Daisy Ingraham Health Office
Contact Information
Caitlin Bialek, LPN
Phone: (860) 399-7925 ext: 1348
Fax: (860) 399-2002
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:15am-3:15pm
Meet the School Nurse
Hi Everyone,
My name is Caitlin Bialek. I grew up in Westbrook on a farm with my parents and 3 siblings. Growing up, I knew I always wanted to help others and follow in my mom’s footsteps as a nurse. I earned my degree at Lincoln Tech and graduated in 2011. I then started working in a pediatric doctor's office in New London covering the office's current head nurse’s maternity leave- I loved it so much I stayed for 11 years. I really enjoy working with the child & adolescent population and working as a school nurse has always been my dream job. I have been an avid horseback rider since I was four years old and I have competed on the Quarter Horse circuit for many years. I've owned many horses throughout my life but my favorite horses were Willie and Hannah, they what horse people call, my "heart horses". Hannah is living her best retirement life with a friend in CT (so I am able to visit her whenever I can) and in the summer of 2021 we made the tough decision to put Willie down due to a tumor in his stomach, he was 39 years old and I owned him for 21 of those years. In October 2022, we found a pony in need of a home and we couldn't resist, so we welcomed Peaches to our family. We also have two dogs- Remy & Max.
I am so excited because this is my third school year at Daisy and it is such an honor to be working at the same elementary school that I went to as a kid. When I'm not working I am hanging out with my husband Mike and our two children Lucas-8 and Amelia-4. We love going camping, spending time at the beach, and spending time with Peaches the pony. We live in the house right next door to my parent's house (which was my childhood house) in Westbrook.
Parent Resources
Physical & Immunization Requirements
Pre-K Students: Must have a physical done within one year prior to the first day of school. No student may start school without proof of the following prior to the first day of school:
- The State of Connecticut Early Childhood Education form (completely filled out- parents/guardian must complete the first page and the doctor must complete the second page, including hemoglobin/hematocrit and lead level) If the requirements are not met, the student will be excluded from school.
- A tuberculin risk assessment is recommended
- A chronic disease assessment is mandated
- Updated Vaccine record
Kindergarten Students: Must have a physical done within one year prior to the first day of school. No student may start school without proof of the following prior to the first day of school:
- Blue Physical form (completely filled out – completely filled out- parents/guardian must complete the first page and the doctor must complete the second page, including hemoglobin/hematocrit, vision, hearing and all starred areas) If the requirements are not met, the student will be excluded from school.
- A tuberculin risk assessment is recommended
- A chronic disease assessment is mandated
- Updated Vaccine record
New Students from Out of State: A physical exam done within one year will be accepted (must meet all requirements of Connecticut State Law and local health policies). A tuberculin risk assessment is also required. If no proof is presented, the student will be excluded from school.
New Students from Out of the Country: A physical exam completed by an authorized healthcare practitioner licensed in the United States must be done prior to enrolling (must meet all requirements of Connecticut State Law and local health policies). An authorized healthcare practitioner licensed in the United States stationed on U.S. military base anywhere is also acceptable. A tuberculin skin test is required. If the requirements are not met, the student will be excluded from school.
Immunizations: All students MUST meet the immunization standards required by the State of Connecticut. Please see the link for immunizations required for your child’s age/grade. Students MAY NOT be allowed to enter school if they do not meet the requirements. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to get the information to the building nurse BEFORE the first day of school. Please note if the regulation states “on or after the 4th birthday” that is exactly what it means. If the dose is given even one day before the 4th birthday, it does not meet the requirements. 2024-2025 Immunization Requirements
Health Forms
Student Illness Guidelines
hope that these guidelines can help! A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to
other children and staff. We suggest making a plan for childcare ahead of time so you will not be caught without a comforting place
for your child to stay if he/she is ill.
Car Seat Laws in CT
Tips & Reminders
- When a child is absent from school, please call the school to inform us of the reason for his/her absence. It is helpful to know why a student is absent because we track illnesses throughout the school year.
- Please call the health office if your child has any new medical conditions such as asthma, food allergies, migraines, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, etc
- Please alert the school nurse if your child is taking any medication, or if your child’s medication changes. This is very important so that the nurses can be on the alert for possible side effects.
- Should a temporary or permanent condition prohibit your child from participation in Physical Education class, you MUST provide the school nurse with a physician’s note documenting the condition and the physical restrictions.
- Be sure to update the health office if your home, work or cell phone numbers change.
- Please be sure your child is appropriately dressed for the weather, including a hat, gloves, boots, and snow pants in the winter, and a hat and sunscreen in the warmer months.
- Make sure your child has appropriate footwear. Sneakers are the best choice for recess and physical education.
- Accidents happen. It is a good idea for younger children to pack a spare set of clothes to stay in their backpacks.
- Treat minor things at home so your child does not miss learning time coming to the health office for chapped lips, bug bites, or poison ivy.
Allergy-Free Snack Ideas
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Apple Slices or Banana
- Dried Fruit
- Veggie Straws
- Kale Chips
- Popcorn (Always check label)
- Coconut Milk Yogurt
- Rice Crackers/Cakes
- Sun Butter (to put on crackers)
- Animal Crackers
- Hummus/Guac
- Veggies
- Grapes & Berries
- Clementines
- Turkey Jerky
- Pretzels
- Pumpkin Seeds
The Importance of Eating Breakfast
Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day! A healthy breakfast is essential to fuel your child’s brain. Overnight, your body uses stored glucose, and by morning the body is essentially fasting. Eating breakfast replenishes this glucose and provides children the fuel they need to maintain their energy throughout the morning. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better in school and sports. Students who do not eat breakfast tend to get sleepy at school and have a hard time paying attention.
The health office sees many students daily who do not eat breakfast and then complain of headaches and stomach aches. The health office does not have a supply of food to give kids who do not eat breakfast daily. Normally, the reason they do not eat is because they don’t have time in the morning. Packing a “to go” breakfast to eat when they get to school is a good option or utilizing the breakfast service in the school cafeteria. If your child doesn’t have time in the morning to eat, consider packing a yogurt, fruit, cheese, whole grain crackers, or breakfast shake. These are great options to eat on the go in the car or bus.
Choosing breakfast foods for your child that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein while low in added sugar may boost kids' attention span, concentration, and memory. These are all essential to have a productive school day!
Guidelines For Caregivers **Not to replace the advice of your physician**
- Bloody Nose
- Bruises & Cuts
- Burns
- Cold Symptoms
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Eye Discharge
- Fever
- Head Injury
- Infectious Table
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Sore Throat
- Sprain & Strain
For more information on other pediatric illnesses or symptoms Click Here , all guidelines are from the Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC, Copyright 2000-2023.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Daisy Health Office Wishlist
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1pm Dismissal
Daisy Ingraham Health Office -
No School- Winter Break
Daisy Ingraham Health Office -
1pm Dismissal
Daisy Ingraham Health Office -
No School- Holiday
Daisy Ingraham Health Office -
1pm Dismissal
Daisy Ingraham Health Office