Medication Reminders:
In accordance with MA law, students needing any prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or supplemental vitamins or medicines in school must have a written medication order from their child's physician with the physician's signature. A written parental consent is also required. Medications must be brought in by a responsible adult in the original pharmacy container with the pharmacy label and can only be accepted by school nursing staff.
Physical Exams & Lead Levels:
Any new or transferring students, students in grades kindergarten, first, fourth, 7th, and tenth, as well as those students playing MIAA sports must provide an updated physical exam performed within the last 12 months to the school nurse as required by MA law. Students in preschool & kindergarten must also submit documentation of having had at least one lead test since birth upon entry to school.
Immunizations:
All students entering school must provide documentation of current immunizations or they will be excluded from school in accordance to MA state law. Those students with religious exemptions must provide a written letter annually of their religious exemption status. In the 2019-2020 school year, all 7th graders must have a Tdap vaccine prior to beginning 7th grade. Beginning in 2020-2021, all 7th graders must provide documentation of having been given the Tdap and meningococcal vaccines prior to beginning school. All 11th graders must provide documentation of receiving the meningococcal vaccine booster prior to beginning school. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A NEW CHANGE BY THE STATE. Any student without documentation of these required vaccines will be excluded from school until the documentation is provided to the school nurse.
Illness Policy:
Just a reminder that students need to stay home if they have had a fever, diarrhea, and/or vomiting within the past 24 hours or are unable to be an active participant in class. Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours prior to returning to school without the use of medicine such as Tylenol and Motrin. Any student diagnosed with strep throat or pink eye (conjunctivitis) must be on antibiotics for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
Illness Prevention:
Please encourage your child and family to wash their hands often, for at least twenty seconds with soap and water. Hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. We also encourage parents/caregivers to encourage their children and family to avoid touching their "T" zone: eyes, nose, and mouth and to cover their coughs with their elbows, not their hands. By working together, we can help keep our students, staff, and families healthy.
If you have any questions about the above topics, please contact your school nurse. Thank you!