintendent will ask for a review of the facts of the situation. If the facts warrant it, the Superintendent may institute a hearing procedure to question the continued eligibility. In the event of such a challenge, the family will be given a reasonable period of time in advance of the hearing to review the information on which the challenge is based. Students will continue to receive free meals until the conclusion of the hearing.
7. Eligibility for the "Meals for Needy Children" program will be based on the following:
A. Emergency Situations
A child's statement of need is sufficient for providing assistance on a temporary basis. A family contact should be made immediately to determine extent and probable duration of need. In cases of family emergency such as sudden unemployment, illness, death, desertion, etc., assistance will be provided as needed.
School Food Safety Inspections/School Food Safety Program
The District shall comply with state and federal requirements for conducting cafeteria health and safety inspections and ensuring employee participation in appropriate inspection services and training programs.
The District shall obtain two (2) safety inspections per year in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations. The District shall post the most recent inspection report and release a copy of the report to members of the public upon request.
The District shall comply with federal regulations in developing a food safety program that enables District schools to take systematic action to prevent or minimize the risk of food borne illness among students.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-215 Lunches, breakfasts and other feeding programs for public school children and employees.
10-215a Nonpublic school and nonprofit agency participation in feeding programs.
10-215b Duties of State Board of Education re feeding programs.
10-216 Payment of expenses.
State Board of Education Regulations
10-215b-1 School lunch and nutrition programs.
10-215b-11 Requirement for meals.
10-215b-12 Reimbursement payments. (including free and reduced price meals)
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, 42 U.S.C. Section 1751.
School Lunch and Breakfast Programs 42 U.S.C. Section 1751 et seq.
National Food Service Programs, Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR Part 210, Part 220, Part 215, Part 245.
42 U.S.C. Sec. 1758(h)/7 CFR Sect 210.13, 220.7 (School Food Safety Inspections).
Federal Register (74 Fed. Reg. 66213) amending federal regulations (7CFR Part 210 and 220).
Policy adopted: December 5, 2006
Policy revised: September 20, 2011
Students
Administering Medication
The purpose of this policy is for the Board of Education (Board) to determine who shall administer medications in a school and the circumstances under which self-administration of medication by students shall be permitted.
The Board of Education allows students to self-administer medication and school personnel to administer medication to students in accordance with the established procedures, and applicable state regulations, sections 10-212a-1 through 10-212a-10 inclusive. In order to provide immunity afforded to school personnel who administer medication, the Board of Education, with the advice and approval of the School Medical Advisor and the school nurse supervisor, shall review and/or revise this policy and regulation biennially concerning the administration of medications to District students by a nurse, or in the absence of a nurse, by qualified personnel for schools.. The District s School Medical Advisor (or other qualified physician) shall approve this policy, its regulations and any changes prior to adoption by the Board.
Definitions
Administration of medication means any one of the following activities: handling, storing, preparing or pouring of medication; conveying it to the student according to the medication order; observing the student inhale, apply, swallow, or self-inject the medication, when applicable; documenting that the medication was administered; and counting remaining doses to verify proper administration and use of the medication.
Authorized prescriber means a physician, dentist, optometrist, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant and for interscholastic and intramural athletic events only, a podiatrist.
Before - and after-school program means any child care program operated and administered by a local or regional Board of Education or municipality exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health. Such programs shall not include public or private entities licensed by the Department of Public Health or Board of Education enhancement programs and extra-curricular activities.
Board of Education means a local or regional Board of Education, a regional educational service center, a unified school district, the regional vocational-technical school system, an approved private special education facility, the Gilbert School, the Norwich Free Academy, Woodstock Academy or a non-public school whose students receive services pursuant to Section 10-217a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Cartridge injector means an automatic prefilled cartridge injector or similar automatic injectable equipment used to deliver epinephrine in a standard dose for emergency first aid response to allergic reaction.
Controlled drugs means those drugs as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240.
Cumulative health record means the cumulative health record of a student mandated by Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-206.
Director means the person responsible for the operation and administration of any school readiness program or before- and after-school program.
Error means:
(1) the failure to do any of the following as ordered:
(a) administer a medication to a student;
(b) administer medication within the time designated by the prescribing physician;
(c) administer the specific medication prescribed for a student;
(d) administer the correct dosage of medication;
(e) administer medication by the proper route; and/or
(f) administer the medication according to generally accepted standards of practice; or
(2) the administration of medication to a student which is not ordered by an authorized prescriber, or which is not authorized in writing by the parent or guardian of such student.
