School Nurse
B.F. Day School Nurse
My name is Annette Cologna, and I am your Nurse for B.F. Day. A little about me: I went to University of Washington School of Nursing and graduated in 2000. After graduation, I worked in many states as a hospital nurse in different settings, specializing in caring for the heart and lungs. I have worked at Ballard High School and Hamilton International Middle, and B.F. Day Elementary for the past 9 plus years. I am confident I can care for your child’s ills, injuries, and health needs. More about me: I am fun, kind, and have a big heart. I live close by in Ballard and love the community I live in. I am happy to be your school nurse for the year of 2025-26!
Notes From The Nurse
This week I have seen an influx of symptoms of what I believe is Influenza A virus. Students are complaining about dizziness, coughs, headaches, stomachache, muscle weakness, and fever. Please keep your child home, rest, and hydrate if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms. I recommend following up with a health care provider for any worrisome or persistent symptoms. Students may return to school 24 hours after resolution of a fever (without fever reducing medications), and when symptoms have significantly improved.
Flu Vaccine is also a helpful method to help decrease your chances of getting sick and not getting as sick. Please consider getting your flu shot if you have not already.
Thank you for keeping the B.F. Day community healthy! Thank you, Nurse Annette, RN
Common winter health conditions and how to prevent them:
Nose Bleeds: Hydration is a key to prevent our skin from drying, cracking and bleeding in such case of nose bleeds. Make sure your child brings their water bottle to school, encourage them to drink water, eliminate nose picking (trim nails), use humidification, nasal saline sprays, gently sneeze, and treat allergies per doctor’s orders.
Asthma: Cold weather can be a trigger for those with asthma. Please inform me if your child should stay inside for outdoor activities during recess, particularly on very cold days. Work closely with your provider to create an asthma plan for the winter. I.e. nose breath instead of mouth breathing to help filter allergens.
Frost Bite: Please make sure your child(ren) comes to school with proper outer wear: coats, gloves, hats to avoid frost bite and skin damage.
Falls: we are having a high incident of ankle sprains. Please ensure your children are wearing proper fitting supportive shoes that are laced up.
Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?
Hello Parents and Guardians, there has been an uptick of respiratory illnesses at our school. Let’s do our part to help keep our community healthy. Please keep your child(ren) at home when they are sick. Refer to the SPS Guidance Chart.
As of Feb. 9, 2026
Important Health Information
Immunizations Up to Date?
Washington State Law requires every student to provide proof of immunization compliance to attend school. If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter or provide documents to indicate exemptions.
Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse.
Life-Threatening Health Conditions
If your student has a life-threatening health condition (Diabetes, Allergies, Seizure disorder, Asthma, etc.), the following items must be provided on or before the first day of school:
- Life-Saving Medication
- Medication Authorization forms
- Treatment Supplies
To ensure your student’s health and safety during the school day, Washington State Law requires that your student be excluded from school until these items are received by the school nurse. Please let your school nurse know if you have any barriers to providing these items so they can offer support.
See SPS Policy 3413 for more information regarding the exclusion process.
Annual Student Health Updates
Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse.
How to complete the Annual Student Health Update form:
- Visit The Source
- Complete a paper copy of the Annual Student Health Update form
- You may also contact the nurse directly by phone or email
Medication Form
Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School.
- Each medication requires its own form
- Your health care provider must sign the form
- You must sign the form
This is required for ALL medications.
Medication
All medications must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label.
Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school.
Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that will last the entire school year.
Vaccine Clinics
COVID and flu vaccines help save lives!
Schedule a COVID or flu vaccine for your student and family members. Here’s how:
- Contact a School-Based Health Center (students only)
- Seek care from your healthcare provider
Upcoming COVID and flu vaccine clinics
Protection from Respiratory Illness
- Get vaccinated
- If you feel sick, stay home
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Wash your hands frequently
- Keep hands away from your face
Register Your Student for a School-Based Health Center
Your student can go to any School-Based Health Center within the district. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.