GPS Health Services
Gilbert Public Schools has nurse coverage in association with health assistants in all of our schools. We are available to assist students with illness and injury related problems. In addition to these primary services, we conduct health screenings, assist students and families with referrals for health related services, do follow-up, and act as a health education resource person for students, their families and our GPS staff. Important information from Maricopa County Department of Public Health regarding pertussis (whooping cough) - Pertussis Awareness Letter
SCREENINGS
Hearing: Hearing screenings are given to selected groups of students per mandate under the guidelines of the Arizona Department of Health Hearing Conservation Program. Usually grades preschool, K-2, 6th, and 9th every year. All special education students are screened on a yearly basis.
Vision: Vision screening are conducted each year with selected groups of students per Arizona guidelines. Usually grades preschool, K,1,3, and 6 are done each year.
Scoliosis: Students are screened for scoliosis which is a curvature of the spine. Scoliosis checks are conducted in grades 6 and 7.
Other Screenings: Heights and weights are done in some elementary grades. Optional blood pressure screening may be conducted in grade 5. Head Lice Information: Elementary school health office staff will send home a general letter when lice have been detected in the classroom of your student. Lice infestation has nothing to do with socioeconomic status or hygiene standards. Anyone can get head lice. More information. 
MRSA and Schools
Lately we have had many parents and staff members expressing concern over recent media attention to the topic of MRSA and schools. Please know that Gilbert Public Schools and its Health Services staff are working closely with the guidelines from the Arizona Department of Public Health to ensure the continual health and safety of our students and their school environment. We have posted some excellent website links you might want to visit regarding MRSA and schools.
MRSA in Arizona
MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to a group of antibiotics.
What is Staphylococcus aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph can sometimes cause an infection. Most of these skin infections are minor and can be treated without antibiotics. However, staph also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections or pneumonia).
The ADHS website contains additional information on MRSA. The ADHS web page also includes a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) new web page about MRSA in schools, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/. The CDC web page covers the topic in greater depth and includes many useful links to educational materials and school toolkits. |
