Life Threatening Allergy
All Highland Park Independent School District campuses have standing orders and stock epinephrine in their clinics and satellite boxes to be used in emergencies. While HPISD cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment at school, the district is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of every child who has allergies. Please refer to our Layers of Protection to learn more about our system-wide protocol.
Allergic reactions can cause a wide range of symptoms. The most severe and potentially life-threatening is anaphylaxis. The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children are:
- Food allergies (most commonly - peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, soy, wheat)
- Insect Stings
- Medications
- Latex
At the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians are required to bring the student's medication(s) along with an Allergy Action Plan (below) to the school clinic. Please make sure to complete all of the forms.
Students who are at risk for developing anaphylaxis are entitled to carry and self-administer their anaphylaxis medication (epinephrine auto-injectors) while at school or a school event if they have met the requirements below:
- The medication and the self-administration must be authorized by a licensed health care provider and documented on the Highland Park Independent School District Permission to Carry Anaphylaxis Auto-Injector Form.
- The student must demonstrate to the licensed health care provider and to the school nurse the skill level necessary to self-administer the medication.
- The student must have a current Allergy Action Plan on file with the school nurse.