School Health Services

How are school health services utilized?

Food Allergies/Intolerances

If your child has food allergies or intolerances, dietary modifications can be provided. Please request a Dietary Medical form from the school nurse to take to your health care provider for completion.

Medical Concerns

It is important that you notify the school nurse of any medical problems or concerns that your child 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 your child’s height and weight measurements and you 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. 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 3rd 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 or online at http://southerntioga.org/parent_resources/f_o_r_m_s.

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 your child’s name. The medication should not be sent to school with the child.

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 school nurse or can be found on the district website at http://southerntioga.org/parent_resources/f_o_r_m_s. Medications must be in the original, labeled, prescription bottle, and may not be sent with the student.

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 you receive 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 your private health care provider, dentist, or eye doctor complete the form after evaluating your child. 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.