Medical Services

If a student becomes ill in school, the student should report to the nurse. If the nurse is not available, students should report to the main office. Teachers should also report all injuries or accidents at once to the health office. Students sustaining injuries should also report for treatment. A parent or individual listed on the emergency form is always contacted before releasing an ill or injured student from the health office. Each student must have on file in the health office and main office a completed emergency form. Any student leaving the building because of illness without the nurse’s certification or official permission from the administration will have the absence recorded as unexcused and will face disciplinary action. 

Mental Health

It is recognized that good mental health is necessary for a successful education experience. In order for students who experience depression or other psychological difficulties to reach their full educational potential, many health services are available. Students are encouraged to contact the following staff members regarding these services: School Nurse, Guidance Counselors, Child Study Team Members, Student Assistance Counselor, and Administrators. It is important to know that help is available from the above and that the aforementioned staff may refer a student and their parent(s) to outside agencies as appropriate.

Emergency Forms 

So that we may conform to the wishes of parents, emergency forms must be filled out for each student and returned to the school for use in emergencies. 

Accidents and Insurance 

The school is responsible only for immediate first aid. The Board of Education does not pay any medical or hospital bill incurred as a result of an accident to the pupil at school. The parent or guardian is responsible for the payment of such bills. We urge you to avail yourself of the protection afforded through school insurance. You will be given information regarding various insurance plans during the first week of school. 

In the case of an accident, no matter how minor, the student should report that accident to the teacher immediately. In the case of a severe accident or acute illness, emergency care will be administered by the school nurse. Parents will then be notified. 

Insurance 

Additional student insurance is available at a normal cost and is optional. When a student insured under the plan is injured, he will be given a claim form from the nurse’s office. This form must be completed by the parents and presented to the doctor or hospital. The school merely acts as a medium in supplying the insurance and assumes no liability, either for the injury or the subsequent negotiations with the company. Saddle Brook Board of Education does not insure against the loss of or damage to personal property, including musical instruments, athletic equipment, etc. If you wish to obtain insurance coverage, one option is to add a rider to your homeowner’s insurance policy. 

Medical Transportation 

It is the responsibility of parents to provide transportation and further care for a student if a student becomes ill or injured on school property. A student may not be sent home without parental approval and no student may drive when excused for medical reasons unless consent has been given by the nurse as well as by the parent. 

Medications in School

In order for a student to take medication, prescription or non-prescription, in school, a written order from a physician and a written request from a parent must be submitted to the school nurse. Medication authorization forms for physicians and parents are available in the nurse’s office. For short-term medication, a written physician’s order co-signed by a parent will suffice.

Medication must be brought to school in its original, appropriately labeled container. At your request, a pharmacist will provide you two labeled containers, one for school and one for home. All medications are to be kept locked in the nurse’s office, to be administered only by the nurse or a parent. One exception to the rule is an asthma inhaler, provided that the requisite medical authorization forms have been submitted and that those forms indicate that the student may carry the inhaler and may self-medicate.

Your cooperation in this matter is essential to ensure your child’s well-being.

Immunization

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the Board of Education (Policy No. 5320) requires the immunization of pupils against certain diseases in accordance with state statute and rules of the New Jersey State Department of Health.

No child shall be admitted to school unless he or she has completed required immunizations or has been granted provisional status in accordance with rules and regulations implementing this policy.

The Board shall not require the immunization of any pupil for whom such immunization is medically contraindicated or any pupil for whom the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with bona fide religious tenets or practices.

No immunization program, other than that expressly required by the rules of the New Jersey State Department of Health or by an order of the New Jersey State Commissioner of Health, may be conducted in district schools without the express approval of the Board. 

N.J.S.A.   18A: 40-20

N.J.S.A.   26:4-6

N.J.A.C.   8:57-4.1 et seq. Adopted: January 15, 1997

Physical Examination 

In accordance with guidelines established by the State of New Jersey, all new students are required to have a complete physical examination. All students engaged in interscholastic athletics must have a medical examination (history and physical) within one year (365 days) of the first practice session. N.J.A.C. 6A: 16-2.2(h). 

Scoliosis Testing 

The New Jersey Legislature has charged that “every Board of Education should provide for the biennial examination of every pupil between the ages of ten and eighteen for the condition known as scoliosis.” N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2(f), N.J.S.A. 18A: 4D – 4.3 to 4.5. 

Students in grades 7, 9, and 11 are initially screened by the school nurse. If a spinal problem is suspected, your child will be rechecked at a second screening by the school doctor. If further consultation is recommended, parents will be notified and will be asked to see their own physician for further evaluation. If you prefer to have your child examined by your own physician, you must bring a note from your doctor to the school nurse stating that your child has been examined for scoliosis and the results of the examination.