Health & Wellness

P-CCS would like to provide parents with information regarding concussion awareness, view the Parent and Student Concussion Information Sheet (PDF).

For more information, view the Michigan Sports Concussion Law on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools’ policy and the State of Michigan law prohibits school employees from dispensing medication of any kind to students without written permission from the student’s physician and parent. If it is essential that medication be administered at school, the following are necessary.

Parents must bring all medications to the school office. Medication MAY NOT be hand carried to school by students unless self administration forms are on file.

1. Medications (with the exception of controlled substances) may be carried by students under special circumstances.  A different medication permission form is needed to self-carry these medications.  The Authorization for SELF-ADMINISTERED MEDICINE form is available through the school office or at the link below.

   • Authorization for Self-Administered Medicine form (PDF)

    This form is REQUIRED FOR ALL MEDICATIONS, including over the counter items such as aspirin, cold remedies, cough medicines, cough drops, eye drops, ointments, etc.  No medication of any kind is to be sent to school to be taken independently by the student without the necessary paperwork on file. It is the responsibility of the parent to secure the information from the physician along with the required signature.  Please contact the school office or school nurse if you have further questions about the parameters surrounding medications.  

2. Medication must be in the ORIGINAL CONTAINER FROM THE PHARMACY clearly marked with the student’s name, medication, dosage, expiration date and time to be given.
3. For medication to be given during school hours by SCHOOL STAFF: written permission from the student’s parent or guardian and their physician must be on file in the school office before any medication can be given.  This must include – student’s name, medication, dose, time to be given, and physician’s signature.  The Physician & Parent Medication Authorization form can be found at the link below or a copy can be obtained from the school office.

• Physician & Parent Medication Authorization Form (PDF)

P-CCS Bylaws & Policies - Use of Medications Policy  search for the complete term: '5330 - Use of Medications'

School Physical, Hearing, Vision & Oral Screening

A school physical is strongly recommended for entrance into kindergarten, middle school, high school and for any student new to the district.

Vision and hearing screening by either a licensed eye care practitioner or a medical provider is REQUIRED for all incoming kindergarten students.  A vision and hearing screen should be part of any standard well child examination.  Proof of vision and hearing screening in the form of the signed health appraisal form or a signed statement from the medical provider with date of vision and hearing screen and results is required for kindergarten registration.

Health Appraisal Form (PDF)

Vision and hearing screening is available free of charge at the Wayne County Health Department.

Guide to make an appointment (PDF)

Athletic Physical

A completed athletic physical signed by your student's doctor is required prior to any participation in team sports within PCCS.

View the Middle and High School Sports Pre-Participation Physical Form from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

For more information or to access this form in other languages click the link below:

https://www.mhsaa.com/about/general-resources/health-safety/physical-exammedical-history-forms

Helpful information for parents/guardians to aid in identifying, treating, and preventing head lice (pediculosis).

 Pediculosis (Head Lice) District Guideline (PDF)

Head lice 101: Myths and Realities about Head Lice (PDF)

Head Lice 101:  What You Should Know About Head Lice (PDF)

Head Lice 101: Facing Head Lice - A Guide for Parents (PDF)

Head Lice 101: Head Lice Transmission Facts

Head Lice 101:  Ten Steps to Stay Ahead of Head Lice (PDF)

Head Lice 101:  National Association of School Nurses Presentation for Parents  (PDF)

Head Lice 101:  American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report- Head Lice (PDF)

Head Lice 101: Michigan Head Lice Manual.  Published by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Department of Education.  

Head Lice 101: Head Lice Powerpoint Information for Parents (converted to PDF)

Plymouth-Canton Community School District has a FIRST DAY EXCLUSION POLICY. Your child must have an updated immunization record on file in the school office OR a signed immunization waiver from parent on file in the school office BEFORE the start of school. Please note that immunization waivers are available ONLY through the Wayne County Health Department/Immunization Department: 734-727-7125.

All immunizations must be up to date and on file in the school office prior to the first day of school in accordance with the Michigan state law.  This includes developmental kindergarten, special education, alternative education, virtual education, and remote learning.

Your child will not be able to start school if any one of those documents is not on file in the school office. Contact your child’s medical provider immediately to arrange for any needed immunizations. When the immunizations are given, bring in the updated immunization record to the school office.

Students entering Kindergarten

• You will need to provide a copy of your student's State of Michigan Immunization Record.  To request a copy of your child's official immunization records, follow this link: https://mcir.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RequestCopyChildDependent_5.7.2021.pdf
• How to read your child's official immunization record: https://mcir.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/How-to-Read-your-State-of-Michigan-Immunization-Record_10-27-2022.pdf
• The official State of Michigan Immunization Record is only available from your student's physician, health care provider or local health department.

General Immunization Requirements for students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, new students to the district or students returning to the district are as follows:

• Vaccines Required for School Entry in MI

An Immunization Waiver is available ONLY through the Wayne County Health Department (WCHD).  Please see the instruction page linked below from MDHHS.

• Key Points Related to Claiming a Nonmedical Immunization Waiver for Children

 

Parents/guardians MUST following guidelines of the WCHD for an immunization waiver.   A medical waiver must be obtained from your child's medical provider. 

• A physician signed waiver that indicates that the required immunizations could not be given because of medical contraindications.
• A child who has been exempted from a vaccination is considered susceptible to the disease or diseases for which the vaccination offers protection. The child may be subject to exclusion from school, if the local and/or state public health authority advises exclusion as a disease control measure. (State of Michigan Department of Community Health)
• Non Medical Waivers are available ONLY through the WCHD.

Information regarding the changes pertaining to the immunization waiver guideline effective January 1, 2015. 

Staying Healthy at School

Staying Healthy at School:  A Note for Parents (PDF)

There are certain times of  the school year when there is an increase in the illnesses seen in the school setting. Teaching your child healthy habits helps to decrease the spread of illness in the school setting and keep your child healthy. 

Influenza Information

Influenza season in Michigan typically occurs between December and March.   The CDC has updated information regarding influenza prevention, diagnosis,  immunization and treatment. 

Bed Bugs

Bed Bug School Response Flowchart (PDF)

The School Response Flow Chart will be followed if there is a confirmed case of bed bugs found in the school setting.
Source: Michigan.gov website 

Bed Bug Fact Sheet for Parents (PDF)

Answers commonly asked questions and provides additional resources. Source: Washtenaw Department of Public Health

Head Lice

Pediculosis (Head Lice) Information (PDF)

This letter to Parents contains additional information and answers to the following questions: What does lice look like?; How do you get head lice?; How do you treat head lice?; and What do I do if my child has head lice?

Zika Virus

Zika Virus: Important Information from the CDC for families

Websites & Helpful Medical Information

Flu Information

Information about Seasonal Influenza (Flu) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus is an excellent website containing health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine.

American Academy of Pediatrics

The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Sex Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) has compiled a list of reproductive health resources for the purpose of encouraging ongoing and accurate discussions about sexuality between parent and student. The book list includes many good resources identified by the Pediatric Advisor, a resource utilized by many local pediatricians. Some of the websites listed provide additional recommendations for books and other resources. In addition to this list, there are many excellent resources for parents.

Reproductive Health Parent Resources (PDF)

A letter to parents with recommendations for evaluating websites, descriptions of the district reproductive health programs, HIV/AIDS prevention and information about parent/guardian rights to review the materials to be used.

Sex Education: Resource List (PDF)

A list of books compiled by Catherine Smith, MLS, medical librarian at the Family Health Library, The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO.

Web Resources

Talking to Your Child About Puberty

Puberty & Growing Up

Parent Resource for HIV/AIDS

HIV and AIDS

Immune System

Kid Resource for HIV/AIDS

What Are HIV & AIDS?

Your Immune System

Immune System Movie

The following health practices have been known to be successful in helping an individual remain healthy:

• Hand washing is the single most important activity to prevent the spread of germs. Three important steps for proper hand washing are warm water and soap, friction (rubbing hands together), and washing hands for 20 seconds.
• Avoid sharing food and drinks.
• Avoid rubbing and touching eyes, rubbing nose (especially the inside of the nose), and putting hands in mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Adequate sleep (at least 10 hours for all students).
• Eat a healthy breakfast every day. It really is the most important meal of the day.
• Eating healthy foods and practicing good nutrition daily is important for healthy bodies and healthy brain development. See the USDA Choose My Plate website or our Food & Nutrition Services page for more information on developing healthy eating habits.
• Avoid lengthy exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen when outside.
• Exercise at least 30-45 minutes every day.
• Dress for the weather.
• Backpacks should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. Consider a rolling backpack.
• Wear a seat belt every time you enter the car. Buckle up for safety.

Plymouth Canton Community Schools continues to rely on the guidance of Wayne County Health Department (WCHD) in managing communicable diseases in school.  Although Covid-19 continues to impact many, guidance has changed on how it is best managed based on evidence of best practices.  WCHD is now aligned with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Center for Disease Control in respiratory virus guidance (including Covid-19) in schools. 

 The most up-to-date guidance is available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus

If you test positive for COVID-19, it is important that you:

• Isolate yourself from others until your symptoms are improving AND you are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.  Using prevention strategies, such as wearing a mask, can be helpful when you or those around you have risk factors for severe illness. Avoid individuals who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 for at least 5 days.

• Report all positive results with one of these forms:

  • Student COVID-19 positive form

  • Staff COVID-19 positive form

• Core prevention strategies include staying up-to-date with your immunizations, practicing good hygiene, staying home to prevent spread, and taking steps for cleaner air.  Additional strategies include masking, social distancing, and testing.

• Contact anyone you may have been in close contact with and encourage them to get tested as soon as they experience symptoms or after five days and to take other precautions. You can notify your contacts (anonymously) by using www.tellyourcontacts.org

• For additional help, please go to www.Michigan.gov/ContainCOVID  (or call 2-1-1 or 888-535-6136).

• For additional information on how to prevent spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick, please go to https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html 

• For additional information on COVID-19, please go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

• For food and cash assistance, please go to www.Michigan.gov/MiBridges 

• For mental health resources, please go to www.Michigan.gov/StayWell

• If you live or work in a congregate setting (such as long-term care) you may need to isolate yourself away from others for a full 10 days.

Please direct all specific questions to your school nurse.

Health and Safety Practices

In an effort to control germs and prevent the spread of illness at school, please review and follow our district’s guidelines based on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Divisions of Communicable Disease & Immunization recommendations.

• MDE/MDHHS When to keep your child home

If your child is ill:

• Call the attendance line or input your student’s absence in MISTAR and indicate that they are sick.

If your child gets sick while at school:

• If an unmasked student presents to the school office or clinic and is unwell we may provide a disposal mask and require them to mask during a health evaluation.

• If the nurse or health care technician determines that it is not safe for the student to be in school, a call will be placed to the parents or guardians requiring that the student be picked up as soon as possible.

• The nurse or health care technician will give guidance on when and under what conditions the student can safely return to school.

Vaccine and Testing Information

COVID-19 Vaccine  CDC information about the COVID-19 Vaccine 

COVID-19 Vaccine information from Michigan.gov including how to get your COVID-19 vaccine

No Cost COVID-19 Testing CDC test site locator

Reference Information

• P-CCS will follow the MDHHS Managing Communicable Disease in Schools regarding any school exclusion and when it is safe for the student to return to school.  Medical documentation may be required before a student can return to school post illness.

• MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)

• WCHD (Wayne County Health Department)

• COVID-19 Hotline:   

  • WCHD COVID-19 Information Line: 734-287-7870

  • WCHD Main Communicable Disease Line: 734-727-7078

• CDC (Center for Disease Control)

Important COVID-19 Facts

• CDC Information on how COVID-19 Spread from person to person

• CDC Information on How to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19

•  What to do when you're sick  - Video that reviews healthy practices and behaviors to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 when in school.  

• When to wash your hands

• When and how to use masks (World Health Organization)

Q - My child is not feeling well. Should I send him/her to school or keep home?
A. - The district follows the guidelines set forth in the Managing Communicable Diseases in Schools document provided by the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services  in determining if school exclusion is required for a student with a diagnosed communicable illness. 

Q. - My child will need to use crutches or a wheelchair for a short time while at school. What do I need to do?
A.- Your child may use crutches or a wheelchair while at school. A note from the parent and physician stating the reason why your child needs the crutches or wheelchair is required. Parent will need to supply the crutches and/or wheelchair. Please notify the school nurse or building secretary at least 24 hours in advance that your child will be using crutches or a wheelchair so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

Q. - My child has a specific health condition that I would like the school to be aware of. Who do I contact?
A. - You should first notify your child's teacher(s) of the medical condition. Contact the School Nurse. The school nurse can help coordinate any needed medical service between home, medical provider, and school. Please indicate any pertinent health information on the emergency card. 

Q. - My child has a life-threatening food allergy. What can I expect regarding the school's response in dealing with the health needs of the student with food allergies?
A. - P-CCS is actively involved with providing a safe environment for all students including students with food allergies. Contact the School Nurse at your child's school. She can be instrumental in working with you and the school to develop a coordinated school health management plan to address your child's allergy needs while at school.

Q.- My child has a rash. Can my child attend school with the rash?
A.- Wayne County Health Department requires that any undiagnosed rash must be evaluated by a medical provider to ensure that the rash is not contagious. If your child has an undiagnosed rash, your child should be seen by a medical provider. Please provide a note from the doctor indicating the medical diagnosis of the rash. The medical provider should also indicate if the condition is contagious and when it is ok for your child to safely return to school. Any rashes that are considered contagious should be under medical treatment for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Q.- My child will not be able to attend school for an extended period due to a serious medical condition. How will my child receive academic instruction while at home recovering?
A.- Academic instruction given in the home environment is available through the district's homebound services. Contact the homebound services department at 582-6801 for further information.

Q: My child has head lice (pediculosis). What is head lice and how do I treat this at home?
A. - Head lice are often a subject of concern among parents of school age children. Anyone can get head lice. A head lice infestation is a mild health condition without serious health consequences for a child, and should not be considered as a major health threat to those infested or those potentially exposed. There is NO correlation between cleanliness and getting head lice. Head lice live on the human head and are not carried by animals. Knowing how a louse bug comes in contact with the hair and how to prevent head lice is important in controlling any head lice outbreaks. Knowing how to treat head lice is equally important. Head lice can not be completely eliminated from communities or schools. Neither the occurrence of a case nor an outbreak should be considered as evidence of a breakdown in hygienic practices on the part of individuals, families, nor schools.