Health Office FAQs: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- What should parents do when they decide that their child must stay home?
- What happens when a student is late to school?
- What do I do when my child needs to take medication in school?
- Can I send cough drops or throat lozenges with my child to school?
- If my child has been sick, when can they return to school?
What should parents do when they decide that their child must stay home?
When a parent/guardian decides that a student should be kept at
home, the
parent/guardian must call the school by 8:30 AM on the day of the
absence or
earlier by leaving a message on the school's answering machine
(201-843-3120,
ext 118). If no notice is received, the school will attempt to
contact the
parent, at work or home, to determine the reason for the
student's absence.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the
school of a
student's absence. If the school does not hear from the parent
or is unable
to contact the parent, the police will be sent to the home to
ascertain the
child's whereabouts.
Upon returning to school, a student MUST bring a note explaining
the absence
(even when the parents have called in). Student absence for
family vacations
is not a legally permitted absence.
Parents are requested to schedule doctor and dentist appointments
after
school. If it is necessary for a student to be dismissed for an
appointment,
a note should be sent to the homeroom teacher stating the reason
and time of
dismissal. The student must be signed out of school in the
health office.
What happens when a student is late to school?
Students who arrive at school after 8:25 A.M. are "late". Tardy
students MUST report directly to the HEALTH OFFICE to receive a
late pass before going to their class. Teachers do their
attendance right after the bell rings, and may not make the
change from "absent" to "late" if the student enters the
classroom without a late pass, after the attendance has been
taken.
What do I do when my child needs to take medication in school?
When it is necessary to administer medication (prescription or
over the
counter), in school the following policy
is to be followed:
1. A parent/guardian must provide a written request for the
administration
of the prescribed medication (the form may be obtained in the
health office
or you can download it from this site by clicking on "health
forms").
2. Written orders from the prescribing physician, detailing
diagnosis, name
of medication, dosage, time and route of administration must be
presented
(form may be obtained in health office).
3. Medication must be brought to school in the original
container with the
child's name on it. Medication WILL NOT be administerred without
the above
three requirements. The certified school nurse or
parent/guardian is the
only person permitted to give medication in school and/or on
school trips.
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Can I send cough drops or throat lozenges with my child to school?
No, cough drops and throat lozenges are considered medication and
students
are not allowed to carry medication on their person while in
school. The only
exception to this are those students who require an inhaler or
epipen, and
have permission from their doctor/parent to carry these. However,
in
consultation with the school physician, Dr. Keshishian, the nurse
can provide
cough drops and throat lozenges to students in grades 4 through 8
only, after
receiving verbal or written permission from the student's parent.
There is a
check off area on the Health Office emergency card to give
permission.
If my child has been sick, when can they return to school?
A student must be free from fever (without the help of
medications) for 24
hours before coming back to school. In addition, if your child
has been home
because of a stomach virus, they must be without vomiting or
diarrhea for 24
hours before returning to school. Also, if your child was
diagnosed with a
contagious illness (such as strep throat or pink eye), they must
be on
antibiotics for 24 hours before coming back to school. If your
doctor states
it is OK to return before 24 hours, then a note from the doctor
is required
stating that the student is allowed to return to school. This
note must be
brought to the nurse's office before your child goes to his/her
classroom.