Hello, my name is Stacie Taylor and I have been a nurse for 13 years. This year is my 5th year with Liberty High School. I am here for you if you have any questions or concerns and look forward to this school year. 

Health Information (revised 1/29/2021)

Before winter break, any in-person learner in grades 7 and 10 were screened for vision and hearing. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations by the CDC, we did not conduct scoliosis screenings. Below is an information sheet parents may read that will explain scoliosis and our usual testing procedures. If you have received a letter suggesting a follow-up with a doctor, please contact me and let me know of any appointments you may have had or have made. Thank you. 

Bedford County Public Schools Scoliosis Information Sheet

For Parents of Students in Grades 5 through 10

The Code of Virginia requires that the school division provide information to parents regarding scoliosis. After reading this information, if you have any questions please feel free to contact your school nurse or local physician.

What is scoliosis?

• Our spines are normally straight, scoliosis occurs when an abnormal curve of the spine or back bone appears. The spine looks crooked and will curve to the side. The Scoliosis Research Society defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or greater on x-ray.

  How do I know if my child has a curved spine?

• Screening of adolescents at school is the bast method for early detection. Bedford County Public Schools provides scoliosis screening for students in grades 5, 7 and 10.
• If scoliosis is suspected after a school screening a referral letter is sent home requesting that a physician examine your child’s back.
• Some signs of scoliosis are a shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other, uneven hips or shoulder levels, clothes that do not fit or “hang right” on the child.
• Scoliosis seems to run in families and is more common in girls than boys. So if your child has scoliosis, it is suggested that the other members of the family be checked too.

How is scoliosis treated?

• Depending on the degree of curve-identified, treatment can vary from none, to six-month rechecks, bracing or surgery. During rapid periods of adolescent growth, changes can occur quickly and identifying any concern with the spine is important.

Bedford County school nurse team have collaborated to ensure that the appropriate measure is taken with the treatment of learners with suspected communicable illnesses. Please assist us with this matter by making sure your child stays home if an illness is suspected.
Medications
If it is possible for your child to take medications at home it is highly recommended that this is where he/she takes it. This is for the health/safety of other students and staff and will limit visits to the clinic, use of the hallways and student contact. 
7th Grade Entry Requirements:
Parents of rising 7th grade students: To align with current guidelines, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation effective July 1, 2019, that requires students entering 7th grade to have received the Tdap booster vaccination.  Proof of the vaccine will be REQUIRED prior to the start of their 7th grade school year.   
Asthma and Inhalers
Per the recommendation from the CDC, Bedford County will not be performing nebulizations in the clinic. If it is decided that your child requires the use of a nebulizer a phone call will be made for you to pick up your child. 
All self carry learners will need to come to the clinic to use their inhaler. It is also preferred if a spacer is used with the inhaler. 

Pick up of sick child

If it is determined that your child is sick and needs to go home please make prompt arrangements to pick up your child when notified that he/she is ill. This should be no less than 1 hour. 

Please make sure that your emergency contact numbers are kept current. 
Should your child stay home? Here is an easy reference from the CDC-
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/schools-childcare/COVID19-k-12-school-posters-stay-home-when-sick.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID19-symptoms-24x36-en.pdf

Health care plans
If you were sent a health care plan at the end of the year and during the summer, please be sure to turn these in before school starting if at all possible. Please be sure to have all necessary medications, etc that are needed by your child and make arrangements with me to leave in the clinic. 
Screenings
Screenings will be a little different this year. We will not be doing scoliosis checks which will limit contact. I will be checking 7th and 10th graders on more sporadic dates until winter dates instead of within 2 days. If you receive a letter from me it means a problem has been identified. Please reply to any letter sent out. Thank you. 

This year we must practice social distancing, using masks and good hand hygiene. Here is a video from the CDC on how to properly wash your hands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=eZw4Ga3jg3E&feature=emb_title

It is always a good idea to regularly check the VDH and CDC website for current health information. 

Virginia Department of Health: 

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Centers for disease control: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html

I have created a subpage to the left of the screen with helpful COVID information that I will update periodically when new information if available. 

Phone: (540) 586-2541 ext 15536
Fax: (540) 586-7720