Testing in the classromm

[djdog1995]

First off - what a great forum! We have passed by before, but this is our first post on this site. We used much of the data from this site to develop our daughters initial 504 plan.

We are interested to learn what folks have experienced in terms of allowing a child to test in the classroom. We live in MA and our 11 year old daughter was diagnosed close to her 7th b-day. She has been on the pump for almost 2 years and does a great job of testing herself when necessary, calculating carbs and administering insulin. Every night we discuss the school day in terms of BS levels, what she ate, etc. She has transitioned to this on her own pace. Partly due to the fact she is very independent, but also due to her attendance at diabetes camp and watching children her age do the same.

Her 504 plan provides assurance that she can test in the classroom, or some other location including the nurses office. The nurse has always fought this and constantly pushes the administration to force the issue. She is of the opinion the test kit should be stored in her office where testing is also to take place. This year her class is a good distance and on a different floor from the nurse. This not only disrupts her school day, but we feel is a safety concern. Early into her diagnosis, she fell on the stairs because of low BS. It concerns us greatly that her test kit may not be convenient to her.

An issue recently resurfaced when she left her test-kit behind in class. She was called down to the principals office and reprimanded by the principal and nurse including a threat of disciplinary action. (How intimidating is that to an 11 year old girl) We expressed concern to our daughter and assured the principal we would discuss with her the importance of remembering to keep the kit with her at all times.

This gave an opening to the nurse and here we go again. They are citing safety concerns for students and staff and the fact she is the only student in the school system that tests independently. This includes the high school. While we assume they have to honor this years 504 plan, they have threatened to modify this year's plan and make aggressive changes moving into the next school year.

Thanks to forum posts we were alerted to and have studied the "Legal Rights of Students with Diabetes". Fabulous document! We are also in the process of contacting the ADA for advice.

All we want is for our daughter to have the freedom to test when and where necessary and safely. If she wants to go to the nurse, thats great, if not, that's OK too. I'm curious to hear of any stories or suggestion folks may have based on your own experience. Also, sorry for the long post.

[wendyc]

While my daughter is only 5, the nurse actually wants Abby's meter in the room where she is. This way if she is attending to another child, Abby's other designated person can just grab the meter and test.
How terrible that your child should be threatened with a reprimand (gentle reminder ok, but come on!) and disciplinary action! Do they think that someone is going to test their sugar? If they do, it's a prank they will only do once, as those things aren't comfortable:) Our nurse told me that parents will send kids to school with unmarked medicine with the instructions to "take it when the teacher isn't looking" or will just toss a bottle of pills in the lunch bag. What's more dangerous, taking sugar or taking pills????

Our 504 states that Abby's bs will and can be taken anywhere on the school campus, bus, or field trip, and that the meter stays with her regardless of her testing abilities.

Stand your ground! Advise the school that you have reinforced the importance of your daughter keeping her meter with her, but don't let them think she was reprimanded. She seems to have a better grip on handling her d than the school nurse and staff do.

Please keep us posted.

[pookas]

I will be facing this issue next year when Hunter will be WAY down the hall from the nurse. He will be 7 next year and probably no aide. I'm thinking of having the teacher be in charge of the meter. Keep it in her desk or something and designate a spot in the room where he can quietly go test w/out disrupting the class. So far, the school has gone along w/ everything I've asked for, but I may have to fight for that next year...

[ramrummy]

We're in Australia and we dont have 504 plans, however, since dx last year, my son has had 2 teachers with 2 different approaches and concerns. The first teacher did not want any responsibility with testing a newly diagnosed diabetic. Excuse me saying this but this was a male teacher. If my son was 'feeling funny', he would give the teacher a special red card and a lady from the office (we do not have nurses in schools here) would come and 'deal' with my son, ie. watch him do his test, but usually in the bag room. I din't like this, because as this toing and froing was happening, my son was getting lower, but there were no problems and the teacher felt better and dealt with my son more calmly.

This year we have a female teacher who was quite happy to set aside an area in the room for my son to go and test i he 'felt funny', if the number was low, then the same red card would be given to the teacher and my son's buddy for the week would go to the office for one of the lasies to come and stay with my son. I did go to the teacher and explain what could happena nd she say no problem testing in the classroom, but my son does not make a fuss, nor does he do it too often.

I guess I am suggesting that you go and talk to the teacher and see how they feel, make your suggestiona and them compromise if necessary, the teachers are people and they 'fear' things just as we do.

[selketine]

I agree with you that your daughter sounds like she is independent enough to test her self and should be allowed to do so. You have probably already done this but make sure that her doctor has indicated that she can self-test at schol and he/she wants the child to self-test.

I don't know what state laws might apply to your situation but even in states or local school boards with policies on self-testing in the classroom from what I've seen...the nurse has a big say in the matter. It seems that you have to prove to the nurse that the child is able to self test and act appropriately with the results and so forth.

The fact that she is the ONLY student in the school system to self test (!!!) shouldn't be a factor. The safety concerns the one that needs to be addressed I think. What are the safety issues they have raised? Is it the blood issue or the that the lancing device could be used to poke other kids?

[jeep_bluetj]

Sheesh. Where did common sense go?

What safety concerns? Another kid is going to take the school hostage with a lancing device? That .1ml drop of blood is teeming with horrible viruses? C'mon. Better ban staplers and pencils. And expel any kid that fell on thier skateboard and is covered with sores. Or fell down outside. Or popped a pimple in the bathroom.

Stand your ground. You and your daughter are 100% correct here. Its FAR less of a disruption to your daughter's education and the other kids in the class to have her just quietly test herself.

[Momof4gr8kids]

Our school nurse was comfortable with our meter staying in the class room. Julia can do the test on her own, she just needs help knowing what the numbers mean, and what to do. Julia's teacher, however wanted no part of it at first. So I gave them permission to keep Julia's B/G monitor in the nurses office, but I also insisted that someone walk her incase she fell, or got hurt, or passed out on the way. I then brought up the question of who would walk her to the nurses office, and take responsibility for her b/g's when the nurse wasn't there. That feel to the teacher. It would have been a bigger pain for the teacher to walk her up to the office. So we got our way. Now Julia's teacher is a pro at helping her take her B/G. She isn't as scared of it all, and in a class full of kindergarteners not one has ever tried to test them self, or inject themself. Even kindergarteners understand - poke, ouch, blood, pain - not what I want.....

Sounds like you are getting good help through the ADA, and this site. I don't think they can mandate that it be kept in the nurses office, specially with the concerns you have raised. I hope it goes well, and that you can get the school nurse to pull her head out of her shoe.
Good luck, I know it is quite the battle.
Jamie

[nantomsuethom]

Thomas has been testing in the classroom since 5th grade. He carries his meter (kit) with him at all times. He has everything in his kit that he needs to take care of himself. He uses a pump and boluses and carb counts in school by himself and has done so since 5th grade.
We sent a letter to each of his teachers at the begining of the school year letting them know that Thomas will be testing and treating himself in the classroom (504 in place too). If he or the teacher feels that he needs to call home, he is to go with a partner to the office and call me or his dad.
I would not be able to hold back if he was sent to the office and reprimanded for forgetting his kit in the classroom. That is uncalled for!!!
Why do they want to have control of her diabetes?!!
I am a school nurse. I encourage the students with D to do everything that they can do on their own and I help them when they need it. They have meters and glucose tabs in their classrooms and in the clinic. My students come to the clinic because they are young but if they need to or want to they can test in the class or p.e, art, music etc.
One of the reasons we keep a meter in their classrooms is for safety. If we have a fire (drill) or a lockdown (drill) they need to have their supplies with them.

[djdog1995]

selketine - Her 504 plan already includes Dr. authorization and approval to self-test on Joslin letterhead. What is so frustrating about this situation, the principal or nurse wont spell out what the specific issue is. Since the only concern expressed so far is her leaving the test kit behind, one can only assume they are worried about another child or staff member accidentally lancing them self or being exposed to the alcohol swabs and test strips in her kit. She uses the new lancing device with the cartridge so loose lancet's are not an issue. It's also worth mentioning the teachers have no issues with her testing in the classroom. This is all coming from the school nurse as we have been down this road with her last year. We thought she was convinced, but this issue gave her an opening to start up again.

In the meantime the principal has requested another meeting which we are glad to attend. Prior to our meeting, our current plan is to determine what our rights are concerning her current 504. Since all the provisions we agreed to are currently spelled out, including her right to test, we want to understand how she is protected and if they have leverage to change it before expiring next year. We are happy to compromise, but will not do so when it comes to in-classroom testing.
Thank you all for the words of encouragement. We plan on seeing this through to resolution.

[margaret]

Don't give up, as it is in her best interest to have her meter with her and perform tests when needed. We have gone thru this in Fl. and now the students with diabetes may test in the classroom. Why not request a 504 meeting and get things changed. Margaret

[Laura]

Ugh. We went through this here too. We moved here 3 weeks before school started and couldn't get in for a meeting until the day before school started because they were too busy. They kept going on and on about him testing in the office. They don't even have a nurse so if he went to the office and the people working there were busy or there were too many people trying to sign their kids out or something my son wouldn't even be noticed. We argued and argued. My best point to them (because they didn't care about us so we had to use something else) was that if my son had to leave the classroom 3 times a day to test and miss about 10 mins each time and then longer for lows some other kid would too. He has to have a buddy walk with him and having another child's school work "suffer" for my son's diabetes was what really made them think. They finally agreed and now he's allowed to test in the bathroom in his class. The issue we are fighting now is they keep his glucagon kit in the office and no one knows how to use it. :mad:

[muddymessalonskee]

...for grins, you could tell them you're considering homeschooling your daughter. They wouldn't like that because the school would lose funding. I wonder why the principal is trying to override your 504? The left-behind meter is pretty much a non-issue, considering the other potential dangers to which your daugther is exposed to in school. In addition to unsaniitary conditions in restrooms and on drinking fountains, children are exposed to contagious diseases by children who attend school when sick, sometimes because of draconian attendance policies at some schools. They're exposded to allergens. Children are at risk of injury from all sorts of items commonly found in schools: pens, pencils, push-pins, paints and other chemicals, etc. They sometimes are pinched, punched, or tripped; occasionally their clothes are ripped or their hair is pulled by other students. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't send our children to school, but it means that we should be able to stand up to the school administration if appropriate accomodations are not being made for our children with D. The threat of disciplinary action for an oversight like leaving a meter behind is not appropriate. If the meater was left behind repeatedly, possibly some compromise could be made, such as increasing the supervision of the child during bg tests.

My son (15, dx in Jan) attends high school. We don't have a 504. There hasn't been any need for one, possibly because the principal and at least one teacher are on insulin pumps. He's never had a problem treating his condition at the school. The nurse keeps extra snacks, strips, insulin, and glucagon in her office, and asks him to check in with her once a day, at my request.

My daughter (12, dx 2001) is homeschooled. Although we homeschool for other reasons, it has simplified her care. She attends one class at the junior high. There has never been eny problem with her testing/treating in class.

Deborah

[Hollyb]

My son has always been allowed to test in the classroom or anywhere else. Granted, he's a bit older, but it is a safety issue. No child should have to wait for treatment or walk down the hall when feeling low -- we've all seen how fast they can plummet on occasion.

How do kids who keep their meters in the office handle phys ed? My son was told to test before, during and after gym class. At tournaments he tests several times while he's on the bench. What if your daughter was in class and they did a little walking field trip or something? What about school plays or other performances? He always tests before a music performance to ensure he's not going to go low in mid-solo....

Bottom line: the lancets are sterile. Even if a curious child did poke himself with it (how unlikely is that?!?), it would do no harm. If your little girl passed out and fell down the stairs or had a seizure on her way to the nurse's office, that would be a lot worse. So who is at more risk??

[AmyMcCracken]

My daughter is 6 and kept all her supplies in her classroom in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. She puts her "diabetes bag" in a cabinet at the teachers desk. She can check herself whenever she needs. It's amazing to me that they won't let an older child who is obviously responsible keep her supplies to check herself.

My daughter pumps so there are no syringes in her bag. Plus we use the AccuCheck MultiClix Lancet so there are no needles either.

It seems odd to me that they would risk your daughter having problems getting to the office. You have to do what is best for your daughter and it sounds like you are on the right track. Good Luck.

[JOSE]

my daughter is nine, and she was diagnosed at 6..school did not have a nurse and wasny planning on one, just by pure luck my wife was telling a friend about how one of us was goint to have to quit work just so we could be with her at lunch, and a member of the school board over heard , and she got us the nurse...at first the nurse kept everything at clinic, but know my daughter carries it with her, and goes to the clinic to test( she does not want to do it in class)
but if for some reason they told me it had to be kept at the clinic ,even thought i know it would be wrong i would give mt daughter another meter

[Barry]

My son has the choice (Palm Beach County Florida) to either go to nurse, which he does, or test in class which he will do after we finish doing some insulin adjustments

[selketine]

These things you may know already but:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/71-54b.htm

This says: Notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to the contrary, a school district shall not prohibit a student with diabetes from possessing and administering a glucose monitoring test and insulin delivery system, in accordance with department of public health regulations concerning a student’s self-administration of a prescription medication.

So if you go to the Dept. Of Public Health regulations regarding the self-admin of Prescription medication it is here: http://www.mass.gov/dph/regs/reg105cmr210.pdf

See 210.006 for the part dealing with self-administration.

Also see 210.003 A. 7. for what to do if there is a disagreement between the parents and the school on self-administration of medication. There are supposed to be procedures in place if there is a disagreement. You might ask to see what those are.

Do you think they are calling for another meeting in order to revise the 504 to prohibit her self-testing? The regulations for MA seem to indicate she has the right to self test unless she in incapable of doing so. I wouldn't think that leaving her test kit is a serious enough issue to warrant a reconsideration of the whole thing (that is silly really). They will have to produce a better reason than that.

[Tamara Gamble]

Hey, regardless of how well a child handles their diabetes, they will forget things. Did you know that a child with D has on average 63 more things to think about a day than any child with out it? She forgot a test kit. What are they going to do lynch the poor child? Has she not been humiliated enough?

Someone would have to intentionally go into her things and mess with them to get a poke. Make sure she is using something like the multiclix lancing device this will help you with these matters. What is the issue really? Have they neglected to place a sharps container in the class room for her to properly dispose of her used items? She has new supplies only there so what is the threat, that someone may find out that they are out of target range?

Will they be removing the scissors, staplers, tacs, paper clips, paper or what ever else a child could lance themselves on in the class room? Because after all these items are dangerous. Will they be locking these items up as well? Will they remove a child that has a scab that could fall off from class or dare I say nose picker who could get a bleed?

Don't let them revise her plan so that she cannot test in the class or carry her supplies with her at any given time or place. Use all of the information available to prove why it is better if she does. They are supposed to assist her in becoming more independant so that she can learn to live with this disease so bare that in mind. They are supposed to support her and allow her to be in the least restrictive environment as possible.

Have they never forgotten something? Like making a phone call even. Perhapse they should not be allowed to use this as a means of comunication in the future since they are so irresponsible. See, it's rediculous.

Do you have all of the neccesary materials to prove how rediculous they are including psychological affects due to poor handling of a child with this disease? (I am talking about on their part) Do they understand that she will become a victim to this disease if she is not given the opportunity to take control over it?

Let us know if you would like us to provide you with specific information. Check out this site, the ADA site, JDRF site etc. You will find what you need there. There is 172 page document specific to problems like this. It is called Legal rights of students with diabetes. It is on the ADA site for sure.

If they would prefer to be responsible and you have no other choice. I think it would be fine if they wanted to carry her items from class to class and onto the bus and be responsible for them. She can still test as needed and self manage, she will just have a personal, walking, talking, breathing attendant. She may want to ask if they will carry her books as well, after all that is what attendents are for right. She may forget a book or something.

Seriously, remember the issue is not whether she is capable of testing or managing. The issue is she forgot to bring her supplies. My son forgets and the teachers just take it to the next class. No big shakes. If they want the duty let them have it but by no means let them take her testing and managing rights away.

Poor kid. All this trouble over nothing. Again, just as a reminder, two seperate issues. Tell her we are all rooting for her. Our kids have done it and it is no big shakes. It happens. Tell her we are all sorry that some people just don't understand but we are working hard to educate them so hang in there!

Good Luck! God Bless! Keep us posted!

Tami

[mickjen]

My 7year old daughter test in the classroom and has her meter all the time,as said before in aussie land we dont have a nurse at the school. Had a time when the teacher just gave her jelly beans when my daughter told her she was not feeling well without testing,I WAS SO MAD

REGARDS
MICK
DAD TO KAARINA 7
T1 /2 /1/2YEARS

[bethdou]

Don't give up; the nurse should not be trying to do that to your daughter.
You said she already fell once before due to low bg...does the nurse think that that is acceptable? Maybe the hint of "lawsuit" might change some minds....
You could check with your state Department of Education for an advocate if you feel like you need one. Besides going through the Dept of Ed. here in AZ we have an organization called Raising Special Kids, whic is an advocacy organization. They have trained advocates to help parents of any child with a special need, whether it is diabetes, mental handicaps, physical handicaps, or any other disability or disease that might require special accomodations in school. They will go to the school with you for meetings if need be, and know the laws that apply to IEPs, 504s, etc. While they aren't lawyers and can't give legal advice, they definitely know what a child's and parent's rights are, and what the school's responsibility is.

Sounds like the nurse is a bit of a bully....?

[Tamara Gamble]

Tyler now wears the waist it. It holds his pump with attached meter, test strips, lancing device, alchohol swabs, ketosix and gluco tabs. I actually bought this so that he could go to the bathroom if he chose to to test and he wouldn't have to get everything out of his bag. He could just go. He typically tests in class but he has his days. He still has a serperate bag with back up supplies, juice, glucagon etc but this just allows him a little more privacy if he wants a little bit easier.

With girls it's a little tougher, boys can hide these under their shirts. For girls they may not want something so obvious. Does she carry a purse?

Tami

[djdog1995]

She use to carry a purse - but that is no longer part of her regular apparel. LOL! We suggested a fanny pack, but got the "DAD" comment.

Our meeting with the principal and nurse is next week. In the meantime were bulking up on information. Anybody seen documentation that confirms the safety of a Accu-Check Multiclix lancing device?

[Tamara Gamble]

I don't have time to try to find the information right now but I have something for you.

In the paragraphs that follow, I will provide you with some support points iterated by major diabetes organizations, medical professionals and the U.S Dept of Education, all of whom support these accommodations as appropriate.

RATIONALE FOR ACCOMMODATION OF BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING AT ANY TIME IN ANY LOCATION…

In a federally-sponsored landmark multi-center research study called the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), it showed a significant link between blood glucose control and the later development of diabetes complications. As such, the foremost goal of diabetes management is to maintain glucose levels as close to normal as possible. The ability to achieve this goal necessitates frequent blood glucose monitoring twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the world’s most pre-eminent diabetes organization comprised of leading diabetes specialists – physicians, nurses, diabetes educators and researchers – in its statement on “Diabetes Care in the School & Daycare Setting” (Vol.27 Supplement 1, Diabetes Care January 2005) states that:

“It is best for a student with diabetes to obtain a blood glucose level and to respond to the results as quickly and conveniently as possible. This is important to avoid medical problems being worsened by a delay in testing/treatment and to minimize educational problems caused by missing instruction in the classroom. Accordingly, as stated earlier, a student should be permitted to monitor his or her blood glucose level and take appropriate action to treat hypoglycemia in the classroom or anywhere the student is in conjunction with a school activity, if preferred by the student and indicated in the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan.”

“The student with diabetes should have immediate access to diabetes supplies at all times, with supervision as needed.”

In addition, the ADA also cites that:

“…most children in this age-group [3-7 years of age] can participate in their self-management by testing blood glucose, helping to keep records, and in some cases counting carbohydrates.”

In-class glucose testing is clearly articulated and supported in the federal government-sponsored National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) guide titled “Helping The Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel.” The following partial listing of organizations endorse the contents of this guide and support its use: National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of School Nurses, National Association of State Boards of Education, U.S. Department of Education, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, Lawrence Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, American Association of Diabetes Educators, the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Not only does in-class glucose testing provide for better glucose control, it is also safer for the student with diabetes as it allows him/her to swiftly respond to any suspicions of out-of-range glucose levels and to responsibly take treatment action. Further, it supports the child in attaining another important medical goal of self-management skills. (See ADA reference to self-management above.)

Academically, in-class blood glucose testing enables the student to reduce the amount of lost instructional time that would result in going to the nurse’s office each time a glucose check is performed. Each trip to the nurse’s office translates to a minimum of 3-5 minutes of lost classroom instruction. In considering that, in some instances, this could occur multiple times a day given the variable nature of diabetes one can readily appreciate the significant impact this can represent on a student’s ability to be optimally effective in the classroom.

The very intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is to protect a student’s right to obtain a free, appropriate pubic education in the least restrictive environment that is equal to their non-disabled peers. Requiring a student to perform glucose checks in a nurse’s office is not in the spirit of this federal mandate.

Regarding any unfounded concern that such blood glucose monitoring practices may endanger other students, the NDEP guide previously referenced also states:

“Blood Glucose monitoring does not present a danger to other students or staff members when there is a plan for proper disposal of lancets and other materials that come into contact with blood.”

If it is the Administration’s concerns that it may not be appropriate for other students to witness my child’s performance of blood glucose testing in the classroom, it should be made clear that these concerns are baseless and discriminatory. It is our hope that the District/School staff serves a role to facilitate compassion, understanding and acceptance of students with disabilities, and to assist those students who have a lesser degree of these humane qualities. It is our chief concern that our child be supported to do what is medically necessary to responsibly care for his medical condition. It is not our concern that others may be offended by what he so courageously and matter-of-factly does to keep himself alive.

RATIONALE FOR STUDENT TO HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO DIABETES SUPPLIES…

In order to attain the student’s medical goals of self-management and responsible self-care, it is necessary for the Ty to have immediate access to his diabetes supplies. Additionally, the preceding points related to blood glucose monitoring establish that his ability to perform such self-care tasks is a medical necessity.

As you know, Section 504 regulations specifically state that each child’s needs must be approached on an individualized basis. The establishment of blanket policy or mandating a student to come to the nurse’s office based on preference gives little consideration to the individualized management and skill levels of my child. It is medically important that my child be provided with:

1. optimal ability to respond swiftly to suspicions of out-of-range glucose levels, which is deemed most safe for persons diagnosed with diabetes;

2. optimal ability to most effectively manage glucose levels based on current standards of diabetes care practices;

3. optimal effectiveness in the classroom as well as equal access to valuable academic instruction through minimizing trips to the nurse’s office;

4. optimal psychosocial wellness through the ability to interact socially with his peers at lunchtime by integrating diabetes care into his life, rather than integrating his life into his diabetes care;

NEXT STEPS…

In order for you to achieve your advocacy goals for inclusion of these points, I would strongly recommend that you put together a letter to the school principal that addresses these unresolved accommodations. First, state that you are striving to work in the spirit of partnership with the school. Then follow in your own words with the rationale for inclusion. Finally, state the expected action steps and timing. Be sure to carbon the identified 504 On-Site Coordinator (whoever is in charge of 504s at the school), and the Director of Student Special Services/Special Ed. If you so choose, include the Superintendent as well. Importantly, you want to keep the tone neutral and slowly work up the chain of command to reach resolution.

This letter was sent to me by a voluteer for the JDRF in regards to some issues. I hope it is helpful.

Yeah, the fanny pack thing screams dork. Ty wouldn't do that one either. My teenager supported him on this one by asking if I wanted him to get beat up.

Tami

[selketine]

Do see the MA laws I pointed out on page 2 of this thread.

Also I would think that the doctor's orders for her to test herself would be supreme in this case. The nurse should have to put up a fairly good argument for going against the doctor's orders for your child. Perhaps I would ask the doctor to write a letter *just* for this issue if you can...it could give you more leverage in the meeting.

State laws can be different on this point but MA law seems to side with letting the child carry the testing supplies unless deemed incompetent to self-test.

[Tamara Gamble]

I'm just bumping it up. You're right Carol they need to site MA laws to be more effective.

I just wanted to throw some more in there. Besides, I don't know how I feel about all of the state laws being implemented that limit federal ones. It's a violation. I haven't read the MA one's so my statement is in general. Like who can deliver what. I have an article for you when we get to Chicago.We need to get rid of state laws that prohibit anything federal allows.

I am actually concerned that we in Michigan will make that mistake. To many hands in the pot. The preverbial wheel thing like Ellen pointed out on a different post. It's been done the schools need to deal with the fact that federal law applies to them. It's sticky.

Should we even have state laws if they are prohibitive? Isn't this counter productive? Lot's of ques on this one.

See ya tomorrow!

Tami

[selketine]

I think some state laws are very helpful in clarifying the situation. I think several states have laws like MA that allow kids to self-test. Of course actually getting that to apply to YOU is a different matter altogether. The nurse has a big say in what our kids are allowed to do. I can tell from our school nurse that she intends to be the Gateway to All Things. Even when the parents are correct and the nurse is wrong I think it ends up being a battle.

What might also help in this situation is finding parents in other counties in MA who have kids around the same age allowed to self test. However if this particular nurse is bent on having the control shifted back to herself then the case will be made the student is incompetent. The nurse will try to perhaps absolve herself from some aspects of the child's care and if something goes wrong she will say that it was due to self-testing, etc.

I think before doing anything I'd want a clear picture of why the nurse is worried and what about exactly. If she is afraid she doesn't know what is going on with the student or if she could actually be worried that someone else will get the test kit and run around poking people. If it is the former perhaps there could be some arrangement for the child to let the nurse know her number (a walkie talkie report) after she tests. The nurse will know she is testing and what treatments she took - IF that is the issue.

[djdog1995]

Excellent points, articles, etc. We have been on countless sites, read everything available and suggested by the participant of this forum. We are also fortunate to have a lawyer friend helping us prepare. My wife and I feel well equipped with information to move forward and we totally agree the next step is to write a letter. First we need to understand EXACTLY what the issue(s) is. Even though the principal requested this meeting, our intention is to demand they clearly articulate the concerns.

We have agreed to many compromises with the nurse, which are all documented in the current 504 plan. This includes her checking in at lunch and going down to the nurse if her numbers are out of a predefined set of parameters. All we request is she have the freedom to carry the test kit, and be able to test when necessary without a trip to the office. We are very happy with the way it stands today. This last "attack" is not going to be tolerated and we want that message to be heard loud and clear. Danielle has every right to be in control of "HER" diabetes and she is capable of doing so. BTW - the nurse REFUSES to put a sharps container anywhere but in her office. Danielle has to carry used swabs and test strips in her kit until she can dispose of them in the nurses office, or home. Bet they don't make kids carry old band aids around the same way.

OK - I'm ranting.

Thank you all for your great support and we will certainly give you an update. We have every intention to escalate the issue to whatever level is necessary for a satisfactory resolution.

[Momof4gr8kids]

djdog, One thing I do when we don't have a sharps container for the day is I use an old strip container. Maybe she could do that until she can reach the sharps container. Sorry, I know it isn't great, but it is a step up from carrying them around loose in her testing kit. I hope the meeting goes well. Please keep us posted, and let us know how it turns out.
Jamie

[bonhamx4]

Another thing you can do if you are still having problems, contact your state supertendent of schools and see where they stand on this issue. We were having a little difficulty with our son's school nurse until I pulled out the guidelines for WA state from the state school supertendent's office. Good luck.

Rich

[monkey97]

Phillip has always tested in the classroom. Last year he kept his meter in the teachers desk. That was mainly because it was all very new (only dxd Jan 2005) and I was worried hed lose it. This year he keeps his meter on him and he just tests where he is, and does whatever he needs to. the teacher had said once that she thought he was saying he was low to get out of doing work, but she's now making sure he finishes his work, later if hes low, and hes not testing as much now. I've actually noticed something similiar. If I ask Phillip to do a job he'll say he's hypo. I can usually tell now, so I tell him to just get on with it if I dont believe him.

[Momof4gr8kids]

Phillip has always tested in the classroom. Last year he kept his meter in the teachers desk. That was mainly because it was all very new (only dxd Jan 2005) and I was worried hed lose it. This year he keeps his meter on him and he just tests where he is, and does whatever he needs to. the teacher had said once that she thought he was saying he was low to get out of doing work, but she's now making sure he finishes his work, later if hes low, and hes not testing as much now. I've actually noticed something similiar. If I ask Phillip to do a job he'll say he's hypo. I can usually tell now, so I tell him to just get on with it if I dont believe him.

Julia went through that, and I would have her test, she was only low once out of all the times she said that, so I decided that even if she was low, we would just treat it very matter of factly, and then go right back to her chore, or cleaning her room. It was a hard lesson, but one that needed to be learned.