District Medical Handbook

Westwood Regional School District Medical Handbook

ABSENCES: Students should remain home if any of the following symptoms are present:  Excessive runny nose, coughing, or sneezing  Fever – students may return to school after being fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics.(i.e. Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol)  Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea  Skin rashes of a questionable or unknown origin  Sores on the skin, especially if moist, draining, or encrusted

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: A physician’s certificate is required when a student has been absent due to Chickenpox, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Fifth’s Disease, Hepatitis, Mononucleosis, Pediculosis, Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat or any other communicable or contagious disease. A physician’s note is requested when a child returns to school from the following illnesses:  Chickenpox: The student may return to school seven days after the appearance of the rash if all scabs are dry and they remain fever free without analgesics.  Fifth’s Disease: Students may be admitted to school with a physician’s certificate even if the distinctive red rash on the cheeks, which often spreads to the body is still present.  Conjunctivitis: Students diagnosed by their physician with “Pink Eye” must remain out of school until the eyes are clear or they have a physician’s certificate stating they are no longer contagious.

HEALTH SCREENINGS: In accordance with N.J.A.C.6A:16-2.2, health screenings will be performed by the school nurse including: height, weight, hearing, vision, blood pressure and scoliosis. Parents/guardians will be notified of any student suspected of deviation from the recommended standards.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Admission to school is pursuant upon the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Immunization requirements outlined in Minimum Immunization Requirements for School Attendance in New Jersey, N.J.A.C. 8:57-4. INJURIES: Any student requiring a cast, crutches, slings, splints, use of a wheelchair or any other accommodations at school requires documentation from a physician. Clearance must be obtained from the school nurse prior to entering the classroom.

LONG TERM ILLNESS or INJURY: In the event the student experiences long term illness or injury, the parent/guardian is requested to contact the Health Office. Westwood Regional School District

MEDICATION IN SCHOOL: In compliance with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Westwood Regional School District’s Board of Education policy, students requiring medication during the school hours must provide the following:  A written statement from the prescribing physician identifying the name, dosage, frequency, duration, and purpose of the medication as well as written permission from the parent/guardian for the administration of the medication.  Students may be approved to self-administer specific medication in certain life-threatening conditions, such as Anaphylaxis and Asthma. Written permission from the physician and parent must be obtained.  Prescription medication must be brought to the Health Office in the original container with the pharmacist’s label, the prescription number, student’s name, dose to be given, and physician’s name.  Over-the-counter medications adhere to the same requirements as prescription medications and must be provided in the original packaging.  Cough drops, provided by the parent, may be used in school when accompanied by the written authorization of the parent/guardian. *Parent/Guardian is responsible for the transport of any medication to the school nurse. Students are not permitted to carry or self-administer any medication without permission.

PEDICULOSIS:  Pediculosis: Students identified with Head Lice are excluded immediately and the parent/guardian is advised to contact the child’s family physician. The student may return with a note from the parent/guardian indicating the date of treatment and the product used. **The student’s head will be inspected upon readmission to the school by the school nurse and as needed.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES:  A student requesting exclusion from Physical Education Class (PE) for a day must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian to the school nurse upon arrival to school in the morning.  Students, who are to be excused from PE for more than two classes, must bring documentation from their physician.  Students with long-term excuses from PE from their physicians may resume PE classes only with the school nurse’s approval based on the physician’s written authorization.  Students excused from PE will remain indoors during recess unless a note from their physician and parent/guardian is received stating that the child may go outside. However, the student will refrain from all physical activity while outdoors.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS:  Each student must submit from a physician, documentation of a physical exam upon entry to Pre-K, Kindergarten, as well as all new entrants to the Westwood Regional School District. This examination must be completed no more than 365 days prior to entry and must state what, if any, modifications are required for full participation in the school program.  Parents/guardians are also notified of the importance of obtaining subsequent medical examinations for the student at least once during each developmental stage. These examinations are requested by the District during: Early Childhood, Childhood (grade 2), Pre-Adolescence (grade 5), and Adolescence Grades 8 & 10). A full report when submitted to the school nurse shall be maintained as part of the student’s health record.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact the student’s School Health Office with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, The Westwood Regional School District Medical Department