Nurse

  • Patricia L Barker BSN, RN, NCSN

     

    Polaris K-12 School Nurse
    6200 Ashwood St
    Anchorage, AK 99507
    PH: 907-742-8701
    FAX: 907-742-8777
    barker_patricia@asdk12.org

  • COVID testing for symptomatic students, staff and families is available at Polaris.

     

    In order to receive a COVID test, you must pre-register. It is highly recommended that you do it now, in case you need to get tested in the future. You will only need to pre-register once. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact Nurse Patty.

     

    Registration Tips:

    • After the registration link opens, you will check the box "I don't have a QR code."
    • You only need to answer the questions that are marked with an asterisk (*) with actual answers.
    • All the sections will be your (parent) information except for the one that is called "PERSONAL INFORMATION"
    • You do not need to input your social security number, driver's license number or insurance numbers if you do not want. Just type in 999999
    • When the registration asks for pictures of your insurance card or driver's license, you can take a picture of the floor and it will let you move on to the next question.
    • Take a picture of the QR code and save it for future reference.

     

    Other Notes:

    • You must pre-arrange a time with Nurse Patty for a COVID test.
    • Nurse Patty is only testing symptomatic persons.
    • Results may take 24-48 hours to receive.
    • Please be patient and kind.

  • August 2021

     

    Face Masks

    Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children come to school with face masks. It is highly recommended that each student brings 2 every day in case one gets soiled, lost or torn. Polaris K-12 is NOT supplying face masks for each student every day. We have some spares in case they are needed, but it is very important that students bring their own.

     

    Immunizations

    If you have received a call from me saying that your child needs vaccinations or updated immunization records, please remember that 8/27 is the deadline to get those turned in. If you do not, your child will not be able to attend school.

     

    There is sometimes concern that a child will be given a vaccine in school that the parent is unaware of. Please know that immunizations are only given to students if there is a consent signed by a parent. At Polaris, the only vaccinations that are offered during the school year are the flu shots. 

     

    Health Screens

    Health screens have begun. Students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 are having their vision, hearing, heights and weights checked. If there is a concern, you will be notified. If your child is in a different grade than what is listed, or if you have specific concerns, and you would like me to screen them, please let Nurse Patty know.

     

    Early Elementary Students

    It doesn’t happen often, but “accidents” do happen. I highly recommend putting a spare set of clothes in your child’s backpack, or keep some available in your child’s classroom in case of emergency.

     

    Medication

    Students are NOT allowed to carry any kind of medication in school unless it is an Epi-pen or inhaler with parental permission. If you want your child to have medication during school hours, you must complete the appropriate forms and provide the medication in the original container.

     

    If your child has asthma or anaphylaxis, I need to have a care plan on file. You can get those from the pediatrician. I will also need to have the Epi-pen and/or inhaler available in my office, unless your child self-carries. Students at Polaris often participate in quite a few field trips, and their medication needs to be available.

     

    COVID

    I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. No matter where you stand in regard to vaccinations or face mask use, it has been so nice to see everyone working together and being respectful of each other. None of us enjoy the situation we have found ourselves in with COVID, and there are times when it can be very stressful, but I really do appreciate all of you who have chosen to be kind, as well as those who do whatever needs to be done so that our students can be in school learning.

     

    With that being said, please continue being patient. Things are always changing, and we are doing everything we can to follow all of the policies and procedures. The Anchorage School District works closely with the health experts, and they guide the direction of our plans. For further information on specific plans, please call me.

     

    I have listed some sites you can go to for COVID information:

    Anchorage School District COVID Information & Updates

    State of Alaska COVID-19 Information

    Alaska Department of Heath & Social Services School Health Information

    CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools

    Alaska Department of Health & Social Services COVID-19 Testing