The school health office is designed to provide care to students who become ill or are injured while in school. A cumulative health file is maintained for each student. This file includes notations of past illnesses, results of physical examinations, and other pertinent health information.
Immunizations
All students must be immunized against certain diseases and must present a certificate from a physician or local health agency. If the student should not be immunized due to medical or religious reasons, a statement from a physician or the parent as appropriate must be provided. The required immunizations are:
DTP
At least 4 doses of DTP/DtaP vaccine with at least one dose given on or after the fourth birthday and before school entry Polio At least 3 doses of (IPV/OPV) vaccine given on/or after the fourth birthday and before school entry
Measles
On/or after 1st birthday; 2nd dose required for kindergarten entry in August 2000 or later; second dose required for entry into 7th grade if enrolled after September 1992
Mumps
On/or after 1st birthday
Rubella
On/or after 1st birthday
H.I.B.
Given on the appropriate schedule for age; not required after age 5.
Hepatitis B
Any child born January 1, 1994 or later must have 3 doses of vaccine. Any child enrolling into the 7th grade in August 2000 or later is required to have one dose of vaccine - the series of three doses of vaccine must be completed for entrance into the eighth grade effective August 2001.
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Any child born January 1, 1997 or later must have one dose of vaccine given on or after the first birthday. Any child enrolling into the 7th grade in August 2000 or later and is less than 13 years of age is required to have one dose of varicella vaccine. If the child is 13 years of age or older, two doses of vaccine are required at least four weeks apart.
Please note: If the child has had the chickenpox disease, a written statement signed and dated by a physician, physician, or advanced practice nurse (A.P.R.N.) is required indicating that the individual has already had chicken pox based on family and/or medical history.
A written record of these immunizations must be presented to the school nurse before a child is permitted to attend school.
Physical Examinations
School health legislation requires each school age child to have a physical prior to enrollment and in grades six (6) and ten (10), provided by their own physician. Physical forms may be obtained from the school nurse. Transfer students must present complete health information to the nurse before entrance. New enrollees from out of state are required to have a current physical by their own physician and are given thirty (30) calendar days to have this completed.
Screenings
All students are checked for pediculosis (head lice) at the beginning of each school year by the elementary school nurse(s). Parents will be notified and instruction given if this is detected. Annual vision screenings are given to each student in kindergarten, grades one (1) to six (6), inclusive and grade nine (9). Yearly hearing screenings are given to each student in kindergarten to grade three (3), inclusive, and grades five (5) and eight (8). Postural (scoliosis) screenings are done annually for each student in grades five (5) to nine (9), inclusive. These screenings are also performed upon request of a parent or teacher. Any deviation from the normal is reported to the parents in writing for follow-up by their own physician. Referrals should be completed and returned to the school nurse.
First Aid
When the school reports your student acutely ill or injured, it is expected that the parents will make arrangements to immediately transport them home. However, in cases of serious accidents/life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate hospitalization, the student will be sent to the nearest emergency room by ambulance. Parents will be notified immediately in all cases. Please fill out and return the health questionnaire at the beginning of the school year. Any changes in the information provided on these forms should be updated as the need arises.
Communicable/Infectious Diseases
Students with any medical condition, which within the school setting may expose others to disease, or contagious and infectious conditions may be excluded from school and referred for medical diagnosis and treatment. Students with bacterial infections, such as strep throat, pinkeye or impetigo, must have taken the prescribed dosage of antibiotics for at least twenty-four (24) hours before returning to school. Your child should be fever-free for twenty-four (24) hours after an illness. Scabs must be dry with no blistering present in order for students with chicken pox to return to school. If a student is suspected of having Fifth Disease, he/she must be excluded and return with a written diagnosis from their physician.
Disabilities
The school district will not discriminate on the basis of disability as required under ADA, IDEA and Section 504 and C.G.S. 10?76a and any similar law or provision.
Homebound Instruction
Homebound instruction shall be provided when a child's condition will cause absence of at least three (3) weeks duration. Instruction shall begin no later than two (2) weeks from the first day of absence, provided nothing in the child's condition precludes it. A note from the child's physician is required stating that the child is unable to attend school for medical reasons. The expected date of return to the school program has to be included in the note. Homebound instruction may also be provided for the following reason(s): child is expelled or excluded from school for safety reasons, a special education program is pending or a pregnancy (also requires a doctor's note).
Medication
Students who need to take prescribed medication during school hours must have the medication delivered to the school nurse or principal by the parents or guardian. Students are not permitted to carry such medications to school. Such medication must be in a properly labeled container with the name of the student, physician and medication, date of original prescription, and directions for administering it. The amount must be limited to a forty?five (45) school day supply. No medication, prescription or over?the?counter, will be given without written permission from both physician and parent. Please be aware this also includes cough lozenges, aspirin/acetaminophen, eye drops, topical ointments/creams, etc. We ask that the parents or guardian pick up unused medication within one week after it was to stop being administered. The school nurse will dispose of medication not picked up. A new written authorization of medication form is required each school year.
Exclusion From Physical Education Classes
Students may be excused from physical education classes due to medical reasons. Students needing to be excused should present a dated (including dates of exclusion period) doctor's note to the school nurse, who, in turn, will alert the physical education teacher.
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Infestation of the hair with head lice is a common condition found among school age children. There is no way of preventing a child from acquiring the condition. The goal should be to detect it quickly and clear it up as soon as possible. Our school health regulations specify that children with head lice are to be excluded from school until treated at home with a shampoo that kills head lice. Ordinary shampoo will not work. Following the treatment, the school nurse will check the child. The student must be nit-free before reentry. The school nurse will check children in any class where the condition has been identified, as well as siblings of identified students. Parents of those identified with infestation in school will be contacted directly by the school nurse. However, if you identify and treat your child at home, please notify the school nurse so that appropriate steps may be taken to prevent any further spread in school.
Flu Information
Symptoms of Flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. When calling your child out sick, please indicate if your child has any of the listed symptoms to assist the school nurse in tracking flu like illness in the school system.
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Terryville High School | Eli Terry Jr. Middle School | Harry S. Fisher Elementary | Plymouth Center School
