Health Services

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BELCHERTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOL

HEALTH SERVICES

School Nurses promote good health for all students and staff!

School Health Support Team Contacts

School/Title	Name	Phone Number
School Nurse Manager	Debra Keefe M.Ed., BSN, RN, NCSN	Office (413) 323-0471 ext.109 Cell# (413) 588-4498
Care Coordinator/ Attendance Nurse	Jennifer Chapman BSN, RN	Office (413) 323-0471 ext.119 Cell # (413) 658-7051
District Float Nurse	Amelie Avgoustakis M.Ed., BSN, RN	(413) 323-9419 ext. 5113
BHS Nurse	Stephanie Leger MSN, BSN, RN	(413) 323-9419 ext. 5113
JBMS Nurse	Diane McKelvey BSN, RN, NCSN	(413) 323-0433 ext. 4
CHCS Nurse	Debra Fitzpatrick BSN, RN, NCSN	(413) 323-0437 ext. 4
SRE Nurse	Diane Janas BSN, RN, NCSN	(413) 323-0474 or 0471 ext. 3
CSS Nurse	Alyssa Vah-Miller MSN, BSN, RN	(413) 323-0428 ext. 3

NURSING CARE: Nursing care is available for emergency first aid, managing acute and chronic health conditions and other medical needs. Please feel free to communicate with your child’s school nurse with any medical questions or concerns.

School Mandated Health Screenings

Growth & Development: Heights and Weights are measured and body mass index (BMI) is calculated on children in grades 1,4,7, and 10. The purpose of BMI screening in all Massachusetts Schools is to gather valuable data that can help the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) monitor trends in childhood obesity and identify possible systems-wide solutions. BMI results are submitted to MDPH only.
Vision Screening: Students entering Preschool and Kindergarten are required by Massachusetts General Law (MGL), Chapter 71 and Section 57, to have had a vision screening by a physician. Annually in Grades 1 through 5, once in Grades 6 through 8, and once in Grades 9 – 12.
Hearing Screening: Kindergarten through Grade 3 and once in Grades 6 through 8 and once in Grades 9 – 12.
Postural Screening: The State of Massachusetts mandates that all students in Grades 5 – 9 be screened for Scoliosis.
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment): Massachusetts Law (MGL Chapter 71, Section 97) requires verbal substance use health screenings in public schools. This Screening is done once in Grades 6 – 8 and once in Grade 9 – 12. The screening uses the CRAFFT + N Tool as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Substance Abuse. Student screening sessions will be brief and conducted confidentially in a private, one-on-one session. For more information: SBIRT in School

Physical Examinations: A Comprehensive Physical Examination is required for every new student entering the Belchertown Public School District. A Physical Exam by a child’s primary care provider is required prior to entry into Grades K, 4, 7, 10, and annually for all students who participate in Belchertown High School Interscholastic Sports. Physical Exam Form

Medications: Prescription medications will be administered with a healthcare provider written order and parental written consent. Please contact the School Nurse if your child requires medication administration during school hours. Narcotics will NOT be administered or allowed at school. Parents will be responsible to provide medication for after and out of school activities (field trips, etc.). Medication must be brought to school by a parent/guardian.

Returning to school after a hospitalization: Please contact your school nurse or school counselor to schedule a re-entry plan back into school. This is to help your child acclimate back into the school environment with appropriate support.

Fractures, Sprains, Casts, or Sutures: Due to safety concerns, any child who has a fracture, splint/cast, sutures, glue, or steri-strips will be medically exempt from recess, physical education, and athletics, unless a note from your child’s Health Care Provider (HCP) states otherwise. A clearance note is required from your child’s HCP to resume normal activities with or without restrictions.

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