Sick/Absent Frequently asked questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
How do I make my school nurse aware of special health needs ?
If your child has any special health needs or problems this should be communicated to your childs school nurse. The information is confidential and it can be very important to a successful experience in school. Examples of such needs are as follows: 1. Allergies : Food, Bee Sting, Latex or other substances 2. Difficulty with vision, hearing or speech 3. Need for medication during the school day 4. Medication taken at home on a daily basis 5. Need for special aids such as crutches, walkers or wheelchairs, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Please have your child bring gym excuses to the health office first thing in the morning. Students on crutches must have a doctor note requiring them to use crutches while in school.Back to Top
What must I do to allow my child to take medicine 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 Nurse's office. 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 a 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.Back to Top
Why do I need to fill out an emergency form?
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 send all information to the Health Office by the first week of school.Back to Top
Who do I notify if my child is sick or will be out of school?
Written parental explanation is required by state law for all absences. Calls should be made on the first day of your child's absence. In the case of a fever, please keep your child at home for at least 24 hours after your childs temperature has returned to normal for their protection as well as for the protection of other students. If your child must leave early for a dental appointment, doctor appointment, etc., a note must be brought to the Health Office in the morning. You must meet your child in the Health Office and sign him/her out. Your child will not be permitted to leave school unless attended by a parent or authorized individual on the emergency card.Back to Top
What immunizations are needed to attend school?
All students in New York State must comply with the New York State Guidelines for Immunizations. Please refer to the chart below: Vaccine Pre-K Kdg 1st to 5th 6th 7th to12th DPT/DTaP 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses Tdap Booster dose Polio 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses Measles 1 dose 2 doses 2 doses 2 doses 2 doses Mumps 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose Rubella 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose 1 dose Hep B 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses Varicella 1 dose 1 dose HIB 1 dose N/A N/A N/A N/ABack to Top
When would my child receive Potassium Iodide? Can I refuse?
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 one 65 mg dose of KI. If you DO NOT want your child to receive Potassium Iodide you must fill out an Opt-out/ Refusal form and submit it to the Health Office by October 1st. Opt-out forms are available in the health office and on the Mildred E. Strang Nurse web site under "Download Important Documents". To view more information about Potassium Iodide please click on the link to "Download Important Documents" and select the document "Potassium Iodide information".Back to Top
What happens if my child has an accident in school?
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. An ambulance will be called for life threatening emergencies. The Yorktown Central School District maintains a Student Accident Insurance Policy, which is non-duplicating. If an accident occurs during school or 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. If you require an accident form please contact your school nurse.Back to Top
When are school physicals mandated for my child?
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 form which is available in all Health Offices and on this website under "Download Important Documents". The physical examination for 7th grade students must be completed and sent to the Health Office by October 1st. If your child has a physical scheduled after this date please let the nurse know. After this, the school physician will examine thoroughly all students in the grades mentioned above for whom we have no record of the family physician's report.Back to Top
What screenings will my child have done in school?
Students in selected grades are screened periodically for vision and hearing. Students in grades 5-9 are also screened yearly for scoliosis according to New York State Law. Parents will be informed of any abnormal findings.Back to Top
When can my child participate in Modified Sports? What are the requirements?
Students in grade 7 and 8 may participate in Modified Sports according to the MESMS behavior and eligibility policy sent home to parents in September. Modified Sports are after school five days a week. Students can take the after school activity bus home after the sport is finished. Please look at the Health Office website under "modified Sports" and "Sports Announcements" for types of sports offered and athletic requirements to play a sport. The high school athletic site will state times and try out dates. Sports related questions can be directed to Fio Nardone Director of Athletics at the High School.Back to Top
What do I do if my child has head lice?
Head lice are of 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. Remind your children not to share hats or personal items with their fellow classmates and friends. More information can be found regarding head lice under "Download Important Documents".Back to Top
How can my child help prevent the spread of bacteria and/or viruses?
The Yorktown Central School District would like to share with you that the best defense against the spread of bacteria/viruses is with good hygiene. Good hygiene includes: *Washing hands thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer. *Keeping cuts and scrapes cleaned and covered with bandages. *Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, wristbands, headbands, water bottles, sports equipment and uniforms. *Washing athletic gear and uniforms regularly with hot water and detergent. If anyone in your family shows any signs of skin infection, redness,swelling or tenderness please call your health care provider.Back to Top