Health Office

Below you will find information about:

Immunization Requirements
Injuries
Physicals
Flu Prevention
Medication in School
Mandated Health Screenings

Nurse Mardon, RN

(518) 283-4600 ext. 3

Important Health Forms

Immunization Requirements

The district follows immunization requirements established by the NYS Health Department, which are consistent with the most current childhood and adolescent immunization recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Please see your child’s physician for questions about immunizations.

All 6th-grade students must submit proof of two Varicella vaccines (or proof of disease) before starting 6th grade and one TDap vaccine when they turn 11 years of age.

All 7th-grade students must submit proof of Meningococcal vaccine before starting 7th grade.

Injuries

If your child is injured and unable to participate in physical education class, a note from a physician must be submitted to the Health Office. The note should indicate the reason, time restrictions, and limitations. A release note from a physician must be provided to the Health Office when your child is capable of resuming activity.

Physicals

New York State Law requires physicals for students before entering kindergarten, and in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7, as well as new students regardless of grade. Physicals are also required for all students new to the district. A student who does not have a completed physical when entering these grades will be scheduled for a school physical.

Many parents prefer to have their physician give the exam. A private physician provides the extra benefit of not only consulting with the parent on the child’s growth and development but can also provide the needed immunizations and follow-up care.

Physical exam reports completed by private physicians must be dated within one year before the start of the school year, and no later than 30 days after entering school.

Sports physicals must be reviewed and signed by the school physician before a student is cleared for sports. This will be done when the school doctor is scheduled to come in before each season. Physicals must be done by that time. The signing of these physicals will be handled through the Health Office.

School Attendance and Reporting Absence

A student’s absence or anticipated lateness must be reported to the Main Office by 8:30 a.m. by calling 518-283-4600. You may call anytime to leave a message. If we do not hear from you we will call you to ensure your child is safe and accounted for.

When your child returns to school, please send a note with the date and reason for your child’s absence.

Students Should Be Symptom-Free Before Returning to School

Children should be kept home until they are fever/vomiting/diarrhea free for 24 hours without medication. If your child needs medication in the morning to feel well enough to go to school they should stay home.

Flu Prevention

To help parents keep their children healthy during the flu season, a Guide for Parents about the flu is available here.

Medication in School

Students should not transport or carry medications with them in school. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications. A parent or guardian must bring in medication which will be kept secure in the Health Office. A doctor’s order and a parent’s written permission are required for medication administration in school.

Exceptions are made for inhalers and Epipiens. A doctor’s order and parent’s permission are required.

Student-Athletes

All students must be approved/cleared to play sports by the school medical director before tryouts. Paperwork for student-athletes must be handed in by the first day of tryouts/practices. Physicals must be dated within one year of that date and Health Histories are required within 30 days of the start of each sport season. New Health Histories are required for each sport.

Concussion Information

Any student-athlete who is believed to have sustained a concussion must be immediately removed from all athletic activities. They cannot participate in athletic activity until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours and have been evaluated by a licensed physician.

Mandated Health Screenings

The State of New York mandates that health-related screening be completed in our schools each year. The requirements are as follows:

- Vision Screening: All new students and students in kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.
- Hearing Screening: All new students and students in kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, and 7.
- Scoliosis: Girls only in grades 5 and 7.

If there are any unusual findings or cause for concern, the school nurse will contact you. If additional evaluation is needed, a referral form will be sent home for you to take to your private healthcare provider