Nurse Cromwell was a substitute school nurse before starting full time at LHS in 2023. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served five years as a CTI. She has an Associates in Nursing and is currently enrolled in a Bachelors of Nursing program. She has been practicing as a nurse since 2012 and has prior experience in geriatrics and inpatient substance abuse care.
Denise Collins
"Nurse Collins is one of the school nurses at LHS working with the family, school, and community resources to support health, wellness, and academic success by bridging the gap between healthcare and education. Whether a chronic condition, special health care needs or an acute injury, she is happy to support students so that they can achieve their highest potential. With a background in pediatrics, cardiology, and home care, she brings 8 years of school nursing experience with her to LHS for the SY 2026! The care provided is student-centered and personalized to care for the whole student.
Denise Collins, RN, BSN, NCSN achieved her Associates degree in Nursing from the College of Southern Maryland, Bachelors in Nursing from Capella University, is a Nationally Certified School Nurse, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public health nursing with Walden University. She is a member of the National Association of School Nurses, Maryland Nurses Association, and American Nurses Association."
Maryland law requires a physical examination completed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner nine months prior to or six months after entering a Maryland public school for the first time. Please refer to the Physical Examination section of the SMCPS Student handbook for more information. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms.
Maryland law requires all public, Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade students to have a Maryland Blood Lead Testing Certificate. Please refer to the Lead Testing section of the SMCPS Student handbook for more information. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms.
Medication Administration
Our student handbook details important information about student prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Please refer to the following sections of the handbook for medication information:
IMPORTANT NOTE: A separate order form is needed for each medication/procedure, and a new order is needed for each school year.
Chronic Health Condition Forms
If your child has a chronic health condition, the school nurse may need additional forms related to the condition. If forms are needed, please refer to Immunization & Medical forms. If you have questions related to specific medical forms for your child please contact the school nurse.
Hand washing is the number one way to stop the spread of disease. Twenty seconds of soap and water scrubbing before meals and after bathroom breaks is a great way to start this healthy habit. Encourage this practice at home.
Ensure adequate exercise and rest periods.
Provide proper nutrition, including a good breakfast.
Encourage good daily hygiene, including brushing teeth.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between illnesses with similar symptoms. This guide from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America can help:
Report illnesses to the nurse or office, taking the proper measures to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses is vital to keeping schools and students healthy.
Alert your child’s teacher and the school nurse of any health conditions that may impact your child’s learning, daily activities, or safety at school. Medical documentation of conditions is encouraged and sometimes required.
Inform the nurse of any health-related procedures or changes in your child’s medication.
Update the school with any change in phone number(s) and emergency contact(s), so the nurse can reach you when needed.
