HEALTH

The school nurse is available on a daily basis for assessment and counseling regarding health issues during regular school hours and may be reached at 860-395-3195. Students are required to have a pass from their classroom teacher if they need to see the nurse.  During lunch hour, students should obtain the pass from the cafeteria monitors. 

Accident or Illness

Any student involved in an accident or suddenly becoming ill while at school, will be cared for according to approved medical standing orders.  Parents will be notified if the student is to be excluded from class or activities.  Students who become ill during the school day must see the nurse for dismissal. If your child calls or texts you that they are not feeling well, tell them to report to the nurse’s office for an assessment. The nurse will make arrangements with a parent/guardian or emergency contact for dismissal. A dismissal pass will be issued which needs to be turned into the main office before the student leaves the school. The transporting of ill students is the parent responsibility.  In the event of an emergency requiring a higher level of care an ambulance will be called. Parents are required to enter their emergency contact information when registering at the beginning of each school year listing themselves and other persons to contact if the parent cannot be reached.   Students who are ill should be taken home as soon as able.  

Administration of Medications

Before school personnel administer any medication, the physician and parent must complete the proper authorization.  This includes over-the-counter medication by mouth, including cough drops, and all other topical creams, ointments, and solutions, etc.  Students are NOT to carry ANY medication with them unless approved by their doctor and the school nurse. 

Concussion Management 

All students participating in athletics will receive procedures for concussion management at the beginning of every season. For detailed information visit Athletics under the Student section on the district website at www.oldsaybrookschools.org. 

Exclusion

True exclusion begins with the education of parents to keep an ill student home to assure a speedy, uncomplicated recovery and protect the other students and staff from exposure. The nurse will exclude any student with a temperature over 100 degrees F., or an injury or condition that requires medical intervention. Students with a temperature must remain home until 24 hours’ fever-free without Tylenol or Motrin. Students with vomiting or diarrhea must remain home until they have had 24 hours of no vomiting or loose stool. 

When to stay home

Guidelines to follow when students should stay home from school: 

1. Fever greater than 100 degrees F.  Student should be fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Motrin.

2. Episode of vomiting or diarrhea.  Student should have no vomiting or loose stools for 24 hours before returning to school.

3. Any student on any medication for a contagious infection must be on the medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

4. Student who does not eat before school and is complaining of stomach pain.

5. Excessive nasal discharge, which is colored or continuous.

6. Sore throat or swollen glands and/or fever.

7. Earache with continuous pain.

8. Rash of unknown origin or blisters and/or discharge.  

Field Trip Medications 

All medications including over the counter medications must have a medication authorization form (MAF) completed by a physician and signed by parent. It must be dated for the days of the field trip ONLY. Only the amount of medication needed should be sent on field trip and must be in original pharmacy bottle. The medication authorization form should match the medication and dosage of the bottle being sent. Standing orders for Tylenol and Ibuprofen do not pertain to field trips. If you anticipate your child will require these medications while on a field trip please plan accordingly and have MAF completed prior to scheduled field trip.

Gym Exclusion

A note must be submitted by a parent or guardian to the school nurse in order for student to be excused from gym class. Gym exclusion for more than one day requires a written medical excuse. Following a medical exclusion, permission to return to gym must also be written by the physician-allowing student to return. 

Immunizations

All students must be adequately immunized prior to entry into school. Hepatitis A is required for all students born after January 1, 2009. For a detailed list of requirements visit Health Services on the district website at www.oldsaybrookschools.org. 

Physical Examinations 

Per Connecticut State guidelines, students are required to have mandated physical examinations including a vision and hearing screening for grade 10. This can be completed after Jan. 1st of the students 9th grade year and should be submitted before the last day of school in grade 10. 

The “blue” State of Connecticut Health Assessment form must be completed by your child’s physician with all required immunization dates noted. The front of this form (page 1) must be completed by the students’ parent or legal guardian for the mandated physical to be complete. All completed physicals should be submitted to your child’s school nurse.

Students who do not meet the state requirement will not be allowed to attend the first day of school for 11th grade.

Physical Exams for Transfer Students

In-state transfer students may attend with documentation of all required immunizations and physicals prior to entrance. Out of state transfer students from within the US may attend with documentation of all required immunizations and a copy of a complete physical exam dated within one year of the date of entrance, or they will have 60 days grace period to obtain a complete physical exam. Out of country transfer students will require documentation of all required immunizations prior to entry and a complete physical exam obtained by a U.S. physician within 30 days of entrance.

Pupil Health Insurance

Except for athletics, pupil health insurance is not compulsory, although it is recommended.  All candidates for interscholastic athletics must be covered by insurance in case of injury.  The school does not accept the responsibility for bills resulting from injury in athletic competition.  The school offers the opportunity for coverage as a service but does not act as an insurance agency.  To be assured of compensation, claimants must follow company regulations.  Parents are advised to determine the duplicator clause of the insurance policy before presenting claims.

Screenings

Vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings are available by the school nurse for any student recommended by parent, teacher or physician. 

Grade 10 mandated physical must include vision and hearing screening for all students completed by their physician.

Medical policies are also available in each Health office and are also available on the district website www.oldsaybrookschools.org.  

Sports Physicals

Old Saybrook Public Schools requires every student trying out and participating on a school sport team must submit a completed "blue" physical examination form (Part 1 and Part 2) to the school nurse every 13 months. The State of Connecticut Health Assessment Record is now the Sports Physical form as well. It is advised to make your doctor's appointment early so that requirements are completed by the first day of practice. 

Use of Wheelchair, Crutches, or Elevator

Students that require the use of a wheelchair, crutches or elevator must obtain medical documentation.