Extracurricular activities means activities sponsored by local or regional Boards of Education that occur outside of the school day, are not part of the educational program, and do not meet the definition of before- and after-school programs and school readiness programs.
Guardian means one who has the authority and obligations of guardianship of the person of a minor, and includes: (1) the obligation of care and control; and (2) the authority to make major decisions affecting the minor s welfare, including, but not limited to, consent determinations regarding marriage, enlistment in the armed forces and major medical, psychiatric or surgical treatment.
Intramural athletic events means tryouts, competition, practice, drills, and transportation to and from events that are within the bounds of a school district for the purpose of providing an opportunity for students to participate in physical activities and athletic contests that extend beyond the scope of the physical education program.
Interscholastic athletic events means events between or among schools for the purpose of providing an opportunity for students to participate in competitive contests which are highly organized and extend beyond the scope of intramural programs and includes tryouts, competition, practice, drills, and transportation to and from such events.
Investigational drug means any medication with an approved investigational new drug (IND) application on file with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is being scientifically tested and clinically evaluated to determine its efficacy, safety and side effects and which has not yet received FDA approval.
Medication means any medicinal preparation including over-the-counter, prescription and controlled drugs, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240. This definition includes Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aspirin substitutes containing Acetaminophen.
Medication plan means a documented plan established by the school nurse in conjunction with the parent and student regarding the administration of medication in school. Such plan may be a stand-alone plan, part of an individualized health care plan, an emergency care plan or a medication administration form.
Medication order means the written direction by an authorized prescriber for the administration of medication to a student which shall include the name of the student, the name and generic name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, the route of administration, the time of administration, the frequency of administration, the indications for medication, any potential side effects including overdose or missed dose of the medication, the start and termination dates not to exceed a 12-month period, and the written signature of the prescriber.
Nurse means an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse or a practical nurse licensed in Connecticut in accordance with Chapter 378 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Occupational therapist means an occupational therapist employed by the local or regional board of education and licensed in Connecticut pursuant to Chapter 376 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Paraprofessional means a health care aide or assistant or an instructional aide or assistant employed by the local or regional Board of Education who meets the requirements of such Board for employment as a health care aide or assistant or instructional aide or assistant.
Physical therapist means a physical therapist employed by the local or regional Board of Education and licensed in Connecticut pursuant to Chapter 376 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Physician means a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut pursuant to Chapters 370 and 371 of the Connecticut General Statutes, or licensed to practice medicine in another state.
Principal means the administrator in the school.
Qualified personnel for schools means (a) a full-time employee who meets the local or regional Board of Education requirements as a principal, teacher, occupational therapist or physical therapist and has been trained in the administration of medication in accordance with Section 10-212a-3 of the State regulations; (b) a coach and licensed athletic trainer who has been trained in the administration of medication pursuant to Section 10-212a-8 of the State regulations; or (c) a paraprofessional who has been trained in the administration of medication pursuant to Section 10-212a-9 of the State regulations. For school readiness programs and before- and after-school programs, Directors or Director s designee, lead teachers and school administrators who have been trained in the administration of medication may administer medications pursuant to Section 10-212a-10 of the State regulations.
Research or study medications means FDA-approved medications being administered according to an approved study protocol. A copy of the study protocol shall be provided to the school nurse along with the name of the medication to be administered and the acceptable range of dose of such medication to be administered.
School means any educational facility or program which is under the jurisdiction of the Board excluding extracurricular activities.
School nurse means a nurse appointed in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-212.
School nurse supervisor means the nurse designated by the local or regional Board of Education as the supervisor or, if no designation has been made by the Board, the lead or coordinating nurse assigned by the Board.
School readiness program means a program that receives funds from the State Department of Education for a school readiness program pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 10-16p of the Connecticut General Statutes and exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of Section 19a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Self-administration of medication means the control of the medication by the student at all times and is self-managed by the student according to the individual medication plan.
Teacher means a person employed by a Board of Education who has met the minimum standards as established by that Board for performance as a teacher and has been approved by the School Medical Advisor and school nurse to be designated to administer medications pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sections 10-212a-l through 10-212a-7.
General Policies on Administration of Medication
A child with diabetes may test his/her own blood glucose level per the written order of a physician or advanced practice nurse stating the need and the capacity of such child to conduct self-testing, along with written authorization of the parent/guardian and approval of the school nurse. Such self-testing shall be pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Commissioner of Education.
