Food Allergies/Intolerances
If a child has food allergies or intolerances, dietary modifications can be provided. Parents/guardians should request a Dietary Medical Form from the school nurse to take to a health care provider for completion.
Medical Concerns
It is important that parents/guardians notify the school nurse of any medical problems or concerns that children may have, including allergies to foods, medications, and/or insects.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated from the child’s height and weight measurements and parents/guardians will be notified. This BMI notification is a mandatory requirement by the state. BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for children. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of the BMI to screen for weight problems in children.
Dental Examinations
Dental examinations are required in Kindergarten and third grade. School dental screenings are provided, free of charge, by the certified school dental hygienist. In lieu of the school screening, a private dental report may be submitted to meet this mandate.
Medical Examinations
Pennsylvania Public School Code requires physical examinations in first and sixth grades. Physicals done by a family physician within one year prior to entry into the grade where an examination is required and recorded on a state form is acceptable by state regulations. Forms may be obtained through the school nurse. Examinations will be given, free of charge, by a Laurel Health physician’s assistant during the school year. Parents/guardians who choose to have their child examined in the school by the school provider will be notified of the time and date of the examination.
Over The Counter Medications
The nurse may administer the following over the counter medications: Tylenol, Benadryl, ibuprofen, and antacids. The medication must be provided by the parent with consent. Medications must be in the original package and clearly labeled with the child’s name. The medication may not be sent to school with the child. For a copy of the MEDICATION CONSENT FORM, please use the link provided or see the school nurse.
Prescription Medications
Any prescription medications that need to be given at school require a written order from the health care provider who prescribed the medication as well as a signature from the parent or guardian. These forms are available from the nurse. Medications must be in the original, labeled prescription bottle, and may not be sent with the student. For a copy of the MEDICATION CONSENT FORM, please use the link provided or see the school nurse.
Screenings
The Pennsylvania Department of Health mandates that every child of school age be weighed, measured and have a vision screening annually. In addition, hearing screenings are given in grades K, 1, 2, and 3. Also, sixth graders are evaluated for scoliosis. If a parent/guardian receives a referral form after any school screening, it means that the screening detected a possible concern. Further evaluation by a professional health care provider is recommended. Please have a private health care provider, dentist, or eye doctor complete a PRIVATE PHYSICIAN’S REPORT FORM after evaluating the child. For a copy of the form, use the link provided or see the school nurse. Return the completed form to the school nurse.
Vaccinations
In the case of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak, un-immunized students will be excluded from school for a duration which will be recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and enforced by school administrators. These recommendations are disease and contact specific.
Epi Pens
The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. In order to request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.
A registered nurse or a nurse’s aide is on duty in the Southern Tioga School District during the school day. His or her regular duties include first aid and other limited treatment. If a student needs some special treatment, this may be administered to a limited degree, with the written permission of the family doctor. The nurse also conducts a screening program for scoliosis, vision, and hearing. Parents are requested to contact the nurse whenever a child has a serious illness which necessitates absence from school or if a child has some communicable disease.
When a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should ask permission of the classroom teacher to report to the nurse. The nurse shall be responsible for determining whether a student should be sent home. The nurse will contact the parent to pick the student up at school. Under no circumstances should an ill student leave the building without first seeking the appropriate assistance at the nurse’s office.
All Pennsylvania seventh graders are required to have a dental exam. A dental hygienist will provide these exams, free of charge, at school. If you prefer to have your child examined by your family dentist, please request a Private Dental Exam form from the school nurse.
Pennsylvania state law requires all eleventh graders to have a physical exam. A Laurel Health provider will provide these exams, free of charge, at school. If you prefer to have the exam done by your child’s health care provider please request a Private Physical Exam form from the school nurse. If your child has a physical for athletic participation, this exam fulfills the requirement.
Board Policy 209.1 Food Allergy Management
Board Policy 209.2 Diabetes Management