Please view District Health Updates and the option menu on the top left below for health and sports information. Stay safe and healthy!
To minimize the risk of long-term complications from concussions YCSD will be following key actions updated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) concussion guidelines in 2023, emphasizing the importance of managing concussions in students, particularly in sports. Key aspects include:
Immediate Action: If a student is suspected of having a concussion, they must be removed from activity immediately and cannot return the same day.
Medical Clearance: Before returning to any physical activities, the student must receive written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management.
Return-to-Play Protocol: A stepwise, graduated return-to-play protocol will be followed, starting with light aerobic exercise and gradually increasing intensity as long as no symptoms return.
Return-to-Learn Protocol: There is a parallel return-to-learn protocol that allows for academic accommodations like reduced workload and extended time on assignments to help students manage cognitive recovery. A return to learn program will be followed upon recommendation by a physician.
Concussion Education: Concussion education for students, parents, coaches, and staff regarding the signs, symptoms, and risks of concussions will be supported on the YCSD school nurse site , during sports registration and on the Athletics website. Staff will be required to take biennial concussion courses .
Monitoring and Support: Ongoing monitoring of the student’s recovery and communication between school staff, healthcare providers, and parents are required to ensure the best outcomes. Parents and school staff will be asked for input to monitor progress of the student post concussion as they recover.
Please view the YCSD Concussion Policy It is our policy that all concussions should be reported to the health office by a parent/ guardian, and any student that sustains a concussion on or off school grounds should see the school nurse upon entering school.
Students must submit a doctor's note with the diagnosis and any restrictions/ accommodations that must be made to the Health Office using our YCSD Acute Concussion Care Plan.
Students should come to the Health Office each morning to monitor progress. All students should remain in the health office for lunch, recess and gym while healing unless otherwise determined.
Per physician recommendation after the first 24-48 hours of rest, mild physical activities can occur such as walking, use of stationary bike or treadmill at home as long as prevailing symptoms do not exceed 2 points on a 10 point severity scale.
Students who cannot do academics fully upon recommendation of a physician may follow the Districts Return to Learn process provided by the nurse to teachers and parents.
Once the student submits a doctors note that states he/she is cleared to return to full academic activity and athletics, the gradual Concussion Return to Play Protocol will be started by the physical education teacher. Upon conclusion of the return to play protocol the PE teacher will notify the nurse.
Parents are encouraged to read about mild traumatic brain injury and concussions on the CDC Heads Up site.
Further concussion information can be found here:
Guidelines for Concussion management in Schools
Concussion Recovery Guidelines
Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents