Elementary School Nurse

Mrs. Misty Stephens, RN, M.Ed, NCSN, PCCN

Telephone: (814) 255-8771

Fax: (814) 255-8793

Hello! My name is Mrs. Misty Stephens, and I am proud to serve as the elementary school nurse at Westmont Elementary. I am honored to care for your child throughout the school day and look forward to partnering with your family to help keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

My husband, Mallie, and I live in Westmont with our three daughters, who attend Westmont Hilltop School District. As both a school nurse and a parent in the district, I understand the importance of knowing your child is well cared for while they are at school.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College and spent many years working in the hospital setting, gaining experience in a variety of patient care areas. Since joining Westmont Elementary, I have earned my Pennsylvania School Nurse Certification and a Master of Education in School Health Services. In March 2023, I also achieved National Board Certification in School Nursing, making me the first and only school nurse in our area to earn this distinction. Additionally, I am a certified CPR and First Aid instructor.

Many students know me as the primary handler of Cecil, our beloved facility dog and local celebrity! It is a joy to see the positive impact he has on our school community each day.

Outside of school, I enjoy staying involved in the Westmont community. I serve as a multi-level Girl Scout troop leader, a member of the PTO and HAT boards, and volunteer at my church as a youth club leader, Sunday school teacher, and deacon.

I encourage you to contact me anytime you have questions, concerns, or new information regarding your child's health needs. I am committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every student and look forward to building a positive relationship with you and your child throughout the school year.

A FEW REMINDERS:

Medication at School

A completed medication authorization form is required for all prescription and over-the-counter medications administered at school.
For your child's safety, medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian. Students should never transport medication to or from school.
Students are not permitted to carry medication during the school day unless authorized by their healthcare provider and school nurse. Exceptions include approved inhalers, EpiPens®, and other medically necessary emergency medications.

Asthma & Severe Allergies

If your child has asthma or a life-threatening allergy, please provide a current Asthma Action Plan or Food Allergy Action Plan completed by your child's healthcare provider. These plans help ensure your child receives prompt and appropriate care if an emergency arises.

Immunization Requirements

Pennsylvania law requires students to be up to date on all required immunizations or have appropriate documentation of a medical or religious exemption, or an approved catch-up schedule.
Students who do not meet these requirements may be excluded from school after five days until the necessary documentation is provided.

If you have any questions about medications, health forms, immunizations, or your child's medical needs, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am happy to help!

Immunizations:

The following immunizations are required for school attendance in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Westmont Hilltop School District requirements:

✅ 4 doses of DTaP/Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

One dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday.

✅ 4 doses of Polio

The 4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the previous dose.

✅ 3 doses of Hepatitis B

✅ 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

✅ 2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) or documented evidence of immunity.

Pennsylvania DOH requires the following health screenings for elementary students:

Screening	Grade(s)
Height & Weight	All grades
Vision	All grades
Hearing	Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades
Dental Examination	Upon school entry, Kindergarten, and 3rd Grade*
Physical Examination	Upon school entry, Kindergarten, and 6th Grade*
Scoliosis Screening	6th Grade

*A private dental or physical examination completed by your child's healthcare provider may be submitted in place of the school examination if it meets state requirements.

If you have any questions about these screenings or need additional information, please feel free to contact the school health office.

Diabetes education

Act 117 - Parental Education of Type 1 Diabetes

Staying Healthy

1. Hand washing is the single most effective way to kill germs, prevent their spread and keep from getting sick. Wash often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing

2. If soap and water is not available, use an effective hand sanitizer.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

4. Use respiratory etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

5. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, phones, keyboards, and toys.

6. Avoid sharing food, cups, and eating utensils, especially with those who are sick.

7. Avoid close contact with those who are ill.

8. Make sure your child has a regular bedtime and is getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep impairs the immune system’s ability to fight infection.

9. Make sure your child is well nourished, well hydrated and has breakfast every morning. Keep the immune system healthy by eating plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables (they are loaded with vitamin C,) healthy proteins, and whole grain breads and cereals. Avoid excess sugar! Make sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather and for outdoor activities.

Forms and Policies