Nurse's Corner
vaccination status. Therefore, NJDOH will discontinue its recommendation for a Test to Stay Program.
However, asymptomatic students and staff who were exposed to COVID-19 should continue to test and
wear a mask for 10 days. Based on available resources, schools/ECE should provide testing or
information on where to obtain equitable and convenient testing after an exposure.
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My child needs to take medication during the school day. Can the school nurse administer the medication? |
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If your child requires medication during the school day, the school nurse will administer the medication if the following requirements are met: |
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All medications will be kept in the school health office in a locked cabinet. |
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May my child carry his/his/her own medication? |
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Only students with self-administration orders on file are allowed to have medication in their possession. Self-administration of medication is granted to students only when the physician and parent/guardian have completed and returned a signed authorization form. |
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What happens to my child’s medications at the end of the school year? |
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All medications need to be picked up by an adult by the last day of school. School policy states that any medications left after that time will be destroyed. *Please note that at the beginning of each school year new medication forms need to be filled out by parents/physician and new medication will need to be provided. |
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What health office forms are required for my child to enter the school district? |
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If your child is entering the school district for the first time (regardless of what grade) or transferring from another school district, it is required that a Physical Examination Form be filled out prior to entering school. Please note that all immunization must be up-to-date as well. Once the Physical Examination Form is received, it is recommended (not mandated) that your child receive yearly physician examinations and the health office be provided with an updated form. |
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My child has been sick. How do I know if he/she can return to school? |
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If your child has any of the following symptoms, please consider his/his/her health and the health of other students in your decision to keep your child home from school. |
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What are some healthy habits for my child? |
Hands on. Adopting good hand-washing habits is the best way to avoid illness. Teach your child to rub his/her hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before eating and after using the restroom and playing outside.
Cover up. Teach your child to sneeze and cough into a tissue or the inside of his/her elbow to keep infectious droplets from spraying into the air and making other kids sick.
Home works. Most kids catch colds or flu from an under-the-weather classmate. Give your child the rest they need and his/her classmates a break by keeping them home when they don’t feel well.
Lighten up. Carrying a backpack shouldn't be a workout for your child. Pack the bag as lightly as possible, with heavier items in the center compartment. The load should never be more than 10% to 20% of his/her body weight.
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What is the best way to prevent my child from picking up an illness at school? |
It's important to teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after playing outside and using the restroom. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent illness. If parents enforce that at home, we'll reinforce it at school. Talk to your kids about covering their mouths with a tissue when they cough and sneeze. Also, the CDC recommends the flu vaccine for kids ages 6 months and older. www.webmd.com
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Do I have to notify the school nurse if my child has an injury, activity restrictions or going to have surgery? |
Yes. Please notify the nurse as soon as possible so special arrangements/accommodations can be made for these situations. Also, medical clearance may be needed from their physician prior to returning to school.
Please feel free to call the nurse with any questions.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Provides useful and up-to-date information for parents/guardians concerning physical, mental, and social health issues from infancy through young adulthood. An important resource for parents/guardians who may have questions about specific health, social, or developmental concerns.
Centers for Disease Control
Gives health and safety information for the purpose of achieving improvement in people's wellbeing. This site provides current information on almost any health and safety topic as well as publications and products.
MyPlate
USDA's new 2010 dietary and exercise guidelines for healthy living. Has fun tools for tracking dietary intake and exercise progress. MyPlate has replaced the MyPyramid program.
National Institutes of Health
A medical research agency whose purpose is to improve health and save lives. There are 27 institutes and centers which make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and provide helpful information and fact sheets concerning medical conditions and achieving optimal health.
Healthy People 2020
Provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for disease prevention and health promotion. Covers a wide range of health topics.
We Can!
A national program that offers information for families and communities to help children maintain a healthy weight through activity and good food choices.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan
RXList: The Internet Drug Index
Information about drugs. Search can be done by brand or generic names. Gives description, pharmacology information, reasons for use, and warnings about side effects and drug interactions.
American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the leading nonprofit organization for diabetes in the US. Provides information for parents/guardians, students, and healthcare professionals. A great resource for all your diabetic questions.
American Heart Association
A resource to learn about cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and prevention. Has a specific section on children's health.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Makes available information concerning allergies with special attention to food allergies. Also provides information about managing food allergies in childcare and school settings. Has separate teen and kid specific web sites.
Allergy and Asthma Network
This web site is designed to help people live with allergies and asthma. There are specific sections on coping with allergies and asthma in the home, childcare, and school settings. Provides useful information in regards to pets, play time, and shopping.