AAECS Health Services Site

Miss Bryanna Berger, School Nurse

bberger@artsacademyecs.org

Pennsylvania School law requires specific health exams at specific grade levels for attendance in school. The following exams are required for all AAECS students in the following grades:

• Kindergarten or entry in Grade 1: Physical and Dental

• Grade 3: Dental

Height and Weight (BMI)

• 28 PA Code, Chapter 23.7 states “Height and weight measurement shall be conducted at least once annually and preferably twice annually. Every effort shall be made to determine the pattern of growth for each child so that his weight and height can be interpreted in light of his own growth pattern rather than those of his classmates.

Vision

• 28 PA Code, Chapter 23.4 states “Vision screening tests shall be conducted annually by a nurse, teacher or medical technician.

• If a student does not pass the visual screening a referral notice will be sent home.

• If you have a concern or suspect a visual problem, a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional is highly recommended

Hearing

• 28 PA Code, Chapter 23.5(d) states “Each year, pupils in kindergarten, special ungraded classes and grades one, two, three, seven and 11 shall be given a hearing screening test.

• If a student does not pass the hearing screening a referral notice will be sent home.

• If you have a concern, suspect a hearing problem, or your child has an existing hearing condition contact with your health care provider is recommended.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) should administer medications at home whenever possible and should collaborate with their primary care provider to establish medication schedules that minimize administration at school.  Medication, both prescribed and over-the-counter, may not be brought to school unless absolutely necessary. If it is crucial for your child to take medication during the school day, please use these guidelines:

1. Students are NOT permitted to possess prescription medication or over-the-counter medication at any time during the school day or at school activities/functions.

2. A parent/adult MUST personally deliver and pick up the medication and he/she must bring the medication to the school nurse or principal.

3. Medications will only be dispensed by a school nurse or licensed health room nurse. 

4. Medication MUST come to school in the originally prescribed container. 

5. ALL Medication, including over the counter medication MUST be accompanied by an “Authorization for Medication” release form signed by the parent/guardian and a physician, or licensed prescriber, including instructions on administration and side effects of the medication. Verbal authorization will not be accepted.  

6. It is the student’s responsibility to go to the office or health room for the medication.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Symptoms

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills-please remember that children must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. 

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle or body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever

How Flu Spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

Preventing Seasonal Flu

The first and most important step in preventing the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like the flu.