School response to cases of head lice

In keeping with our policy of avoiding the unnecessary exclusion of students from school, the district will not exclude otherwise healthy students from school due to nit (lice egg/larvae) infestations. Students with adult head lice infestations will be excluded from school only to the minimum extent necessary for treatment. To avoid the unnecessary exclusion of students from school, the administration provides the following procedure:

1. Schools will not perform routine school wide head lice screening. However, should multiple cases be reported, the nurse/health aide may identify students most likely to have been exposed and arrange to have that population of students examined.
2. If the school nurse/health aide or teacher discovers head lice or nits, the parent/guardian of that student will be notified, and other students who reside with the infested student will also be checked.
3. The school nurse will instruct the parent/guardian concerning various shampoos, sprays and other appropriate treatments that can be purchased to eliminate head lice or nits and will also give information concerning necessary procedures to be taken in the home to ensure that the head lice are eliminated.
4. If the student was infested with live head lice, the student should be removed from school by parent/guardian and may not return to school until treatment is completed and no live head lice remain.
5. When a student who had a live head lice infestation returns to school, the student will be transported by a parent/guardian and the student will be examined by the school nurse/health aide. If live head lice are found at that time, the parent/guardian will be reinstructed concerning treatment. The student will be excluded from school until the student is free of head lice.
6. A student who was identified as having nits but not a live head lice infestation will be re-examined within five calendar days of the initial identification. If this examination reveals nits are still present, the parent/guardian will again be instructed on treatment options. This process will repeat until the student is free of nits.
7. The school nurse/health aide will keep accurate and confidential records of students infested with head lice or nits.
8. If it appears the parent/guardian of an infested student is failing to secure timely treatment for the infestation after having been given notice of the existence of head lice or nits in accordance with these procedures, the nurse/health aide will notify the school principal, who may report the matter to the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services.

The school nurse/health aide will develop education programs regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of head lice for staff, students, parents and the community.

Any questions should be directed to our director of health services at (816) 847-5006 x1409.

 

You can also visit the CDC website for more information on head lice.

Contagious Illness/Communicable Disease:

Students will be excluded from school due to illness based upon recommendations of “Prevention and Control of Communicable Disease”. This complete manual is able to be viewed at on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website. Students will also be sent home from school if the following are present:

• Diarrhea as defined by watery stools, decreased form of stool that is not associated with changes of diet. Students can return to school once the diarrhea subsides.
• Fever as defined as any student with a temperature of 100.0 or greater. The student must remain home until he/she has been fever free, without the use of medication, for 24 hours.
• Vomiting – Students must remain home if they have had two or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours. Student should be excluded from school until vomiting stops or until a health care provider determines that the cause of vomiting is not contagious and that the child is not in danger of dehydration. 

Emergencies /Injury Guidelines:

Students who have a medical emergency or injury at school will be treated according to the “Emergency Guidelines for Schools and Child Care Facilities” manual. This manual is available in each school building and on the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services website.

Medication Guidelines:

Medications should be administered at home whenever possible. Medications prescribed for three times per day can generally be given before school, after school and at bedtime. If medications are given at school these guidelines must be followed.

1. All medications (prescription and over the counter) must be prescribed by a physician either by a prescription or a written physicians order.
2. A medication consent form must be signed by a parent/guardian for each medication.
3. Medications should be brought to school by an adult and the first dose of any medication will not be given by the school.
4. Medications must be in an original, current prescription bottle. Pharmacists will provide an extra labeled bottle for school doses.
5. Medications sent in envelopes, baggies, etc. will not be given.
6. The prescription label must contain child’s name, name of medication, dosage, and directions (time of doses, etc.)
7. Over the counter medications must be in the original container, with a written doctor’s order stating the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, directions, reason for giving medication and any contra indications.
8. Expired medications will not be given. Prescriptions over thirty days old will not be given unless prescription indicates a two or three month supply.
9. Parents must provide medications. Our schools do not stock medications.

All inhalers must be in the box with the RX label or an RX label directly affixed to the inhaler.

Since young children play in such close contact, it is very easy for them to pass diseases like a cold, flu, or bronchitis to each other. Help by keeping your child home if he/she is sick.

View the 2025–2026 Missouri School Immunization Requirements (PDF)

Ver los Requisitos de Vacunación Escolar de Missouri 2025–2026 (PDF)

Meningococcal: Menactra

Is required for:

• All adolescents over the age of 11 and a second vaccination over the age of 16
• All students entering 8th grade are required to have one Meningococcal vaccine
• All students entering 12th grade are required to have two doses of Meningococcal vaccine unless the first dose is administered on or after the age of 16, then only one dose is required.

Tdap (tetanus diphtheria and pertussis): Adacel/Boostrix

Is required for all incoming 8th graders and all students 9th through 12 grades who have not previously received the vaccine.

Remember your student will not be allowed to begin school unless he/she is fully immunized. According to Missouri Law, students must have shots completed or proof that they are in progress to be compliant with this law.

Contact your school Nurse/Health Aide or the Jackson County Health Department at (816) 404-6415 if you have any questions.

CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (Birth to 18 years)

A Message to Our Community: Our Commitment to Safety

At Grain Valley Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. To enhance our preparedness for medical emergencies, our district has adopted new protocols in response to Missouri bill SB 68 and the Stop the Bleed awareness campaign. This proactive measure equips our schools with the resources and training necessary to respond effectively to severe bleeding injuries.

