The Wausau School District works with Bridging Brighter Smiles, an organization that provides dental care at school, during the school day, throughout the school year.  They provide:

• Oral screenings
• Cleanings
• Fluoride Varnish
• Sealants
• Sealant Retention Checks
• Silver Diamine Fluoride
• Oral Hygiene Education
• Referral Assistance

Enroll your child in Bridging Brighter Smiles

Communicable Disease Protocol for Exclusion from School

When a student with symptoms of a communicable disease reports to the health office, the principal, school nurse, or staff designated by the principal or school nurse will exclude the student until they no longer are infectious or pose a risk to others, or per a medical practitioner’s written instructions. When exclusion is necessary, the parent/guardian will be notified of the reason and referred to a medical practitioner when appropriate. The school nurse can be contacted with questions on communicable diseases.

Students will be excluded from school for communicable disease control for the following:

• Rash with fever or behavioral changes until a medical practitioner determines that the rash is not caused by a communicable disease, or skin sores that are weeping fluid located on an exposed part of the body that cannot be covered.
• Fever of 100.4ºF or greater. Exclude until fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours.
• 2 or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours. Exclude until asymptomatic for 24 hours. The exception is if the vomiting is found to be caused by a non-infectious condition.
• 3 or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, not associated with changes in diet. Stools are less formed and more frequent than usual. Exclude until asymptomatic for 48 hours. The exception is if the diarrhea is found to be caused by a non-infectious condition.
• “Pinkeye” (conjunctivitis) if accompanied by fever, behavioral change or inability to avoid touching eyes. Antibiotics are not required for return.
• Strep throat. Exclude for at least 12 hours after initiation of appropriate antibiotic.
• Students whose immunization status is not in compliance with the Wisconsin immunization law may be excluded.
• With guidance from the health department, students with known suppressed immunity may be excluded, for their protection, when cases of communicable disease (i.e., measles, chickenpox) occur in school. 

A student may not be excluded from school when the risk of transmission of a communicable disease is unlikely in the school setting. For example, because transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact or from sharing infected needles, students with sexually transmitted infections would not be excluded unless they had a secondary infection or other communicable disease that posed a threat to others.

A student may not be excluded from school when transmission of a communicable disease can be controlled through education, provision of supplies for good hygiene, and by practicing universal precautions.

References: 

Wisconsin Communicable Disease Chart, March 2024

American Academy of Pediatrics

January 2025 

Food Allergy/Intolerance Policy

It is the policy of the Wausau School District to provide a safe environment for a student with known, diagnosed food allergies that are likely to result in an anaphylactic reaction or serious food intolerance without banning the food product from food School Nutrition Services offerings. The District works with students, parents, and medical practitioners to minimize the risks of exposure and to provide a positive educational environment for food-allergic and food-intolerant students. Some foods may cause an anaphylactic reaction if a person eats, touches, or inhales the food or food by-product. Foods known to cause anaphylactic reactions include, but are not limited to, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat or soy. Some students experience food intolerances that require food substitutions because of a diagnosed medical condition.

Each student’s allergy or intolerance in each situation is different so an Anaphylaxis Action Plan may be created for the student. Diagnosis of an allergy with a risk of anaphylactic reaction or serious food intolerance is based on the student’s history with confirmation from a medical practitioner. The medical practitioner should provide the District with a written statement. (See the Special Dietary Request form) and prescribe treatment protocols for use in the school setting.

Should exposure to a known food allergen occur resulting in a severe allergic reaction, trained staff, who are authorized in writing by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, will administer epinephrine, call 911, protect the student’s airway, and keep the student safe until emergency personnel arrive. Medication administration will be provided in compliance with written instructions.

Family Responsibilities

1. Notify school of child’s allergies or food intolerance diagnosis.
2. Work with the school nurse, teacher, principal, and others to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs throughout the school day including classroom areas, cafeteria, after-school programming, as well as during school-sponsored activities such as field trips or overnight events.
3. Complete, in collaboration with student’s medical practitioner, the Medication Consent form, the Student Food Allergy/Intolerance Parent Questionnaire, the Anaphylaxis Action Plan, and the Special Dietary Request form (as needed) and return them to the school health office. Review and update yearly.
4. Provide properly labeled medications and replace medications as needed or upon expiration.
5. Provide two doses of epinephrine if the student is able to self carry, one for health office and one to be kept with student.
6. Update school with changes in contact information, including changes in emergency contacts.
7. Understand if an emergency medication is not supplied, 911 will be immediately called in the event of suspected anaphylaxis.
8. Decide with their practitioner if the child will eat at a “safe” table.
9. Notify school staff when child participates in after school activities.
10. Provide ongoing education for the child in the self-management of his/her food allergy including:
    1. Safe and unsafe foods
    2. Strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods, including no food trading/sharing in any school environment
    3. Symptoms of allergic reactions
    4. How and when to tell an adult when they may be having an allergy-related problem
    5. How to read food labels (age appropriate) Notify the school bus company of the child’s food allergy and determine an emergency plan for when the student is on the bus to and from school.
11. Provide a box of allergen-free snacks for the child’s classroom parties and other special occasions.
12. Notify the school bus company of the child’s food allergy and determine an emergency plan for when the student is on the bus to and from school.

School Responsibilities

1. Review health records submitted by parents and medical practitioners.
2. Students will not be excluded from any activities because of a medical condition.
3. The school nurse and principal will establish a team to work with parents and the student (age appropriate) to coordinate the implementation of the Severe Allergy Action Plan. This team will include the teachers, School Nutrition Services’ personnel, school administrative assistants, building aide, health aide, outside staff, and others as appropriate.
4. The school nurse will provide training to all designated primary contacts that interact with the food–allergic student to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Aspects of training will include what to do in an emergency, as well as how to minimize risk of exposure to the allergen during meals, snacks, arts or craft projects, or other school curriculum. A list of trained staff will be made available to the Principal.
5. Medications for food allergies will be stored according to the Medication Policy and Procedure. Extra epinephrine may be kept in other locations such as the teacher’s desk, School Nutrition Services area, etc., and as determined by the school nurse in consultation with the parent and practitioner. Students may carry their own epinephrine with medical practitioner approval. (See School Medication Consent form.)
6. School staff specially trained in the use of epinephrine or oral medications will administer medications, as necessary, during school activities, including field trips.
7.  The school nurse or teacher, along with parents, will develop a plan regarding special field trip needs which will include having emergency medications available.
8.  The school staff will inform the health office of field trips at least a week in advance to allow for planning and training or as soon as off-site event is known.
9. If the student participates in school sponsored activities and emergency medication has not been supplied by the parent, staff will call 911 for cases of suspected anaphylaxis.
10. Individual daily snacks containing nut butters or pieces of nuts are not allowed in the classroom.
11. Food meant for the entire class must not contain any form of peanuts or tree nuts.
12. Per WSD policy 5706, harassment or bullying of food allergic student will not be tolerated.
13. The students’ food allergen will not be used in class projects, parties, holiday celebrations, science experiments, or any other activities.
14. Principal or his/her designee will share this policy with outside organizations invited to work with WSD students during school sponsored activities.
15. Parents and staff are encouraged to use non food items for special occasions and treats.
16. Food items brought for “treats” must be store bought with an intact ingredient label listing allergy information.

Teacher Responsibilities

1. The teacher will be trained in the student’s allergic symptoms and plan of care and will keep a copy of the student’s Anaphylaxis Action Plan in a confidential location. The teacher will place a copy of the plan in the substitute teacher folder and share with specialists.
2. The teacher is responsible for notifying the parent and health office of field trips and special occasions, one week in advance or as soon as the event is known.
3. The food-allergic or food-intolerant child may choose a snack from his/her snack box provided by parents per their food allergy/Intolerance plan.
4. Teachers are responsible for discussing “no food sharing/trading” during school sponsored activities.
5. Students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands prior to entering the classroom and after eating.
6. The students’ food allergen will not be used in class projects, parties, holiday celebrations, science experiments, or any other activities.
7. The teacher is responsible for checking ingredient labels on foods brought in for sharing with the entire class e.g “birthday treats” to ensure that they do not contain peanuts/nuts.
8. The teacher will share this policy with outside organizations invited to work with WSD students during school sponsored activities.
9. The teacher understands if an emergency medication is not supplied, 911 will be called in the event of suspected anaphylaxis.

School Nutrition Services Responsibilities

1. School Nutrition Services employees will take measures to prevent cross-contamination during food preparation and when serving food.
2. The completed Special Dietary Request form will be shared with School Nutrition Services staff by the Director of School Nutrition Services or his/her designee. Nutrition Service administrator.
3. Food service staff is responsible for identifying students with food allergies by checking student photos and allergy notifications in the point of sale (POS) system.
4. Students with severe allergies may sit at a designated “safe” table (with neighboring students who do not have the allergen present in their lunch) based on the Student Food Allergy/Intolerance Parent Questionnaire.
5. When sanitizing table after lunch a separate wash and sanitizing bucket AND cloth must be used to clean the “peanut safe” tables in all lunchrooms throughout the district.
6. School Nutrition Services will provide nutrition information/labels for foods served in child nutrition programs per parent/staff request.

