Health Office Policy
SOUTH PLAINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JOHN F. KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
During the school year, the John F. Kennedy Elementary School Health Office will adhere to the following policies and provide the following services in compliance with state mandates and Board of Education policies:
Attendance Policy
To insure your child's safety, PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL NURSE ANY TIME BEFORE 9:00 A.M. ON THE DAY OF ABSENCE EACH TIME YOUR CHILD WILL BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL.
The number to report an absence for Kennedy Elementary School is 908-754-4620 ext. 5620 and is in operation 24 hours a day. Please leave a message at any time and include the student's name, grade, and reason for the absence including specific symptoms of an illness. If your child is absent 2 or more consecutive days you may request homework for your child and it will be available for pick up in the main office after 2:55 P.M.
If you have any questions, please call the school nurse, Mrs. Sherri Lapp, at 754-4620 ext. 5620
Emergency Information
Parent/Guardian contact information and student health information for the school nurse is located in the online Genesis Parent Portal. Please remember to update this information if there are changes during the school year. Your child will only be released to individuals who are indicated as emergency contacts and checked off as having your permission to pick up your child from school.
Emergency numbers should be of local friends or relatives that can be reached if the school cannot contact you.
Examinations and Screenings
1 Physical examinations will not be conducted at the school according to New Jersey Statute (N.J.S.A.18:40-4) and New Jersey State Department of Education School Health Guidelines. It is, however, recommended that all second grade students have a physical examination by their own physician. These examinations will be at the expense of the parent/guardian.
2 Hearing, vision, and blood pressure screenings, as well as height/weight measurements will be done in accordance to New Jersey state mandates.
Medication Policy
The administration of medication to pupils shall be done only in the exceptional circumstances wherein the child's health may be jeopardized without it. This medication must be administered by a certified school nurse or registered nurse.
1 The parent/guardian must provide a written request for the administration of the prescribed medication, which should include the following information: Written orders from the private physician detailing the diagnosis or type of illness, the name of the medication, dosage, time of administration, and the side effects.
2 The medication must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original container and appropriately labeled by the pharmacist.
The nurse should be advised of any medication being taken by a child attending school, particularly one that might cause a change in behavior.
Over-the Counter (OTC) Medications
There shall be no administration of any OTC drugs to children by the school nurse unless the medication policy is followed. This includes Tylenol, Advil, Midol, cough medication etc.
Vacation Notification
If you plan to go away on vacation without your child, please send a note to the school nurse with the name and phone number of the person to be called in case of illness or emergency, and the length of time that this person will be in charge of your child.
If you have any questions please call the school nurse, Sherri Lapp, 754-4620 ext. 5620 or email slapp@spboe.org