BELCHERTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HEALTH SERVICES

  The School nurse provides support and care for all children to ensure access to educational programs.

      A school nurse is assigned to each school during school hours. Nursing care is available for emergency first aid, managing acute and chronic health conditions and other medical needs. Please reach out to your child’s school nurse with any questions or concerns regarding  your child’s health and wellness

School Nurse Contacts:

 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 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.

ATTENDANCE : What Caregivers need to know about School Attendance!

Please call your child’s school absentee number any time, day or night, prior to your child being tardy or absent. Your child will need a note from their health care provider when returning to school following an absence, due to illness, for 5 or more consecutive school days.

WHEN IS SICK TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL?

Stomachache, Vomiting, Diarrhea:  A child with vomiting or diarrhea should be kept home until the child has been symptom free for at least 24 hours and is able to keep down food and fluids. Consult your child’s healthcare provider if your child has poor oral intake, appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, and/or urinates less than 4 times in 24 hours), and/or has a fever and/or pain that persists.

Earache: A child who complains of an earache should be seen by their healthcare provider for further Assessment of ear pain.

Cold, Sore Throat, Cough: Children have cold signs and symptoms throughout the year. If cold and cough symptoms are associated with a fever or they do not improve, please contact your child’s healthcare provider.

Red Eyes: If the white part (Sclera) of your child’s eye is red/pink with yellow or green discharge please call their healthcare provider. Your child may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), a common, but contagious infection of the eyes.

Rash: A child with a rash of unknown origin will be excluded from school until seen by their healthcare provider. The child may return to school with a note from their healthcare provider stating that the child’s rash is not contagious.

RESOURCES:

• • Anxiety and Missing School PDF
  • School Health Resources for Parents | Mass.gov
  • About CDC Healthy Schools
  • Play outdoors safely!