Student Responsibilities (based on level of development)

1. Be your own advocate
2. Do not trade/share food or utensils with other students.
3. Wash hands prior to eating.
4. Do not eat or touch anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain an allergen.
5. Learn how to administer epinephrine and practice often.
6. Notify a staff member if eaten something believed to contain a food allergen.
7. Carry epinephrine (if designated to do so in the School Medication Consent Form.) and notify a staff member in the event of suspected exposure or if epinephrine has been self administered.
8. Report teasing/bullying to an adult.

Cross Reference Policies

• Wausau School District Board of Education Policy Handbook
• 5915 Appendix A- Wausau School District Health Care Policy and Procedure Manual
• 2-1 Medication Policy and Procedure
• 4-7 Special Dietary Request

Other Resources

• American School Food Service Association
• National Association of Elementary School Principals
• National Association of Secondary School Principals
• National Association of School Nurses
• National School Boards Association
• The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Wisconsin Association of School Boards
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
• Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in the School Nutrition Programs: Guidance for School Food Service Staff

Nurses/policy food allergy intolerance - July 2007, 2007, Rev. May 2013, Jan 2017

Head Lice Guidelines 

Definition: Head lice are small, parasitic insects that infest human hair about a ¼ inch from the scalp. They feed on blood and are contagious, but do not spread disease.

A single insect is called a louse. A louse is the size of a sesame seed and tan to grayish white in color. A female louse can lay more than 100 eggs (nits) in her lifetime. The nits are tiny, tear drop shaped eggs that are attached to the hair shaft with a glue like substance. They can be found around the nape of the neck or ears and may appear yellowish or white. The nits can look very similar to dandruff, but are not easy to remove or brush from the hair shaft. Nymphs or baby lice are smaller and grow into adult size in one to two weeks. They are not able to lay eggs until that time.

*Head lice infestations are not related to cleanliness and can occur in all socioeconomic groups. The infestation is not reportable to the public health department unless there are other communicable disease related concerns.

Symptoms: The first indication of an infestation can be a tickling feeling on the scalp or itching, especially on the back of the head and around the ears. It may take 2-3 weeks for a person to notice the intense itching associated with head lice. Typically a person has been exposed to lice for about four weeks before lice/nits are first noticed on the head.

Lice are most often spread by direct head to head contact with an infected person. Lice are less commonly spread by indirect contact with personal items such as; clothing, hats, headphones, combs, and brushes. Nits hatch in approximately 7 days. A viable nit is about a ¼ inch from the scalp. Once hatched the baby lice (nymphs) take 7-14 days to become an adult louse that can lay eggs.

Lice are not able to live off of the scalp and without a blood supply longer than 24 hours.

School Responsibilities

• If designated staff discover head lice on a student at school, the parent/guardian will be notified and directed to administer a lice treatment with a pediculicide/ovicide. The student may remain in the classroom and should be treated with an FDA approved pediculicide/ovicide before returning to school. An FDA approved over-the-counter or prescription pediculicide/ovicide should be used according to label directions. (Natural remedies are considered insufficient treatment for live lice and should not be used).
• The student will be checked on his/her first day back to school for evidence of treatment and presence of live lice. If live lice are present, the student will be referred to the school nurse for follow-up. The school nurse will implement intervention strategies that are student-centered. Parent/guardian will be advised to check the hair daily and remove nits or lice and reminded to check all family members and notify close contacts.
• Parents will be educated on the use of nit combs and how to clean them. Nit combs should be metal (not plastic) and have long, close tines that can’t be seen through. Generally the combs packaged with the pediculicide do not adequately remove the nits because the tines are too far apart and nits/lice slip through.
• Most lice shampoos do not kill nits. It is likely that any nits that have not been removed may hatch even after treatment has been properly done. These newly hatched lice (nymphs) are immature and not capable of laying more eggs. Most lice treatment products recommend a second treatment 7-10 days after the initial treatment to kill any nymphs that may have hatched, but day 9 is ideal.
• Designated staff will examine the student again on day 7 and day 14 after initial treatment was started. This will occur whether head lice are found at school or reported from home. If live lice are found after the initial FDA approved treatment, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted and advised to do a second lice treatment as well as to continue with daily nit removal. If live lice are found on day 14 after two rounds of an FDA approved treatment, the parent will be contacted and advised to consult with the student’s health care provider for further treatment options. 
• If nits are found after any treatments, the child may stay in school but parents are encouraged to remove the nits to prevent them from hatching. Nit removal should be done at home. Additional assistance at school will be at the discretion of the school nurse.
• Siblings and other household members in the same school will also be screened. Middle and High school students will be screened per parent request only.
• Confidentiality of students affected by head lice will be strictly maintained. Parents/guardians will NOT be informed of other children who have lice as that is a breach of privacy.
• Environmental disinfectant/sprays will not kill nits and should not be used.
• Routine cleaning by custodial staff is all that is needed in the classroom.
• Cases of recurrent lice or noncompliance with an FDA approved treatment will be addressed on a case by case basis by the principal and school nurse.
• Periodically an educational letter and lice brochure will be put in the school newsletter reminding families to screen their students when home for lice or nits.
• Lice combs will be disinfected before using again by boiling in water for 5 minutes or soaking in 70% isopropyl alcohol for one hour.

Parent/Student Responsibilities:

• Read through information provided about lice. Feel free to ask staff questions about treatment.
• Understand that lice do not transmit diseases, and can be found in all socioeconomic groups. Head Lice Guidelines pg. 3
• Treat their student with an FDA approved over the counter or prescription pediculicide/ovicide according to label directions. (Natural remedies are considered insufficient treatment for live lice and should not be used).
• After initial treatment to kill live lice, efforts should be made to remove nits a ¼ inch from the scalp by using a nit comb or manually. A nit comb should be metal (not plastic) and have long, close tines that can’t be seen through.
• Students should not share personal items like combs, hats, hair ties, etc. Hats should be put in the child’s jacket sleeve when not in use.
• Call medical practitioner if appropriate treatment has failed a second time
• Disinfect all lice combs before using again by boiling in water for 5 minutes or soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol for one hour.

References: 

• National Association of School Nurses
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Wisconsin Division of Public Health Fact Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control
• United States Environmental Protection Agency
• Richard Pollack PhD, Harvard School of Public Health

Here are the immunization requirements for students in kindergarten through 6th grade in Wisconsin.  Vaccines are considered essential tools for keeping children healthy and ensuring they can stay in school.  

Required Vaccines and Doses from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

• DTaP/DTP/DT/TD: 4 doses
• Polio: 4 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses
• Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses
  • The varicella vaccine is not required if the student has a chickenpox diagnosis from a qualified health care provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA).
  • Existing parental reports of the disease already on file are acceptable.
  • New entrants must provide documentation of the disease from a qualified health care provider.

Completing the Student Immunization Record

To fulfill these requirements, parents and guardians should follow these steps: 

1. Schedule a visit: Contact a doctor or local health department for a vaccine visit as early as possible.
2. Fill out the form: Ask the doctor to complete the Student Immunization Record form (F-04020L), then sign it.
3. Submit the form: Provide the completed record to the school at the start of the new school year.

You can track and print your child's records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.  If you need assistance, please contact your local health department of doctor's office.

Financial Assistance and Waivers

• Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: This program provides free vaccines to children 18 and younger who are uninsured, Medicaid (BadgerCare) eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
• Waivers: Vaccine requirements may be waived for religious, personal conviction, or health reasons.

Here are the immunization requirements for students in 7 through 12 grade in Wisconsin.  Vaccines are considered essential tools for keeping children healthy and ensuring they can stay in school.  

Required Vaccines and Doses from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

• Polio:  4 doses
• Hepatitis B:  3 doses
• DTaP/DTP/DT/TD:  4 doses
• Tdap:  1 dose
• Varicella (Chickenpox):  2 doses
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):  2 doses
• Meningococcal ACWY:  1 dose

Completing the Student Immunization Record

To ensure your child is ready for the school year, follow these steps: 

1. Schedule a Visit: Call your doctor or local health department to schedule a vaccine appointment as early as possible.
2. Complete the Form: Ask your doctor to fill out the Student Immunization Record form (F-04020L).
3. Sign and Submit: Sign the completed form and give it to the school at the beginning of the school year.
4. Varicella Documentation: While existing parental reports of the disease on file are acceptable, all new students must provide documentation from a qualified health care provider.