A child diagnosed with asthma or an allergic condition, pursuant to State Board of Education regulations, may carry an inhaler or an Epipen or similar device in the school at all times if he/she is under the care of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and such practitioner certifies in writing to the Board of Education that the child needs to keep an asthmatic inhaler or Epipen at all times to ensure prompt treatment of the child s asthma or allergic condition and protect the child against serious harm or death. A written authorization of the parent/guardian is also required.
A school nurse may administer medication to any student pursuant to the written order of an authorized prescriber (physician, dentist, optometrist, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant and for interscholastic and intramural athletic events only, a podiatrist) and the written authorization of a parent or guardian of such child or eligible student and the written permission of the parent/guardian for the exchange of information between the prescriber and the school nurse necessary to ensure the safe administration of such medication.
In the absence of a school nurse, any other nurse licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 378, including a nurse employed by, or providing services under the direction of the Board of Education at a school-based clinic, only qualified personnel for schools who have been properly trained may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse upon approval of the School Medical Advisor and the school nurse may administer medication to any student in the school following the successful completion of specific training in administration of medication and satisfactory completion of the required criminal history check.
Medications with a cartridge injector may be administered by qualified personnel for schools only to a student with a medically diagnosed allergic condition which may require prompt treatment to protect the student against serious harm or death. Qualified personnel for schools, as defined, may administer oral, topical, intranasal, or inhalant medication in the absence of a licensed nurse. Investigational drugs or research or study medications may not be administered by qualified personnel for schools.
Coaches and licensed athletic trainers during intramural and interscholastic events may administer medications pursuant to Section 10-212a-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and as described in this policy and in the administrative regulations to this policy.
In compliance with all applicable state statutes and regulations, parents/guardians may administer medications to their own children on school grounds.
Administration of Medication by Paraprofessionals
A trained paraprofessional, through a plan approved by a school nurse supervisor and School Medical Advisor, may administer medications including medications administered with a cartridge injector, to a specific student with a medically diagnosed allergic condition that may require prompt treatment in order to protect the student against serious harm or death pursuant to Section 10-212a-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and as described in the administrative regulations. The approved plan also requires the written authorization of the student s parent/guardian and pursuant to the written order from the student s authorized prescriber licensed to prescribe medication.
Administration of Medications in School Readiness Programs and Before- and After- School Programs
Directors, or their designees, who may include lead teachers or school administrators, who have been properly trained, may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse or other registered nurse, in school readiness programs and before- and after-school programs that are child care programs. Such programs must either be District-administered or administered by a municipality exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health and are located in a District public school. Medicine may be administered pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Section 10-212a-10, to children enrolled in these programs.
Administration of medications shall be provided only when it is medically necessary for program participants to access the program and maintain their health status while attending the program. A child attending any before- or after-school program, defined as any child care program operated and administered by the Board in any building or on the grounds of any district school, upon the request and with the written authorization of the child s parent/guardian and pursuant to the written order from the student s authorized prescriber, will be supervised by the District staff member (Director or designee, lead teacher, school administrator) trained to administer medication including a cartridge injector. Such administration shall be to a particular student medically diagnosed with an allergy that may require prompt treatment to avoid serious harm or death.
Investigational drugs or research or study medications may not be administered by Directors or their designees, lead teachers or school administrators.
Properly trained Directors, Directors designees, lead teachers or school administrators may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse or other registered nurse. They may administer oral, topical, intranasal, or inhalant medications. No medication shall be administered without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written approval of the parent/guardian.
The selected staff member shall be trained in the use of a cartridge injector by either a licensed physician, physician s assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse.
The administration shall determine, in cooperation with the School Medical Advisor and school nurse whether additional school nursing services/nurses are required based on the needs of the program and the participants in the program. This determination shall include whether a licensed nurse is required on site. The recommendation shall be subject to Board approval.
The Board will allow students in the school readiness and before- and after-school programs to self-administer medication according to the student s individual health plan and only with the written order of an authorized prescriber, written authorization of the child s parent or guardian, written approval of the school nurse (The nurse has evaluated the situation and deemed it appropriate and safe and has developed a plan for general supervision of such self-medication.), and with the written permission of the parent or guardian for the exchange of information between the prescriber and the school nurse necessary to ensure the safe administration of such medication.
