The health office is eager to cooperate with you, as parents, to be sure that your child is healthy and ready to
learn. The following information is provided to acquaint you with the activities and services of the health office at St. Mary’s School.
STAFF: St. Mary’s School has a part-time Registered Nurse provided by the Ballston Spa Central School District who will care for student illnesses and injuries that occur in school unless the child's parent/guardian states in writing, "no nursing care for my child", in which case, if the child is ill or injured, either the
parent/guardian will be required to pick up the child or 911 will be called.
The school nurse is available Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM-2:30 PM
Please do not request that the school nurse diagnose or treat a child for something that happened at home.
MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Confidential records that are recorded by the nurse are provided to appropriate staff on a “need to know basis”. Please keep the health office informed of changes in your
child’s health; allergies, limitations, injuries etc.
ATTENDANCE: When your child is absent or late for school, please call the school and give the reason. When the child returns to school, he/she must bring in a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian giving the dates and the reason for the absence or tardiness. When a child is absent from school for 3 or more days due to illness, a written statement from your child's physician is requested upon the
student's return to school.
When deciding whether or not to send your child to school, the following guidelines may be helpful.
Please keep your child home if:
1. A fever (>100) is present or has been in the past 24 hours
2. The child has a cold with a heavy nasal discharge and/or a persistent cough
3. The child has a sore throat, vomits before school, has an unidentified rash or is tired and
generally not well.
GYM EXCUSES: If, due to accident or illness, you feel that your child is unable to participate in physical education, you must request in writing that the child be excused from gym. A physician’s excuse is required if the child is to be excused for more than one week. Physical Education is a requirement for all students. A modified gym program that is approved by the child’s physician will be provided for those with limitations.
MEDICATION:
If your child needs to take medication during the school hours, it is necessary that both the physician and the parent provide written permission. This must include the name of the drug, dose and time to be given. The medication must be in the original labeled container and brought in to school by a responsible adult. Children are not allowed to transport medication to and from school due to the danger of loss or accidental overdose by your child or another. NO medication
will be administered unless the correct procedure is followed. These regulations apply to all drugs, including non-prescription drugs. Whenever possible, please try to administer medication outside of school hours. Please do not send cough drops, ointments or other over-the-counter products to school.
EMERGENCY CARE: The nurse, (or another staff member when the nurse is not present), will provide first aid as necessary should an emergency occur at
school. It is important to inform the health office of telephone numbers where parents may be reached if an emergency arises. We also request names and phone numbers of two reliable friends or relatives who could assume temporary care of your child if illness or injury should occur and you cannot be reached.
EARLY DISMISSAL FOR MEDICAL REASONS: The student must provide a note stating the reason and time of dismissal. Notes should be brought to the
office at the beginning of the school day.
TRANSPORTATION:The school is responsible for routine transportation. Parents are responsible for providing transportation if it should be necessary due to illness or injury.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: All students new to the district and those entering grades PreK, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 are required to have a physical examination. It is suggested that
the physical exam be performed by the child’s own physician who is aware of his/her health history. Dental Certificates are requested for students in these grades.
*All health examinations are to be completed in a form created by the NYS Commissioner. Providers will be notified.
SCREENING MANDATES: Physical Examinations, Vision, Hearing & Scoliosis screenings will be performed at grade levels in compliance with NYS guidelines.
Effective July 2018:
Physical
Examinations: Health Appraisals are mandated for all new entrants and Grades Pre K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11
Scoliosis screenings (spinal curvature): Boys grade 9 and Girls grades 5 and 7
Hearing Screening: New entrants and Grades PreK or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 11
Vision screening: Distance acuity, near vision & color perception for new entrants. Distance acuity and near vision in Grades PreK or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 11
A letter will be sent home if there are any
findings on the screening done at school that would cause concern or need medical follow-up. Please call the school’s Health Office if you have any questions or concerns.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE: Students who have a communicable disease such as chicken pox, impetigo, conjunctivitis (pink eye), scabies, or an undiagnosed rash must be excluded from school. If you are suspicious of such problems, please do not send the child to school for diagnosis, refer to
your private physician for diagnosis. Please report any confirmed diagnoses to the health office so that epidemics can be avoided.The school nurse will send home notices to the class involved only when 2 or more physicians have made a diagnosis that has been confirmed in that class.
HEAD LICE (Pediculosis): The spread of head lice can be controlled with awareness, prompt diagnosis and effective
treatment. The first thing you can do to help prevent the spread of lice is to discuss the subject openly with your family. Lice can affect anyone, regardless of background or hygiene. If everyone knows what's going on, the risk of infestation is cut in half. Lice cannot fly or jump, and they are normally transferred during head to head contact. Remind your child to be aware of their surroundings and not to share items that touch their heads like hats, helmets,
hairbrushes, headbands, etc. Check your child's hair frequently for evidence of head lice. If you suspect your child has lice, please consult with your family physician for diagnosis & treatment recommendations and please notify the school nurse.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Please do not hesitate to call the nurse if questions or problems should arise.
