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Brookside Health Office |
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FAQBrookside Frequently Asked Health Questions
Who, What & When do I notify the school regarding my child's health issues? If your child has special health needs or concerns, please contact the school nurse, Mrs. Elaine Goodwin at 914-243-8135 or egoodwin@yorktown.org before the school year begins. This will provide adequate time to address any concerns and to notify the appropriate adults working with your child. Examples of such needs are: 1. Allergies - food, bee sting, latex or other substances 2. History of asthma, diabetes, seizures, metabolic disorders, etc. 3. Impaired vision, hearing or speech 4. The need for medication during the day 5. Daily medications taken at home 6. Recent trauma which may require physical activity modification and/or restrictions 7. The need for special aids such as crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. either on a temporary or permanent basis. What should I do if my child is sick or cannot attend school? All absences should be reported to the health office (914-243-8135) before 8 AM on the day of the absence. Absences may also be reported via email egoodwin@yorktown.org before 8 AM on the day of the absence. Family obligations which necessitate an absence from school should be reported to the health office in writing and/or telephone call before the date. When is my child too sick for school?
What happens if my child becomes ill or hurt at school? All students who may become ill or injured during the school day are referred to the health office. Each student will be assessed and a determination will be made regarding the course of action. Each and every student in the school has a unique health history and therefore needs to be evaluated according to their individual needs. In the event of an illness or injury, parents and/or physicians will be contacted by the nurse. The course of action will be determined after consultation with the parent and/or guardian. Can my child bring cough drops to school? Students are permitted to bring non-medicated cough drops to school when accompanied by a parent note. Students should keep them on the teachers desk or in the health office to facilitate monitoring. Students may not share cough drops at any time. Many cough drops contain dye which may be harmful to other classmates, especially children who are allergic to specific food dyes. Lozenges and cough drops should never be used during physical activity. Emergencies may occur as a result of choking. What is the YCSD policy regarding accidents? If an accident occurs in school, the parent will be notified. The students will be treated with appropriate first aid measures until the person in parental authority can authorize further treatment. The Yorktown Central School District maintains a Student Accident Insurance Policy, which is non-duplicating. If an accident occurs during school or at a school sponsored activity, this policy will pay claims in excess of other coverage you may have on your child, up to the usual and reasonable expense as determined by the insurance carrier Can my child take medication in school? Every effort should be made to administer medication at home, as it does represent a disruption in the students school day. However, if your physician or nurse practitioner feels that medication is necessary during the school day, please submit a completed medication form before medication is brought to school. The form can be obtained from any Nurses office or can be downloaded at "Download Health Office Forms" on this website. A new form must be filled out for each change of medication and renewed each school year. Administration of medication during the school day is permitted only with written direction from health care provider and parent/guardian. In some instances, approval by the school physician may be required. PLEASE NOTE: THIS INCLUDES ALL TYPES OF MEDICATION: OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS, SUCH AS ASPIRIN, TYLENOL, COUGH SYRUP, AS WELL AS PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION. The medication must be in the original container and all prescription medication must be professionally labeled by the pharmacist for this purpose. Students are at no time allowed to carry medication of any kind on their person or to take medication without official written direction from physician and parent /guardian or to take medication without supervision, unless special arrangements are made with the school nurse. Students are permitted to carry and self-administer metered dose inhalers with the written permission of their physician, parent/guardian, and submission of written permission to the school nurse. Please call your school nurse with any questions. Why is it important to complete and update emergency forms? The importance of current emergency numbers must be stressed. Many parents/guardians are away from home during the day and it is essential, for the protection of our students, to be able to reach someone in case of an emergency. You will be asked to provide this information. Please contact the health office/main office with all updates throughout the school year. (egoodwin@yorktown.org or 243-8135) Which immunizations are required for my child to attend school?
Are physical exams mandated for each school year? The New York State Education Law requires an annual physical examination for students on entrance to school and routinely at Grades 2, 4, 7 and 10. Each students exam must include a BMI (body mass index) done by your childs physician. If your child has a yearly examination by your family physician, please ask him/her to complete our school forms which are available in all Health Offices and can be downloaded from "Download Health Office Form" on this website. The physical examination should be completed by October 1 and the form should be returned to the school nurse by this day. After this, the school physician will examine all students in the grades mentioned above for whom we have no record of the family physicians report. If your private physician will examine your child at another time, please notify your school nurse. Which screenings are routinely done in the health office? Under New York State Law, students in grades K-12 are screened periodically for vision and hearing. Students from grades 5 through 9 are also screened yearly for scoliosis. Parents/guardians will be informed of any abnormal findings. Under which circumstances would my child be administered Potassium Iodide (KI In the event of a radiological emergency, and the State or County Department of Health recommends the distribution of KI (Potassium Iodide), your child will receive a dose of KI unless you have completed the refusal (opt-out) form and submitted it to the nurse. Forms are available in the nurses office and can be downloaded from "Download Health Office Forms" on this website. Additional information regarding KI can also be found under "Download Health Office Forms." What documentation do I need for modified physical activity or PE restrictions The health office should be notified by a parent whenever your child has physical activity modifications or restrictions as soon as he/she returns to school. A physician's note is required for all extended P.E. exclusions. What should I do if my child gets head lice? Head lice are a particular concern to parents of younger children. Children should be checked periodically at home and the school nurse should be notified if head lice are found. Further information can be found under "Guideleines for Contagious Diseases" on this website. Where can I find the Yorktown Central School District Wellness Policy? The YCSD Wellness Policy can be downloaded from "The Wellness Corner" of this website. What are some good snacks to bring for the class to share on my childs birthd As stated in the Wellness Policy, ALL foods prepared, sold and/or made available on school grounds may not contain peanuts and/or tree nuts. Please be cognizant of the portions. The snack should not be an additional meal. Beverages: cold water and/or fruit juices Snacks: Children truly enjoy creative healthy snacks. Many parents have accessed the internet for helpful suggestions. (i.e. FamilyFun.com) Whole fruit Fruit & vegetable platters (low fat dips, hummus, salsa) Fruit kabobs Fruit smoothies no sugar added Dried fruits with no added sugar Veggie pockets in whole wheat pita Low-fat yogurt or pudding Unsweetened fruit snacks (i.e. applesauce) Mini muffins and/or mini cupcakes (no icing) Angel food cake topped with fruit Bagel slices with low fat toppings Rice cakes Cheese & Crackers Low-fat popcorn, pretzels Dry unsweetened cereal Goldfish & animal crackers 100% frozen fruit bars Frozen yogurt bars Low fat breakfast or granola bars (NO NUTS/PEANUTS) Trail mix (NO NUTS/PEANUTS) |
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