FAQs

  • When should I keep my child home from school?

Any child with a chronic bark like cough, fever of 100.4 degrees F. or more, vomiting, diarrhea should be kept home. Children who have had any of the above symptoms, or who were sent home with similar symptoms should not return to school until they have been symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication.


  • What do I do if my child is ill and can't attend school?

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to notify the school when a child is ill or will be absent from school. Any day your child is absent from school, please call this information to the attendance officer by 8:45 a.m.

Students returning to school after an absence must bring a note signed by their parent explaining the reason for the absence. Students returning after contracting a communicable illness (Strep, Fifths Disease, conjunctivitis (pink eye), rash, etc.) must also bring a note from their medical practitioner permitting the student to return to school. This note should be given to the classroom teacher on the day the child returns.


  • Can my child take medications while in school?

Refer to the 'Forms' page and click on Medication for full instructions.


  • What happens if my child’s clothing gets wet or soiled at school?

Accidents happen, being prepared for them will minimize disruptions. PK and KG students should be sent in with a full set of labeled clothes. The health office has a very limited amount of backup clothes, should your child arrive home wearing clothes from the nurse’s office, please be sure to return the laundered items as soon as possible.


  • When do I need to send in a health physical?

NYSED requires an annual physical exam for new entrants, students in Grades PK, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11, sports, working permits and triennially for the Committee on Special Education (CSE).

Please have your private physician complete the Health Appraisal Form accompanied with an immunization record and return it to the school nurse by September 30th for currently enrolled students and within 15 days for a new entrant. Incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students entering school in September must have a physical no more than 12 months prior to their school entrance.


  • When will I be called by the school nurse?

You will be called if your child is sick (vomiting, diarrhea, temperature over 100.4°F) has head lice, or a problem that has not been previously identified by you, is brought to the attention of the school nurse. For instance, if a child comes to the clinic with an unidentified rash that has not been previously noticed, the child states that the parent has not seen it because it just started, a parent will be called. Parents will also be called for any injuries of significance (small scrapes and bumps will be treated without calling), any changes in known health conditions, and any health conditions that are not responding as expected to medications/treatments provided in the clinic. We may also call because there is a concern about a behavior or behavior change seen in your child. A student will return home with a Health Pass to communicate any assessments, observations, and interventions carried out by the nursing staff. If you are concerned about a particular aspect of your child's health/safety or the child has recently been diagnosed with a condition, please talk with the school nurse so the two of you can work closely together for the benefit of your child.


  • When my child has had head lice, when can he or she return to school?

Once your child has been treated with a product specifically made to kill lice, and the hair has been mechanically combed with a nit comb to remove lice and nits (eggs), your child may return to school accompanied by the parent/guardian (no bus). The school nurse will inspect the child's head prior to the student entering the classroom to ensure the treatment has been administered properly. To prevent re-infestation, your child should be retreated in 7 days. Our policy is to screen classmates that may have been in close contact with your child.


  • What can parents do to prevent the spread of head lice?

Parents should regularly check their child's head for evidence of head lice (live crawling bugs). If you discover your child has head lice, please use a prescribed treatment, as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Please notify the school nurse. Talk with your child about the importance of not sharing personal items (hats, combs, pillows,etc), minimize selfies with friends, and post sleepovers perform a thorough examination. Getting head lice is not related to the cleanliness of a person or their environment. Remember head lice is a fact of life- it is estimated 6-12 million school age children get head lice each year.