Frequently Asked Questions
- School Immunization Requirements
- What to do if your child is going to be absent?
- Dismissal Policy
- Communicable Diseases
- Medication Policy
- Special Health Considerations
- Should my child be in school with this illness?
- What screenings are performed at school?
School Immunization Requirements
The immunizations listed below are the state requirements, set
by the Department of Public Health. Except those students with
religious exemptions, your child will be excluded from school if
he/she does not meet the state entrance requirements.
1. Physical exam
2. Hepatitis B........3 doses
3. DTaP/DTP/DT/Td.....5 doses
4. Polio..............4 doses
5. MMR................2 doses
6. Varicella..........1 dose (or documented history of
chicken pox)
7. Lead Test results
8. Vision & Hearing Screening...completed by
pediatrician
What to do if your child is going to be absent?
Student absences must be reported. Please call the school (508-
351-7040) as early as possible to notify the school secretary of
your child's absence. If your child will be out for a prolong
period of time, please inform the school nurse.
Dismissal Policy
In case of an illness, injury or emergency during the school
day, an attempt will be made to contact parents/guardians first.
Then, emergency contacts will be called. It is important that
the phone numbers and emergency information for each student be
kept up-to-date. Please inform the office of
any change in phone numbers or other information as soon as
possible.
Communicable Diseases
A child with a contagious disease, spread by contact, coughing,
or sneezing,should stay home. Examples of these are influenza,
chicken pox, strep throat, head lice, mononucleosis, or scarlet
fever. Communicable diseases should be reported to the school
nurse as soon as possible.
Medication Policy
The medication policy complies with the state guidlines to
ensure the health and safety of all students requiring
medications at school. All medications need to be kept in the
nurse's office. A physician's written order (forms available in
my office)is necessary for all medications to be administered
during school hours: prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Ask your pharmacists for a separate labeled container for any
medications to be administered at school. Parents must
deliver/pick-up the medications. Students are not allowed to
carry the medications to and from school.
Special Health Considerations
Please inform the school nurse of any special health
considerations your child may have including: allergies, asthma,
diabetes, add/adhd, hearing or vision impairments, or
difficulties with mobility. I will help plan any accomodations
your child may need as well as familiarizing other school
staff with any special health needs.
Should my child be in school with this illness?
*Fever- The child should remain home with a fever greater than
100.4. Fevers are generally signs of infection. The child can
return to school after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours.
*Diarrhea/Vomiting- A child with diarrhea and/or vomiting should
be kept home until symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours.
*Rash- A rash is usually a sign of a viral illness or a reaction
to a medication or chemical. If your child has a suspicious rash
or one that is associated with a fever, contact your doctor.
Keep your child home from school until your health care provider
has made a diagnosis and authorized the child's return to school.
*Conjunctivitis(pink eye)- Your child may return to school after
24 hours of treatment.
*Cold, Sore throat, Cough- If cold, sore throat, and cough
symptoms are associated with a fever and/or your child is
experiencing discomfort, your child should remain at home.
Consider having your child seen by your health care provider if
symptoms do not improve. A sore throat, in
conjunction with a fever, may indicate strep throat.
What screenings are performed at school?
The following health screenings are performed during the school
year:
Vision= grades 1-5
Hearing= grades 1-3
Height & Weight= grades 1 and 4
Scoliosis= grade 5
A scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the
spine) screening assessment is performed annually to students in
grade 5. The purpose of the screening program is not to
diagnosis, but to identify possible deviations from the norm
that require further evaluation. Students found to have
deviations will be rechecked, and parents will be notified if
medical evaluation or monitoring is recommended.
A letter will be sent home to the parents/guardians of any
student who fails the vision and/or hearing screening.
