Clinic

Heather Williams, Public Health Nurse

hawilliams@arlingtonva.us, 703-228-6687

Susan Ruiz, School Health Aide

Sruiz@arlingtonva.us, 703-228-6688

APS, Arlington County, & Virginia Important Health Forms & Information:

APS School Health Services

Registering Your Child

• If you need to register a new student or withdraw a current student, please contact our registrar, Ruby Rivera ruby.rivera@apsva.us or 703-228-6741 to make an appointment.
• APS Registration Information

Arlington County School Health Information

• If your student needs vaccine(s) or a TB test, please call (703) 228-1200 to make an appointment at the Arlington County Open Immunization Clinic.
• APS COVID Policies and Procedures

STUDENTS WHO NEED TO LEAVE SCHOOL DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY

Clinic staff will contact the student’s parent or guardian, or in some situations, a designated, “emergency contact”, if a parent or guardian cannot be reached. That person must give verbal consent for the student to leave school. The student will wait in the clinic until the person comes to the attendance office. Then attendance office staff will call the clinic and the student will be sent there.

Recommended Responses to Health Conditions for School Staff

Asthma

Many students have inhalers that they use when needed. Send any student who is experiencing symptoms (wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest) to the clinic accompanied by another student or staff member. Common triggers are: pollen, dust mold, fumes from cleaners, sprays and paint (Attention: art and industrial science teachers), perfume or tobacco smoke, upper respiratory infections, strenuous exercise and stress.

Allergies

Some students are allergic to nuts, shellfish and/or other foods. Some students are allergic to bee stings, or latex, etc. Exposure to an allergen may cause a life-threatening reaction. S&S: rash, skin flushed, dry cool, clammy; swelling of affected areas, face, tongue, neck; breathing difficulty, wheezing, gurgling or high pitched sounds; increased heart rate and weak pulse. If a reaction occurs, stay with the student, notify the clinic or escort there.

Seizure

If a seizure occurs, stay calm, keep calm, begin timing seizure. Watch the student closely, and, if necessary, guide the student to the floor. Keep the student safe – remove harmful objects, don’t restrain, protect head.  If possible, place a cushion or blanket under the head. Then gently turn the student onto their side, if not awake, keep airway clear, do not wedge anything in the student’s mouth. Notify the clinic. Stay with the student until stable.

Diabetes

Warning signs of low blood sugar:

• Headache/dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shakiness
• Sweaty, pale skin
• Lack of coordination
• Confusion
• Hunger
• Loss of consciousness

Notify clinic. If the student can swallow some form of sugar (juice, candy) give immediately. Remain with student until clinic staff arrive or escort to clinic.

Hearing Loss

Consider special seating for students with hearing loss. Have ear with best hearing toward the voice of the teacher.

Standard Precautions (For Use with Students and Staff)

This will help eliminate the spread of all communicable disease. Students and staff should NEVER touch or attempt to clean up vomit or body fluids. This should be left to custodial staff who are specially trained in the clean-up procedure. If a student is bleeding to the extent that intervention is necessary, the student should apply direct pressure to the wound. Use gloves if help is needed. Always wash hands after contact.

Field Trips

When planning school field trips always consult with clinic staff/parent(s) concerning students with above conditions.

Exciting News: Introducing Our New Elevator Pass Process! 

We’re thrilled to announce a streamlined process for elevator access at Wakefield High School, specifically designed to assist students with legitimate medical needs. Students and parents can now request an elevator pass effortlessly by visiting our Clinic Staff in either office A123 or office A138. To make the process even more convenient, the request form is available at our main office as well.

Ready to request your Elevator Pass? Click here to submit your Elevator Pass request.