Birchland Park Middle School
School Nurse
Natalie Burack
natalie/burack@eastlongmeadowma.gov
Embedded Files
Student Health and Emergency Forms
Student Health and Emergency Forms
Please complete and return the attached form to your school nurse by the end of the first week of school. Please be sure to complete both sides!
Let's Talk Medications
Let's Talk Medications
If your student takes medications and they need to be given while your student is in school, please contact your student's doctor to obtain an order for the 24-25 school year.
This order can be emailed to your school nurse.
Please complete the attached parental authorization form and return it to your school nurse.
If your student takes medication in a pill form, please be sure the medication is in its original container from the pharmacy and a second empty prescription bottle to send on field trips throughout the year.
All medications are to be picked up at the close of the school year or they must be discarded. You can coordinate a time to pick these medications up with Mrs. Burack
Health Screenings
Health Screenings
Health Screenings will be performed the week of November 18th-22nd for all 7th graders. These screenings will include height and weight, vision, hearing, postural and SBIRT which will be discussed in detail!
If you wish to opt your student out of height and weight, vision, hearing and postural screenings, please complete the attached Opt-Out Form!
If your student wears glasses or contacts, please be sure they bring them with them when they are being screened for vision.
What is SBIRT?
What is SBIRT?
SBIRT screening stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. It's an evidence-based approach used in healthcare settings to identify individuals at risk for problematic alcohol and other drug (substance) use, and to provide appropriate interventions to reduce harm and promote healthier behaviors.
Your student will be interviewed by a school nurse and asked questions about drug and alcohol use. This is a mandatory screening for students in middle school by the state of Massachusetts. Students in 7th grade will be screened along with the above-mentioned screenings. You can opt your student out of this screening by completing the attached SBIRT Opt-Out Form.
Concussions
Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Effects are often short-term and can include headaches and trouble with concentration, memory, balance, mood, and sleep.
Concussions usually are caused by an impact to the head or body that is associated with a change in brain function. Not everyone who experiences a blow to the body or head has a concussion.
Some concussions cause the person to lose consciousness, but most do not.
Falls are the most common cause of concussions. Concussions also are common among athletes who play a contact sport. Most people recover fully after a concussion.
What you need to know if your student may have a concussion
The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not occur right away. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer.
Common symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury are headache, confusion and loss of memory, known as amnesia. The amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion.
Physical symptoms of a concussion may include:
Headache.
Ringing in the ears.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Fatigue or drowsiness.
Blurry vision.
Other symptoms of a concussion include:
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog.
Amnesia surrounding the event.
Dizziness or "seeing stars."
A witness may observe these symptoms in the person with a concussion:
Temporary loss of consciousness, though this doesn't always occur.
Slurred speech.
Delayed response to questions.
Dazed appearance.
Forgetfulness, such as asking the same question over and over.
Some symptoms of a concussion occur right away. But sometimes symptoms may not occur for days after the injury, such as:
Trouble with concentration and memory.
Irritability and other personality changes.
Sensitivity to light and noise.
Trouble with sleep.
Feeling emotional or depressed.
Changes in taste and smell.
What you need to do if your student may have a concussion
What you need to do if your student may have a concussion
East Longmeadow Public Schools strives to provide a safe return to activity for all athletes after injury, particularly after concussion. In order to effectively and consistently manage these injuries, procedures have been developed to aid in ensuring that concussed athletes are identified, removed from activity, treated and referred appropriately, receive appropriate follow-up care during the school day, including academic assistance, and are fully recovered prior to returning to activity.
A doctor's note is required in order for your student to be cleared to return to sports or physical education. No student will be able to participate in either activity until written clearance from a physician is submitted to the school nurse.
Physical Exam Requirements
Physical Exam Requirements
Per Massachusetts state regulation, all students in grade 7 are required to have a physical exam and this needs to be submitted to your school nurse. Your student's physician can fax or email the exam to your school nurse or can complete the attached form for physical eaxms. If you have any questions you can reach out to your school nurse.
Menactra Vaccine
Menactra Vaccine
This is where it gets interesting! Menactra is the only vaccine that is not a straight forward requirement to understand. The first dose of Menactra is administered in grades 7th or 8th. Talk with your student's doctor to be sure there is a plan to vaccinate your student at their 7th grade physical as to avoid multiple visits to their pediatrician.
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