Should the school nurse deem that a child is too ill to remain in the school, a parent or guardian MUSTpick-up the child as soon as possible. The school nurse is concerned with the total well being of your child and all children in the school building.

Immunizations

Public Health Law 2164 mandates that all children attending school be immunized against Polio, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.  As of January 1, 1995, the law includes protection against the Hepatitis B virus.  This law applies to all infants born on or after January 1, 1995, as they enroll in day care or pre-kindergarten programs.  This law will require all children born on or after January 1, 1993 to provide proof of immunity to Hepatitis B before entrance to kindergarten. This law also requires all children enrolled in 6^th grade to provide proof of a varicella (chicken pox) vaccine. The law also requires all children enrolled in the seventh grade on or after September 1, 2000, to be immunized against Hepatitis B. Public Health Law 2164 was also amended in 2007 to include a booster immunization of Tdap vaccine for students entering 6^th grade.  Students who have not met specific requirements are not permitted to attend school.  A signed statement by the physician, with complete information, is required at the time of registration. 

Physical Examinations

We highly recommend that every child have a physical exam by the family doctor each year.  The school provides forms for this and keeps them on file to assist in the health care of your child.  New York State Law stipulates that each child in Grades K, 2, 4, and 7 and new students to a school have physical exams.  The school doctor will see students who have not returned a completed form.  The school examination is only a screening.  No treatment will be given. Recommendations will be made for follow up by the family doctor if it is felt necessary.

Hearing, Vision and Scoliosis Screening

Vision Screening is provided for all new entrants, as well as children in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.

Hearing Screening is provided for all new entrants and children in grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7.

Screening for proper spinal development (Scoliosis) is provided for children in grades 5-8. 

Parents will be notified as to any possible problems and asked to seek further professional care.

Completed evaluation forms must be returned to the Health Office.

First Aid

The school’s Health Office is available to provide first aid and emergency needs only.  If further care is necessary, the family will be notified by telephone.  Parents should impress upon the child to report all accidents, however minor, to the Health Office, teachers, or other school officials.  Injuries sustained at home are not primarily the school’s responsibility and should be properly cared for before the student comes to school.  No treatment or second dressings can be given at school.  All medication information must be renewed yearly.

Medications

When it is necessary for a child to take internal medicine during school hours, the school nurse must receive: A permission slip signed by the parent/guardian as well as a note signed by the physician to allow the nurse to administer the medication.  The medication should be delivered to the school by the parent or a guardian in the original container with the pharmacist’s label.  It should include the child’s name and grade.

A written statement from a parent or guardian when accompanied by a physician’s signed protocolallows for the administration of certain over the counter medications.  Over the counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container/packaging with the student’s name affixed to the container.

Children are not permitted to self-medicate.