Understanding the "Stop the Bleed" Initiative

Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. In emergency situations, it can take several minutes for first responders to arrive. The "Stop the Bleed" program empowers bystanders to act as immediate first responders, providing life-saving care in those critical moments. By training our staff and equipping our schools, we are building a safer environment for everyone.
 

What This Means for Our Schools

To comply with the new state mandate, we've implemented the following measures:

• Bleeding Control Kits: We have placed bleeding control kits in strategic, easily accessible locations throughout all our schools. These kits are stocked with essential supplies, including tourniquets, gauze, and gloves.
• Staff Training: Our staff will receive comprehensive training on how to use these kits and apply life-saving bleeding control techniques. The training focuses on three key actions: applying direct pressure to a wound, packing a wound with gauze or clothing, and applying a tourniquet when appropriate.
• Developed Protocols: We have developed clear protocols for responding to traumatic blood loss, ensuring a coordinated and swift response in an emergency.

We are proud to take these steps to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and provide a safer environment for our students and staff. We believe that empowering our school community with these skills can make a life-saving difference.

STOP THE BLEED EMERGENCY RESPONSE

If emergency treatment is not needed, bleeding can usually be stopped by applying steady, direct pressure and elevating the wound. The following steps will protect the skin wound and protect you from exposure to another person's blood.

Before you try to stop the bleeding:

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water, if available.
2. Put on medical gloves, if available, before applying direct pressure to the wound. If gloves are not available, use many layers of clean cloth, plastic bags, or the cleanest material available between your hands and the wound.
3. Have the injured person hold direct pressure on the wound, if possible, and elevate the injured area.
4. Use your bare hands to apply direct pressure only as a last resort.

To stop the bleeding:

1. Have the injured person lie down and elevate the site that is bleeding.
2. Remove any visible objects in the wound that are easy to remove. Control the bleeding before trying to clean the wound.
3. Remove or cut clothing from around the wound. Remove any jewelry from the general area of the wound so if the area swells, the jewelry will not affect blood flow.
4. Apply steady, direct pressure and elevate the area for a full 15 minutes. Use a clock—15 minutes can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see whether bleeding has stopped. If blood soaks through the cloth, apply another one without lifting the first. If there is an object in the wound, apply pressure around the object, not directly over it.
5. If moderate to severe bleeding has not slowed or stopped, continue direct pressure while getting help. Do not use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Do all you can to keep the wound clean and avoid further injury to the area.

Mild bleeding usually stops on its own or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes.

Occasionally a puncture wound causes bleeding underneath the skin, but only a small amount of blood comes out of the wound. When this happens, the area around the puncture wound may become swollen and bruised. If the bleeding causes blood to collect in the wound site (wound hematoma), the risk of an infection increases.

While following the steps to stop the bleeding, watch for signs of shock in the injured person, including:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like the person may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing up.
• Being less alert. The person may suddenly be unable to respond to questions, or they may be confused, restless, or fearful.

Grain Valley Student Vaccination Clinics This March

Grain Valley parents, it is time to check "school shots" off your list. Jackson County Public Health is partnering with the Grain Valley School District to host on-site vaccine clinics this March for students entering 8th and 12th grade in the fall.

Getting these vaccinations now helps you avoid the busy late-summer rush and ensure your student is ready for enrollment. Plus, parents do not have to be present at the time of vaccination.

Clinic Schedule & Registration

Please register your student online at least three business days before the clinic date.

Grain Valley High School

• Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
• Deadline: Register by Thursday, February 26
• Registration for Grain Valley High School Vaccination Clinics

Grain Valley North Middle School

• Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Deadline: Register by Friday, February 27
• Registration for Grain Valley North Middle School Vaccination Clinics

Grain Valley South Middle School

• Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Deadline: Register by Friday, February 27
• Registration for Grain Valley South Middle School Vaccination Clinics

What Vaccines Are Available?

The clinics focus on the specific immunizations required or recommended for students entering middle and high school:

• Students entering 8th Grade next fall: Most students will need Tdap and MCV4. The HPV vaccine is also highly recommended at this age.
• Students entering 12th Grade next fall: Most students will need MCV4. MenB and HPV are also highly recommended.
• Additional vaccines available: DTaP, Polio, Hepatitis B, MMR, Chickenpox, COVID-19, Annual Flu, and Hepatitis A
• Cost: Vaccines are free with accepted insurance or a flat $20 fee without insurance.

Other Options

If these clinic dates do not work for your student, you can schedule an appointment at the Jackson County Public Health office in Lee's Summit. They are open weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. For more information, visit the Jackson County Public Health website or schedule a vaccination appointment online.

Contact the health aide at your child’s school to obtain any of the following health forms:

• Anaphylaxis-Life-Threatening Allergies
• Asthma Action Plan
• Health Condition Action Plan
• Hypoglycemia Diabetes Action Plan
• Medical Consent and Record
• Seizure Action Plan
• Sickle Cell Disease Action Plan
• Student Self-Administration of Meds

If you have any questions, please reach out to Health Services.

CDC Immunization Schedule

Concussion Information

Infection Prevention/MRSA

Jackson County Health Department

Kids Healthy Info/Interactive Games

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