An error in the administration of medication shall be reported immediately to the school nurse, the parents/guardians and the prescribing physician. In case of an anaphylactic reaction or the risk of such reaction a school nurse may administer emergency oral and/or injectable medication to any child in need thereof on school grounds, or in the school building, according to the standing order of the School Medical Advisor or the child s private physician. However, in an emergency any other person trained in CPR and First Aid may administer emergency oral and/or injectable medication to any child in need on school grounds, or in the school building. In addition, local poison control center information shall be readily available at the sites of these programs. The Program Director or his/her designee shall be responsible for decision making in the absence of the nurse.
In the event of a medical emergency, the following will be readily available: (1) local poison information center contact information; (2) the physician, clinic or emergency room to be contacted in such an emergency; and (3) the name of the person responsible for the decision making in the absence of a school nurse.
All medications shall be handled and stored in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) to (k) inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, as outlined in the accompanying administrative regulation to this policy.
Where possible, a separate supply of the child s medication shall be stored at the site of the before- or after-school program or school readiness program. If this is not possible, a plan should be in place to ensure the timely transfer of the medication from the school to the program and back on a daily basis.
Documentation and record keeping shall be done in compliance with the stipulations outlined in the administrative regulation accompanying this policy.
THE PORTION OF THIS POLICY PERTAINING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION IN SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMS AND BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD PERIODICALLY WITH INPUT FROM THE SCHOOL MEDICAL ADVISOR OR A LICENSED PHYSICIAN AND THE SCHOOL NURSE SUPERVISOR.
Administration of Medication by Coaches and Licensed Athletic Trainers During Intramural and Interscholastic Events
During intramural and interscholastic athletic events, a coach or licensed athletic trainer who has been trained in the general principles of medication administration applicable to receiving, storing, and assisting with inhalant medications or cartridge injector medications and documentation, may administer medication for select students for whom self-administration plans are not viable options as determined by the school nurse. The medication which may be administered is limited to: (1) inhalant medications prescribed to treat respiratory conditions and (2) medication administered with a cartridge injector for students with a medically diagnosed allergic condition which may require prompt treatment to protect the student against serious harm or death.
The school nurse is responsible for the student s individualized medication plan and shall provide the coach with a copy of the authorized prescriber s order and the parental/guardian permission form. Parents are responsible for providing the medication, such as the inhaler or cartridge injector, to the coach or licensed athletic trainer, which shall be kept separate from the medication stored in the school health office during the school day.
Medications to be used in athletic events shall be stored in containers for the exclusive use of holding medications; in locations that preserve the integrity of the medication; under the general supervision of the coach or licensed athletic trainer trained in the administration of medication; and in a locked secure cabinet when not in use at athletic events.
The agreement of the coach or licensed athletic trainer is necessary for the administration of emergency medication and the implementation of the emergency care plan.
Coaches and athletic trainers are required to fulfill the documentation requirements as outlined in the administrative regulations accompanying this policy. Errors in the administration of medication shall be addressed as specified in Section 10-212a-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and detailed in the administrative regulation pertaining to this policy. If the school nurse is not available, a report may be submitted by the coach or licensed athletic trainer to the school nurse on the next school day.
(cf. 4112.5/4212.5 Security Check/Fingerprinting)
(cf. 5141 Student Health Services)
(cf. 5141.23 Students with Special Health Care Needs)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-206 Health Assessment
10-212 School nurses and nurse practitioners. Administration of medications by parents or guardians on school grounds. Criminal history; records check.
10-212a Administration of medications in schools. (as amended by PA 99-2, and June Special Session and PA 03-211, PA 04-181, PA 07-241, PA 07-252 and PA 09-155)
19a-900 Use of cartridge injector by staff member of before- or after-school program, day camp or day care facility.
21a-240 Definitions
29-17a Criminal history checks. Procedure. Fees.
52-557b Immunity from liability for emergency medical assistance first aid or medication by injection. School personnel not required to administer or render. (as amended by PA 05-144, An Act Concerning the Emergency Use of Cartridge Injectors)
Connecticut Regulations of State Agencies 10-212a-1 through 10-212a-10, inclusive
Code of Federal Regulations: Title 21 Part 1307.2
20-12d Medical functions performed by physician assistants. Prescription authority.
20-94a Licensure as advanced practice registered nurse.
PA 07-241 An Act Concerning Minor Changes to the Education Statutes
29-17a Criminal history checks. Procedure. Fees.
Policy adopted: September 20, 2011