Administration of any medication to students is governed by Wisconsin Statute 118.29.

General Information

• Medication at school must be in the original container or labeled pharmacy container.
• Medication must be transported to and from school by an adult.
• Medications not picked up by the last day of school will be properly disposed of.
• The School Medication Consent form must be completed each school year.
• Students with permission from a practitioner and parent/guardian may carry and self-administer their emergency medication (ex. inhaler, epinephrine, diabetic medications). All other medication must be kept in the health office.  Contact your school nurse to make arrangements if your child needs to carry other medications.
• The school will provide basic supplies (medication cups, paper cups for water). The parent or guardian is responsible for
  providing other specific supplies that are needed for administration.
• When possible, all medications should be administered at home, before or after school hours.
• School staff may not administer narcotic pain medication

Prescription Medication

• Prescription medications require a School Medication Consent form signed by a practitioner and parent or guardian.
• Medications should be in a pharmacy container, with a pharmacy label listing student’s name, prescriber’s name, medication name, dosage and schedule.
• Information listed on the School Medication Consent form must match the information on the pharmacy container.
• Change in medication, dose or instructions requires an updated School Medication Consent form and a pharmacy bottle with an updated label.

Over-the-Counter Medication

• The School Medication Consent form does not require a practitioner signature unless the dose requested exceeds the package instructions or contains aspirin.
• Over-the-counter medication not regulated by the FDA, including essential oil, melatonin, CBD, and herbal treatments, should be given at home. If required at school, it must have a practitioner signature for administration at school by school staff.
• Students at secondary schools are permitted to carry and self-administer cough drops/throat lozenges.
• All students may carry and apply FDA approved, over-the-counter sunscreen with a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.
• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are supplied for students in grades 7-12. A parent or guardian must complete the Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Consent form each school year.

September 2002, Revised March 2025 

State medication law requires written permission from the parent and medical practitioner for a student to take any prescription medications. All over-the-counter (OTC) medications given by school staff must have written permission from the parent/guardian. A practitioner's signature is not required for OTC medication provided the dose is within the manufacturer’s guidelines. Parent and practitioner’s signatures are required to self-carry any type of medication. It is understood that:

1. All medications must be in an original over-the-counter (OTC) or pharmacy container with student’s name, name of medication, dose and time of administration on the label and/or container.
2. Emergency self-carry medications should be with the student at all times.
3. EMS will be called any time an emergency medication (other than an inhaler, if the student is stable) is used.

Please print and fill out Medication Consent for Overnight Field Trips form and return it to your child(ren)'s school.  

Wausau School District Guidelines for Special Occasion Treats for Elementary Parents & Guardians

To ensure an inclusive environment where all students can participate, the following rules apply to all shared treats:

• Packaging:  All treats must be store-bought and individually pre-packaged.
• Labeling:  Treats must have an intact ingredient label that is both visible and legible.
• Fresh Food:  Whole, single-ingredient fresh foods (such as apples, oranges, bananas, or cucumbers) are permitted if they are thoroughly washed and properly handled before distribution.
• Allergen Restrictions:  Treats must be free from the nine most common allergens: eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, and cashews), sesame, wheat, and soy.
• Verification:  All treats must be dropped off at the main office so staff can check labels and ensure they are safe for distribution.

Examples of Permitted Items

• Fruits and Vegetables:  Fruit pouches or cups; most fruit snacks, leathers, or bars; dried fruits (raisins, mango, etc.); veggie straws or chips.
• Salty Snacks:  Original potato chips; Skinny Pop or Boom Chicka Pop Popcorn.

• Sweets:  Cotton candy; most popsicles; candy (Smarties, Starburst, Skittles, Nerds, lollipops, most gummy candy).

• Protein/drinks:  Beef sticks or jerky; juice boxes or sports drinks.

• Specific Brands:  Enjoy Life, Made Good, or Blake’s brand snacks.

Non Food Based Alternatives

The district also suggests providing non-food items as an alternative:

• Stickers, pens, and pencils
• Fidgets, bubbles, and chalk
• Play jewelry, keychains, and temporary tattoos
• Trinkets and small toys

Updated 10.08.24

Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Consent

Anaphylaxis Action Plan

Asthma Action Plan

Authorization to Use and Exchange Protected Health and Ed Info

Immunization Waiver

School Medication Consent

Seizure Action Plan

Sunscreen Permission

Asthma Questionnaire 

Food Allergy Questionnaire 

Seizure Questionnaire