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Questions & Answers about the SNAP Parent Health Portal

SNAP Parent Portal provides direct access to the health records of your student, like an electronic health record portal provided by your physician’s office.

Health Office Team

Stacey Geary, RN - Grades 7-12
978-452-1794 ext. 126
sgeary@lowellcatholic.org
 
Maureen Palasek, RN, BSN - Grades PS-6
978-452-1794 ext. 209
mpalasek@lowellcatholic.org
 
Vanessa Perez, CMA
vperez@lowellcatholic.org

The Health Office team supports the well-being of all students throughout the school day. Services include routine care, health screenings, medication coordination, and communication with families through the SNAP Health Portal.

Our goal is to ensure that every student is healthy, supported, and ready to learn each day.

MA Immunization Schedule

Massachusetts School Immunization Requirement  

Health Office Guidelines

Your child’s health is very important to us. A healthy child is a child who is ready to learn.

Immunizations and Physicals
All required immunizations and a physical exam must be on file prior to the first day of school, as mandated by Massachusetts state law. Lowell Catholic is transitioning to the SNAP Health Portal for student health records. Physical exams are valid for 13 months. Students with summer birthdays should schedule physicals early enough to ensure documentation is submitted before school begins. Medical and religious exemptions are permitted; documentation is required annually.

Emergency Information
Please ensure all emergency contact information is complete and up to date, including parent/guardian contacts, additional emergency contacts, physician information, and any updates throughout the year.

Assistive Devices
If a student requires an assistive device at school (such as crutches, wheelchair, walker, or medical scooter), the school nurse must be notified and a physician’s order must be provided.

Medication Guidelines
All medications administered at school require both a physician’s order and parent authorization, including over-the-counter medications. Medications must be provided in the original labeled container and transported by a parent or responsible adult to the Health Office. Students may not carry medication, with the exception of emergency medications (such as inhalers or EpiPens) with appropriate documentation and care plans on file. All medication orders expire at the end of each school year.

When to Keep Your Child Home
Please keep students home if they are experiencing:

  • Fever of 100°F or higher (students may return after being fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication)
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours)
  • Contagious illness such as strep throat or conjunctivitis (students may return after 24 hours on antibiotics, if applicable)
  • Respiratory illnesses (including flu, COVID-19, RSV) should follow current public health guidance and be improving before returning

Health Screenings
Required state screenings include vision, hearing, height/weight, postural, and SBIRT screenings at designated grade levels. Families will be notified in advance, and referrals will be provided if needed. Parents may opt out of screenings in writing to the school nurse.

Communication
The Health Office uses the SNAP Health Portal for communication, which connects directly to student health records. Nurses may also communicate via phone, email, or school updates. Please ensure contact information remains current.

Allergy Guidelines
Lowell Catholic Elementary is a nut-free environment. Students in grades 7–12 are encouraged to take responsibility for reading labels and carrying emergency medications as appropriate.

We encourage families to use the summer months to reinforce healthy habits such as handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and avoiding food sharing.

Please contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you and supporting your child’s health and wellbeing.