Dear Parents,

The following information is intended to explain School Health Services and policies. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns.

Brenda Mini                                             
School Nurse Teacher
247-4660

Immunizations

Public Health Law, Section 2164, requires all pupils be immunized against the following diseases.

v    Diptheria (DPT) – 3 doses

v    Polio (oral) – 3 doses

v    Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) – 2 doses*

v    Hepatitis B – 3 doses

v    Varivax -1 dose*

*  Please note that the varivax and the first dose of MMR must be administered no more than 4 days prior to a child’s first birthday to be in compliance with the law

Physical Examinations

Educational Law, Section 903, requires a physical examination of each child in Grades K, 2, 4, 7, and 10 and all students new to the school district. It is recommended that these examinations be done by the family physician since they are more familiar with the health needs of the child. However, with your permission, our school nurse practitioner will complete this screening free of cost.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Per NYS Educational Law, Article 19, hearing and vision screenings are required in the early part of each school year (with the exception of grade 4).  If a child fails either of the screenings, parents are notified and follow-up with a personal physician is recommended. At any time throughout the school year if a vision or hearing problem is suspected, a screen may be requested by a parent or teacher. All children are evaluated for color vision upon school entry

Health Education

The role of the School Nurse Teacher includes seeing that the Gates Chili Health Education Program and Functional Knowledge Standards are met in the classroom. Before a Health unit begins, parents are notified of the curriculum content being taught. Curriculum content areas recieve more emphasis at certain grade levels than others.

Medications

Children sometimes need medication during the school day. At school, we are directed by specific rules regarding the dispensing of medication – even over-the-counter medications. Internal medication is dispensed by school personnel only under these conditions:

v     A written order form from  the physician (even for over-the-counter medications)

v     A written request from the parent/ guardian must be on file in the Health Office

v     The medication must be brought into school by an adult

v     Prescription medication must be stored in its prescription bottle in the Health Office

Please do not send medication into school with your child!

Physical Education Excuses

All children are required to attend Physical Education. If your child must miss more than two consecutive Physical Education classes due to an injury or illness, a note is required from your physician.

Attendance

Please call the school Health Office if your child is absent from school. A message can be left on voice mail 24 hours a day. This will help to insure the safety of your child. It is also helpful in keeping the Health Office aware of contagious illnesses present in our school.

When Do I Keep My Child Home From School?

• A fever of 100° or higher
• Any rash, until you know the cause
• Pink Eye, until treatment is begun.
• Head lice, scabies, pinworm, and ringworm, until treatment has begun.
• Stomachaches that bring diarrhea or vomiting.
• Strep throat, until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
• Chickenpox, until the scabs heal over (about a week).