Health Policies & Guidelines

District Health Policies

For information on school district policies pertaining to illnesses, immunizations, and medications, please visit the links in the menu to the right.

District Health Guidelines

Food Guidelines
Many illnesses can be spread by eating food that has not been prepared, stored or served properly. The Des Moines Public Schools has adopted guidelines to minimize the possibility of food borne illnesses from being introduced into our school communities. To download a copy of the district’s food guidelines, please click here.

School-Parent Communication
In order to provide the best care possible to your child, it is important that the school nurse receive updated information about your child’s health status at the beginning of each school year and as needed if the child’s health status should change.  Please take a minute at school registration each year to complete the health and medical portions of online registration.  Be sure the let the school nurse know of any changes to your emergency contact information.

Privacy of Student Health Information
The district respects your child’s privacy and takes measures to assure the security of student health records. Information regarding health problems that may affect student performance should be communicated directly to the school nurse. Written parental permission is required before the school nurse can share educationally relevant health information with school staff working with your child. To grant permission, please download and complete the following form: