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Health Room

Welcome to the Early Childhood Center Health Room! 

Donna Bitler, MSN RN CSN

Headshot of school nurse

Donna graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing, Millersville University, and Eastern Mennonite University. Donna knew in 5th grade she wanted to be a nurse and has been nursing for 30 years. She worked for 18 years in ICU specializing in Open Heart Surgery. After moving back to Lancaster in 2010, she worked in the Recovery Room at Lancaster General. Donna began working at L-S in 2015 and loves working with the “littlest pioneers.”

"I am pretty sure at one time I said I never wanted to be a school nurse, and here I am. I love being a nurse and loved working in critical care and taking care of really sick patients. While I still miss aspects of the hospital, I love being able to care for younger students and families and encourage wellness at a younger age to promote a healthier lifestyle."

Donna lives in the District with her husband and two dogs. They have four children who have all attended/graduated from L-S. She enjoys reading, gardening, investing in others, and being with her family!

Medications in School - Procedure

We discourage the administration of medication during school hours or during school events. However, if your medical provider decides it is necessary for your child to receive a medication during the school day or other school event, his/her approval and specific directions must be provided to the school. The PA State Law and the medication policy of Lampeter-Strasburg School District requires the written order of a physician/ dentist/CRNP/PA's and the written authorization of the parent/guardian for a nurse to administer both over the counter (OTC) or prescription medications. 

Medications must be in the original container for OTC or in a properly labeled, pharmacy-prepared container with the following information: Name, Address, Telephone, and Federal DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) Number of the Pharmacy; Student’s Name, Directions for Use (dosage, frequency and time of administration, route, special instructions); Name and Registration Number of the Licensed Prescriber; Prescription Serial Number; Date Originally Filled; Name of Medication and Amount Dispensed. 

All medication must be dropped off by a parent/guardian or designated adult. Medication may not be transported by students unless a doctor completes a self-administration form and consent to carry is approved by the school nurse.

The nurse may only accept a 30-day supply of the medication that a child is taking.

The authorization is good for the current school year only. Unused medication should be collected from the school. Any uncollected medicine will be destroyed at the end of the school year or at the end of the prescribed duration of administration, whichever is sooner.

School Health Program

Throughout the school year, the school nurse will conduct various health screenings in accordance with state mandates. Immunization and health records are compiled and maintained throughout a student's educational career. The parent has access to the student's most recent screenings through PowerSchool.

The health room personnel will provide basic first aid and care. If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day, the nurse will assess the student, provide appropriate care, and will communicate with a parent or guardian if the child is seriously injured or ill.

The school nurse is not licensed to diagnose. The school nurse welcomes questions from students and parents. However, the health room is not to be used as a replacement for medical care from your family healthcare provider.

Mandated School Health Services:

STUDENT ILLNESS

Children may not attend school if they exhibit any of the following:

  • Temperature of 100 degrees or higher. Student needs to be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours before school. Students must be vomit-free and free of episodes of diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. 
  • Contagious conditions such as, but not limited to COVID, flu, strep throat, pink eye, impetigo, scabies, or ringworm

If a child is sick with any of the above symptoms or is contagious, it is the responsibility of the parent or other person(s) listed on the emergency form to pick the child up from school without delay. 


If you have any questions about your child's health, please feel free to contact the school nurse at your child's school.