Welcome To Ballard High School
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 orthopedic, psychiatric, general medical surgical to specializing in cardiac and thoracic care and, most recently, as a school nurse this past 3 1/2 years. I am passionate about working with the youth and I feel confident that I can attend many of your student's ills and injuries. More information is available on my BHS Nurse welcome letter for the school year 2019-20.
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
For your child’s safety, it is important that I have medical information, plans and medication authorization forms by Aug 23, 2019 to prepare and train staff in case of an emergency. Please inform me if your child has any of the following: Seizure Disorder, Diabetes, Asthma, Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction, or any other potentially life-threatening medical condition.
-> Complete and return the Authorization for Medications to Be Taken at School form along with medication(s) by the First Day of School.
-> Complete and return the Annual Student Health Information Form online via the Student Verification Form on the Source (9/4 - 9/30) or on paper and turned into 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. 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
Fall Flu Shots
Protect yourself and your community from the flu. Seattle Visiting Nurse Association will provide your annual flu shot to students (ages 4 and older), staff and community members. Most forms of insurance (including Apple Health and Medicaid) and cash or check are accepted. Visit the
SPS Flu Clinics page for dates/times for a clinic near you. Students who are enrolled in their school-based health center (SBHC) can also get the flu shot. Visit the
King County School Health website for a listing of locations.
Immunization Information
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 www.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 (SBHC).
Other Immunization Resources: