What is School Counseling?

School counselors offer services designed to increase student wellness, improve academic performance, and increase participation in postsecondary education. School counselors support students in their academic, career, and social-emotional development. They help students achieve success in school, pursue post-secondary opportunities, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

To learn more about the School Counseling program at Clifton ISD, click here.

As described in Texas Education Code (TEC) §33.005 and §33.006, a school counselor works with school faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program (CSCP). The school’s CSCP includes the following four components:

• Guidance Curriculum

• Individual Student Planning

• Responsive Services

• System Support

Clifton ISD School Counselors:

What is School Nursing?

School nurses serve in a pivotal role that bridges healthcare and education. As the main health contact in the school setting; school nurses address the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students. The resources here include information about the Nurse Practice Act, Texas Board of Nursing rules and regulations, and other resources related to school nursing and school health services roles. A specialized practice of nursing protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge healthcare and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Approved by the NASN Board of Directors in February 2017.  

The Texas Education Agency defines a school nurse in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) § 153.1022 (a) (1) (D) as “… an educator employed to provide full-time nursing and health care services and who meets all the requirements to practice as a registered nurse (RN) pursuant to the Nursing Practice Act and the rules and regulations relating to professional nurse education, licensure, and practice and has been issued a license to practice professional nursing in Texas.”   

The Board of Nursing believes that school nursing is a professional RN specialty. The RN has the educational preparation and critical thinking skills as well as clinical expertise which are essential to nursing in the school setting. These activities involve the comprehensive assessment of the nursing/health care needs of the student, the development of a plan of care, implementation of the plan, and evaluation of the outcomes. The provision of these services by the RN contributes directly to the student's education and to the successful outcome of the educational process. These essential components of professional nursing practice are the responsibility of the RN in compliance with 22 TAC §217.11(3)(A).  

Clifton ISD School Nurses Clifton ISD nurses are supervised in accordance with TAC.

Medication may be administered by designated Clifton ISD personnel in compliance with the procedures outlined below. All medication dispensed at school must have a signed physician/health care provider order, including over-the-counter medication. The Nursing Practice Act dictates which licensed medical professionals a registered nurse may carry out medication orders from. At this time, licensed chiropractors are not included, therefore, their orders will not be accepted.

1. Prescription medication must be unexpired and in a prescription bottle/box accompanied by a pharmacy label that states the student's name, medication name and directions for dispensing the medication.

   • Prescription order must be written/signed by a physician licensed to practice in Texas.

   • A new order is required for any dosage or medication change on prescription medication.

   • Controlled substances will be counted and quantity verified by parent/guardian and designated CISD personnel upon delivery and pickup.

2. Over-the-counter medication

   • Order must be written/signed by a physician licensed to practice in Texas.

   • A new order is required for any dosage or medication change on over-the-counter medication.

3. All medications needed during the school day must be provided and delivered by parent/guardian.

4. Medication(s) will not be accepted without the appropriate completed form(s), including all required signatures.

5. A separate form must be completed for each medication provided for a student.

6. Initial/first dose of any medication will not be administered in the clinic.

7. Medication must be kept in the nurse's office and administered by designated CISD personnel.

8. No medication will be sent home with a student. Parents/Guardians must pick up all medications whether prescription or over the-counter.

9. A student may be allowed to self-carry and self-administer emergency medication as long as the appropriate self-carry form is received by the clinic. The form must be completed and include all required signatures.

10. CISD personnel will not administer any medications that are not FDA approved. This includes but is not limited to herbal substances, anabolic steroids and dietary supplements. Exceptions may be granted if prescribed by a physician and required by the IEP or Section 504 plan of a student with a disability. Reliable information must be provided in writing and signed by the prescribing physician regarding the safe use of the product including side effects, toxicity, drug interactions and adverse effects.

11. CISD encourages medication that can be given at home to be given before or after school.

In accordance with the Nurse Practice Act; Texas Administrative Code, Section 217.11, the Registered Nurse and the Licensed Vocational Nurse have the responsibility and authority to refuse to administer medications that, in the nurse's judgment, are contraindicated for administration to the student.

Further information in regards to Safe Schools: Health & Safety can be found within the Texas Education Code here.