FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. School Immunization Requirements

2. What to do if your child is going to be absent?

3. Dismissal Policy

4. Communicable Diseases

5. Medication Policy

6. Special Health Considerations

7. Should my child be in school with this illness?

8. What screenings are performed at school?

School Immunization Requirements

The immunizations listed below are the state requirements, set by the Department of Public Health. Except those students with religious exemptions, your child will be excluded from school if he/she does not meet the state entrance requirements.

1. Physical exam

2. Hepatitis B................3 doses

3. DTaP/DTP/DT/Td.............5 doses

4. Polio......................4 doses

5. MMR........................2 doses

6. Varicella..................2 doses(or documented history of chicken pox)

7. Lead Test results

8. Vision & Hearing Screening – Completed by pediatrician

What to do if your child is going to be absent?

Student absences must be reported. Please call the school (508-351-7040) as early as possible to notify the school secretary of your child's absence. If your child will be out for a prolonged period of time, please inform the school nurse.

Dismissal Policy

In case of an illness, injury or emergency during the school day, an attempt will be made to contact parents/guardians first. Then, emergency contacts will be called. It is important that the phone numbers and emergency information for each student be kept up-to-date. Please inform the office of any change in phone numbers or other information as soon as possible.

Communicable Diseases

A child with a contagious disease, spread by contact, coughing, or sneezing, should stay home. Examples of these are influenza, chicken pox, strep throat, head lice, mononucleosis, or scarlet fever. Communicable diseases should be reported to the school nurse as soon as possible.

Medication Policy

The medication policy complies with the state guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all students requiring medications at school. All medications need to be kept in the nurse's office. A physician's written order (forms available in my office) is necessary for all medications to be administered during school hours: prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Ask your pharmacists for a separate labeled container for any medications to be administered at school. Parents must deliver/pick-up the medications. Students are not allowed to carry the medications to and from school.

Special Health Considerations

Please inform the school nurse of any special health considerations your child may have including: allergies, asthma, diabetes, ADD/ADHD, hearing or vision impairments, or difficulties with mobility. I will help plan any accommodations your child may need as well as familiarizing other school staff with any special health needs.

Should my child be in school with this illness?

• Fever – The child should remain home with a fever greater than 100. Fevers are generally signs of infection. The child can return to school after he/she has been fever free, without medication, for 24 hours.

• Diarrhea/Vomiting – A child with diarrhea and/or vomiting should be kept home until symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours.

• Rash – A rash is usually a sign of a viral illness or a reaction to a medication or chemical. If your child has a suspicious rash or one that is associated with a fever, contact your doctor. Keep your child home from school until your health care provider has made a diagnosis and authorized the child's return to school.

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – Your child may return to school after 24 hours of treatment.

• Cold, Sore Throat, and Cough – If cold, sore throat, and cough symptoms are associated with a fever and/or your child is experiencing discomfort; your child should remain at home. Consider having your child seen by your health care provider if symptoms do not improve. A sore throat, in conjunction with a fever, may indicate strep throat.

What screenings are performed at school?

The following health screenings are performed during the school year:

• Vision= grades 1-5

• Hearing= grades 1-3

• Height & Weight= grades 1 and 4

• Scoliosis= grade 5

A scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) screening assessment is performed annually to students in grade 5. The purpose of the screening program is not to diagnosis, but to identify possible deviations from the norm that require further evaluation. Students found to have deviations will be rechecked, and parents will be notified if medical evaluation or monitoring is recommended. A letter will be sent home to the parents/guardians of any student who fails the vision and/or hearing screening.