Mrs. Weiss

 ? School Health

When are children screened for vision and hearing problems?
Can my child have medication in school?
What is included in the health classes taught by the nurse?
What can the nurse do for my child in school?
Is there anything 'going around'(illnesses)?
Where can my child receive mandated immunizations?

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 When are children screened for vision and hearing problems?
Second and third grade students are screened at the beginning of the year- 
generally completed by November.  First, fourth and fifth grades, then 
kindergarten is generally the order, but anyone is screened immediately if 
requested.
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 Can my child have medication in school?
Anytime medication is necessary in school, it will be administered by the 
school nurse.  Medicine must be ordered in writing by your physician or 
dentist, and provided in the original container.  Over the counter 
medications have the same requirements.
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 What is included in the health classes taught by the nurse?
My lessons are part of the health curriculum in each grade.  Generally they 
cover drug education, family life education and general health promotion.  I 
also provide resources to teachers on all health topics, and sometimes teach 
additional lessons as needed.
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 What can the nurse do for my child in school?
In addition to first aid and illness care, I frequently counsel children 
regarding health conditions like chronic illness for themselves or family 
members, I supervise and instruct children in self care for conditions like 
asthma or diabetes, give advice about personal care issues, and provide 
resources like books, videos or pamphlets on health related issues.  I also 
assess health and safety issues in the building and on the playground.
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 Is there anything 'going around'(illnesses)?
School aged children are exposed to a variety of organisms in school, despite 
our best efforts to keep the environment clean, and encouraging children to 
wash their hands frequently.  If your child is sent home with 
a fever or vomiting, please keep them home until they have time to really 
recover, and have some immunity to the organisms they will be in contact with 
when they return.  We make a conscious effort to disinfect and "air out" the 
school as much as possible to keep the illness rate down.  If you have 
concerns about any symptoms your child is experiencing, and want to check on 
the school health status, please call me at any time.  If there is a 
significant health issue in school, parents are notified by me by letter.
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 Where can my child receive mandated immunizations?
The Middlesex County Health Department sponsors vaccine clinics periodically. 
call 732-745-3100 with questions. There are clinics scheduled September 21, 
2006, and October 26, 2006 for underinsured or uninsured children.
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