Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life threatening, severe allergic reaction. The most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or shock. 

While Harlingen CISD cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment at school, the district is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of every child who has allergies.

Parents of children with known anaphylaxis are expected to provide an individual supply of emergency medication to the campus nurse, in addition to a current Allergy-Anaphylaxis Care Plan, signed by the parent and the physician.

Allergy – Anaphylaxis Page

Our district health services support students’ safety and wellbeing during the school day. Nurses provide first aid for injuries and sudden illness, wellness checks, physical assessments, lice screenings as needed, heat illness prevention, and assistance for students recovering from injury so they can return to school activities safely. These assessments and supports do not replace care provided by a student’s personal healthcare provider. Our nurses, and other trained staff, work within their professional scope of practice and established district procedures to promote students’ health, attendance, and readiness to learn in partnership with families.

Students with asthma should submit an annual Asthma Action Plan signed by the physician and parent. Students who require medication at school (either inhaler or nebulizer) must submit Medication Authorization Forms to the school nurse. These forms must be completed each school year. It is also helpful for parents to complete the Asthma Questionnaire, as it allows the campus nurse to plan individualized care for each student.

The 77th Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 1688, which amends the Education Code to entitle a student with asthma to possess and self-administer prescription asthma medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity. The bill specified the conditions under which a student is entitled to possess and self-administer asthma medication. 

Self-Carry Considerations

A student with asthma may possess and self-administer prescription medicine while on school property or at a school-related event or activity if the following conditions are met:

1. the prescription medicine has been prescribed for that student as indicated by the prescription label on the medicine;

2. the student has demonstrated to the student's physician or other licensed health care provider and the school nurse, the skill level necessary to self-administer the prescription medication, including the use of any device required to administer the medication;

3. the self-administration is done in compliance with the prescription or written instructions from the student's physician or other licensed health care provider; and

4. a parent of the student provides to the school a written authorization, signed by the parent and licensed health care provider on the Authorization for Self-Administration Form, stating

   • that the student has asthma or anaphylaxis and is capable of self-administering the prescription medicine;

   • the name and purpose of the medicine;

   • the prescribed dosage for the medicine;

   • the times at which or circumstances under which the medicine may be administered; and

   • the period for which the medicine is prescribed.

5. The physician's statement must be kept on file in the office of the school nurse of the school the student attends or, if there is not a school nurse, in the office of the principal of the school the student attends.

Please note that a student requiring medication for sports must also register the medication with the school nurse. 

Asthma Care Forms

It is important that parents of students with diabetes communicate fully with the school nurse about the student’s needs in order to achieve the best student outcomes.  If possible, plan to meet with the nurse prior to the beginning of the school year or before the first day of attendance for students who start later in the school year. 

Diabetes Care Page

The district health staff will perform state-required health screenings. If you do not wish the district health staff to perform the screenings, you may substitute a professional examination by a health care provider of your choice. Please contact your campus nurse for further instructions.

Health Screenings Page

Medication safety is of the utmost importance in Harlingen CISD. The district provides nurses on each campus to provide care for students, including medication administration. In the event that a nurse is not available, trained school staff are available to provide medications, per policy.

Medication Administration Page

Puberty and Human Growth Education Session

Our district offers a once-a-year puberty and human growth education session for students at the appropriate grade level. The goal is straightforward: to give students accurate, age-appropriate information about the physical and emotional changes they will experience as they mature. This instruction helps students understand their own development, promotes healthy habits, and supports the guidance they already receive at home.

This program has been used for many years in schools and reflects long-standing health education practices. It focuses on:

• normal changes that occur during growth and development

• basic personal hygiene

• respect for self and others

• how to ask trusted adults questions

The presentation is not sex education and does not cover topics outside of basic growth and development.

Parent choice (Opt-In)
Participation in this presentation is parent/guardian opt-in only. Students will attend only if a parent or guardian provides written permission. Families who do not wish for their child to participate will be provided an alternate setting during the presentation without penalty.

Parents are encouraged to review the materials in advance and discuss the content with their child at home. This session is meant to support—never replace—the important role of parents in teaching values and answering questions about growing up.

If you would like to preview the video or materials, or if you have questions about the program, please contact your campus nurse or administrator.

Always Changing and Growing Up- Boys Puberty Education

Always Changing and Growing Up- Girls Puberty Education

It is important that parents of students with seizures communicate fully with the school nurse about the student’s needs in order to achieve the best student outcomes.  If possible, plan to meet with the nurse prior to the beginning of the school year or before the first day of attendance for students who start later in the school year.

Seizure Care Page