• Health services are under the supervision of the school nurse who visits the school periodically. All health services are   located in the main office at Columbia Middle School. The nurse identifies health problems and confers with teachers and parents within the school. Hearing, vision and scoliosis screening are done as mandated by the state. A nurse is available for consultation on emergencies and health problems. 

    First Aid 

    If a student is ill or injured at school, they should report to the health office at once. No student is allowed to leave school because of illness or injury without first reporting to the health office. In all cases of serious illness or accident, a parent or a person indicated on the "Registration/Emergency Care" contacts will be notified immediately. (Please be sure to update contacts on record in the school office). First aid is available for students injured at school, but aspirin or medicinal supplies may not be administered. 

    Medication 

    Before medication can be administered during school hours, it is necessary to have specific written orders from your physician and written authorization from a parent or guardian. The school MUST be notified of any alterations to the prescription that is taken at school. In addition, we ask that you notify us of any changes in the medication taken at home that might affect your child’s behavior at school. Medications must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container with the student’s name clearly visible. Permission must be renewed each school year. Over-the-counter medication will be administered only if prescribed by a physician or dentist and in the original container.

    Fire Drills 

    District and City regulations require that a fire drill be held monthly during the school year. Every emergency exit on the school campus is clearly indicated. The exit to be used is clearly indicated in each classroom. 

    • The sound of the fire alarm is the signal to leave the building immediately by the designated exit. Move rapidly, and maintain silence and good order in the corridors.

    • Every fire drill is to be regarded as a real fire.

    • Fire drills will take place at any time, whether the students are in the gymnasium, in assemblies, passing in the corridors, or during lunch. 

    • All students should vacate the building immediately during a fire drill. They should leave the building in an orderly manner. Students should follow their teachers to the designated area outside the building.

    • Students must not run during a Fire Drill

    Earthquake Drills 

    If students/staff detect movement, (DUCK, COVER AND HOLD WITHOUT WAITING FOR "OUTSIDE" INSTRUCTIONS), persons in charge will give the command to DROP. To assume the protective position, drop to knees (duck under desk or table if possible), cover and bury face in arms and hold chair or table legs. Make your body as small as possible and turn away from windows and other glass that may shatter. 

    When immediate shaking has ended, evacuate the building as rapidly and as safely as possible. Proceed to the designated area. In other emergency situations, listen to announcements and follow the directions of the school principal or designee. 

    Should students be out of classrooms, such as at brunch or lunch, students and adults need to walk to their pre-designated assembly areas and remain there until an adult arrives. 

    If an emergency occurs when students are on their way to school, they should continue on to school. Conversely, if an emergency occurs when the students are on their way home from school, they should continue home. 

    When in the cafeteria/gym, students will be instructed to DROP or evacuate. Students will use all the exit doors and proceed to their designated areas. 

    Run, Hide, Fight Drills

    The Run, Hide, Fight drill is to prepare students in the event that there is an active shooter on campus (Run, Hide, Fight) or in the neighborhood (Shelter in Place). The purpose of the drill is to move students quickly to a secure, safe area. CMS works with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety to hold these drills once per year. There are a number of steps that are practiced in the Run, Hide, Fight drill: 

    • Locking doors 

    • Covering windows 

    • Turning off lights 

    In a change to prior practices, parents and guardians will be notified of the day that the Run, Hide, Fight drill is scheduled.