IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION

Massachusetts State Law (MGL c76, ss15 and 15c, 105 CMR 220.000) requires proof of immunization for school entrance. It states that unimmunized children "shall not be admitted to school". The reason for the strict adherence to this policy is that children who are unimmunized are not only at risk themselves but pose a danger of transmission of infection to others who cannot be effectively immunized due to age or medical conditions, and to protect others who may have had vaccine failure.

The following information is required for:

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

• Complete list of immunizations
• Report of a physical within the past year
• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine
• Varicella vaccine or proof of Chicken Pox
• Report of a lead test

Students entering Grade Seven

• Report of a Physical within the past year, listing immunizations
• One dose of Varicella or proof of Chicken Pox disease
• One booster dose of Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td or TdaP)

Students entering Grade Four

• All fourth grade students are required to have an annual physical exam. Acceptable physicals are dated from previous September (of 3rd grade) to current September.

All Transfer Students

• Health records must be requested from previous school prior to start of school.
• All students are required to have a physical exam done within the past year listing immunizations.

VISION SCREENING

To Parents/Guardians of Kindergarten students:

Massachusetts State Law ( MGL c71 s57) now requires "upon entering kindergarten or within 30 days of the start of the school year, the parent or guardian of each child shall present to school health personnel certification that the child within the previous 12 months has passed a vision screening."

This very important law is designed to identify children who may have an unrecognized vision problem that could lead to the development of permanent visual loss, i.e. amblyopia, if not detected early. Treatment of amblyopia must be done during the sensitive period for visual development (the first eight years of life) in order to reverse the visual acuity deficit.

***Please make sure that your child is tested during their yearly physical examination, and that results of testing are listed on the health form submitted to the Health office.

ILLNESS & ABSENCE

Any child in school who is vomiting, has diarrhea, or a temperature more than 100ºF will be sent home. A general guideline for returning to school is 24 hours without fever and/or 24 hours on an antibiotic (for strep throat or conjunctivitis). In cases of vomiting, please make sure your child has not vomited for one 24 hour period and is able to eat solid food.

For cases involving communicable diseases (strep throat, Pertussis, flu, head lice, conjunctivitis, etc.), please notify the Nurse’s Office. All medical information is dealt with according to Massachusetts State Law regarding confidentiality.

“Unnecessary absence from school may have a bad effect on a student’s attitude, work, habits, and progress. Use your own good common sense and remember, “sick children belong at home—well children belong in school.” (taken from the Massachusetts Medical Society’s Attendance in Schools pamphlet).

PER HANDBOOK POLICY, ANY CHILD WITH AN ABSENCE GREATER THAN 3 DAYS REQUIRES A DOCTOR'S NOTE UPON RETURN TO SCHOOL.

MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOL

Medications should be administered at home whenever possible. A review of the requirements for administration of medication in school include:

1. Written, signed, and dated request from the child’s physician for all medication (prescription and/or over the counter)
2. Written request from the parent or guardian
3. Medication must be in a properly labeled container (when getting a prescription, ask the Pharmacist for an extra labeled bottle).

Students in Grades Pre-K through 5 are NOT permitted to carry medications in school, including inhalers. All medications will be kept in the Nurse’s Office on the First Floor. In the absence of the School Nurse, students must go to the Office to receive their medication. Middle school students only will be permitted to carry their inhalers, but must notify the Nurse, their teacher, or administrative staff when they need to use them so effectiveness may be monitored.

SCREENING PROGRAMS

Screening programs allow for the identification and early intervention of issues that may impact learning. Vision screening is conducted in Grades PreK-5 and 7. Hearing screening is conducted in Grades K-3 and 6. Referrals are sent home for any child not able to meet minimum standards, with a recommendation for follow up with a vision or hearing specialist. Screening is also done in the spring for scoliosis (spinal curvatures) in Grades 5-8. Forms are sent home to students in Grade 5 and all new students for parental permission.

CHRONIC OR LIFE THREATENING HEALTH ISSUES

A child with a life threatening medical condition will have an Individualized Care Plan to ensure that they receive appropriate and timely care, as well as to prevent emergencies or intervene should an emergency arise. This Plan, which is renewed/revised annually, is written in collaboration with the parent/guardian and gives specific instruction for the staff to follow. Emergency medications are located in the Nurse’s Office on the First Floor. Appropriate personnel have been instructed in the proper administration of all rescue medications.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Good hand washing is one of the best ways to keep from getting common infections. The proper way to wash hands and when to wash is taught during the school year. This valuable lesson should be frequently reinforced at home.