Nurse
Driscoll School Nurse
Name: Marianne Dewing
Phone: 617-879-4257
Fax: 617-739-7502 (Attn: Marianne Dewing)
Email: marianne_dewing@psbma.org
Health Forms
- Asthma Care Plan (PDF)
- Epinephrine (EpiPen) Care Plan (PDF)
- Parent Medication Authorization Form (PDF)
- Physician Medication Authorization Form (PDF)
- Seizure Care Plan (PDF)
When to Keep Your Child Home
Families often ask for guidance on when to keep children home due to illness.
These general guidelines help children recover more quickly and reduce the spread of illness. Please also reinforce proper cough etiquette (into the elbow) and regular handwashing at home.
Common Guidelines
Cold (Upper Respiratory Illness): If your child has a constant runny nose, frequent sneezing, or persistent coughing, please keep them home until symptoms improve (typically 24–48 hours). Children with mild symptoms may attend school.
Fever: If your child has a temperature above 100°F (without medication), keep them home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Keep your child home until 24 hours after the last episode.
Chickenpox: Notify your primary care provider and the school nurse if chickenpox is suspected. Your child may return to school when all lesions are crusted and dry or if another diagnosis is confirmed.
Antibiotic Treatment: If your child is being treated for:
- Strep throat
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Impetigo
They should remain home until they have completed at least 24 hours of antibiotics. Please contact the school nurse before returning.
Rash: If your child has an undiagnosed rash, consult your pediatrician before returning to school. Children taking medications like Benadryl may need to stay home due to drowsiness.
Skin Fungus (Ringworm): Keep your child home and consult your provider. Students may return after 24 hours of treatment if the area is covered, when possible.
Oral Surgery: Students may return when bleeding is controlled, pain is manageable, and they can safely participate in school activities.
When reporting an absence, please provide the specific reason. This helps the school monitor illness trends and respond appropriately.
Tick Safety
As we spend more time outdoors, be mindful of ticks. Learn more here:
Tick Safety: “Is There a Tick on You?” (PDF)
