Welcome To Ballard High School
Health Resources during COVID-19 school building closures: School-Based Health Centers, which are located at many Seattle public middle and high schools, provide services to all students, regardless of their ability to pay.
Visit the Ballard Teen Health Center webpage to learn more about our SBHC as well as contact phone numbers and services that are still available during the closure including refilling prescriptions.
Visit our district website to learn more about School-Based Health Center Resources.
ATTN: Seniors! Immunization Info for Graduates
Since most colleges and many employers will require your immunization record, it's a good idea to make sure it is up-to-date well before you graduate high school. View the attached SPS Graduates Info Flyer from the SPS Department of Health for information on making sure you have all the recommended vaccines and how to get a copy of your records.
Immunization Teen Health Center Update!
Hello Ballard Senior Families - I want to help prepare our seniors for life after high school by making sure they have received all the recommended vaccines. If you would like me to check your child's vaccine status using the Washington State Immunization Information System (WA IIS) please contact me via email at Karen.Boudour@Swedish.org or via text at 206 390-3355. I will be offering office hours in June to provide any missing vaccines. There is no charge for this visit. You may also obtain the records yourself on the Access Your Family's Immunization Information (WA ISS) website.
Beaver Families | Our nurse Annette Cologna wanted to make sure to re-iterate key messages to stay healthy. Please remember to stay grounded in our moral values through this crisis. There is never a good reason to devolve into stereotypes or racist comments towards any group of people. ~ Principal Wynkoop, #AG2BB
Notes From The Nurse | Take Care of Yourself | Stay Healthy!
- Eat regular meals, drink water and get plenty of rest
- Exercise
- Wash your hands - especially after coughing/sneezing
- Avoid sharing drink/food, make-up, brushes, clothes
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs
- Lower stress prioritize obligations, practice relaxation techniques like taking deep breaths, talk with a friend, and ask for help.
Meet The School Nurses
Hello, my name is Annette Cologna, RN and I am the full-time school nurse at Ballard High School. My nurse experience varies from working in general medical surgical, orthopedic, psychiatric to specializing in cardiac and thoracic care and, most recently, as a school nurse the past 4 years. I am passionate about working with youth and I feel confident that I can attend many of your child’s ills and injuries. More information is available in my Welcome To BHS 2019-20 Letter.
In addition, this year there will be another nurse, Robert Murdock, LPN, one day a week to help meet the health needs of BHS students. Rob has a background in trauma assessment and treatment as well as family practice. He enjoys “working with kids and looks forward to the day of the week that he gets to spend here”.
Important Note From The BHS Nurse
For your student's safety, it is important that we have medical information, Diabetic and Seizure Physician Care Plans, medication authorization forms to prepare and train staff in case of an emergency. Please inform us if your student has Seizure Disorder, Diabetes, Asthma, Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction, or any other potentially life-threatening medical condition and complete the paperwork listed below.
-> Download, complete and return the Authorization for Medications to Be Taken at School form(s) if your student requires medication(s) to be taken at school. Forms are also available in the School Nurse office.
-> Update your student's health information online via the Student Verification Form on the Source by September 30). If you are unable to update online, or after 9/30 you may submit the Annual Student Health Information Form to the School Nurse.
Prepare for Your Student’s Health at School
Washington state law requires that school staff and parents plan together for the safe care of their child throughout the school day.
- Health issues: Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning at school to the school nurse. You can contact the nurse directly by phone or e-mail. Or fill out the online student verification form (September 1-30) or through the Annual Student Health Update paper form. Examples include: Seizures, diabetes, asthma, life-threatening allergic reaction, cancer treatment, and anemia.
- Medication at school: If your child needs to take any type of medication during the school day, even if it’s temporary, a medication form must be completed by the child’s health care provider and signed by parent. Authorization for Medications Taken at School (multiple languages)
- Medical treatments at school: If your child needs a treatment at school, such as: G-tube feeding, insulin calculation, clean urinary catheterization, suctioning, nebulizer, dressing change, and others please have the health care provider complete the treatment form. Authorization for Treatments and Procedures to be Performed at School
Immunization Information
Visit the SPS Student Vaccination Requirements post for more information and instructions for letters that were sent to some families.
To attend school students must present a signed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS). Our district requires that immunization information on the CIS comes from a medical provider. WA State Immunization laws state that the student is in compliance if they are:
- Fully immunized or
- In process of getting immunized
- Has a completed Certificate of Exemption
As of July 28, 2019, personal exemptions are no longer accepted in Washington State for the measles-MMR vaccine. Students who were previously in compliance with a Certificate of Exemption for MMR are now listed as out of compliance with state law.
You can obtain a copy of your own or your child’s (under age 18) immunization record located in the Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS).
Visit the website wa.myir.net to keep up-to-date with past immunizations, get reminders for your family’s future immunizations, and even print your own official records. Students can receive immunizations through their school-based health center or at a school-based health center located nearby.
Other Immunization Resources: