Sick/Absent FAQ: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What health concerns should I bring to the nurse's attention?
- What should I do if my child is absent?
- What do I need to do if my child goes to the Doctor?
- How do I know if my child's immunizations are up-to-date?
- Why does my child have to finish all his medicine if he feels better?
- Can I send medicine such as Tylenol or Advil to school with my child?
- My child had a fever but now feels OK. When can she return to school?
- My child's friend was sent home ill today but not my child. Why?
- My child has been absent a lot this year. What is the attendance policy?
What health concerns should I bring to the nurse's attention?
BE SURE TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL NURSE IF YOUR CHILD:
* HAS ANY KNOWN MEDICAL PROBLEMS. EX. ASTHMA, SEIZURES, ALLERGIES, HEART
DISEASE, ETC.
* IS TAKING CONTINUOUS, DAILY MEDICATION AT HOME.
* WEARS GLASSES, CONTACT LENSES, HEARING AIDS OR OTHER SPECIALIZED MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT.
* HAS, OR HAS COME IN CONTACT WITH, ANY SERIOUS COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
* ANY TIME YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH
What should I do if my child is absent?
You should always notify the main office (201-422-6140) on each day that your
child will be absent.
What do I need to do if my child goes to the Doctor?
* ALWAYS HAVE THE DR. GIVE YOU A NOTE TO BRING TO SCHOOL AFTER YOUR CHILD HAS
BEEN TO HIS/HER OFFICE -- STATING THE REASON AND OUTCOME OF THE VISIT.
* A DR.'S ORDER WILL BE NEEDED TO EXCUSE A CHILD FROM GYM OR RECESS AND A
DR.'S NOTE IS NEEDED FOR YOUR CHILD TO RETURN TO THESE ACTIVITIES.
* A DR.'S NOTE IS NEEDED FOR EACH MEDICINE WHICH WILL BE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN
DURING SCHOOL HOURS. (SEE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
* IF IMMUNIZATIONS WERE GIVEN, PLEASE SEND THE IMMUNIZATION RECORD OR HAVE
THE DR. WRITE A NOTE SO THAT THE IMMUNIZATIONS MAY BE RECORDED ON THE SCHOOL
RECORDS.
How do I know if my child's immunizations are up-to-date?
* Be sure to maintain yearly check-ups for your child. Call or ask your Dr.
Many times there is a suggested immunization schedule on your child's health
records.
Why does my child have to finish all his medicine if he feels better?
Not finishing all of your prescribed medication is a problem. Sometimes when a
child (or adult) feels better they stop taking their meds. They feel good
because the medicine has destroyed many of the "germs" that were making them
sick. However the strongest "germs" may have survived -- in numbers that
aren't strong enough to make you feel sick. However, they again start to
multiply until you are sick once again. You may think you were reinfected when
in reality you never got rid of it. Over time, this is how medication
resistance can occur.
Can I send medicine such as Tylenol or Advil to school with my child?
Please be informed of the state law for medications in school:
Children are sometimes sent to school with medication such as Tylenol, cough
syrup, aspirin, etc. These medications CAN NOT be dispensed by the school
nurse -- unless they are prescribed by a physician and follow the medication
policy guide. For a school nurse to otherwise administer medication is
illegal and can result in loss of license.
MEDICATION POLICY
1. The school shall NOT provide students with any medication, including
aspirin or Tylenol.
2. Pupils requiring medication at school must have a written statement from
the family physician, which identifies the type, dosage, time, and purpose of
the medication. A permission note to the nurse from the parent is also required.
3. All medication should be supplied by the parent in the original ,
labeled,container. The container must read the child's name, name of the
drug, amount, dosage, time to be given, and the physician's name. It is to be
kept in the health office and administered by the school nurse.
Please be advised that the basis for these rules is the safety of your children.
Please schedule non-prescription medications during hours when the child will
be at home. ( or, You may come in to school to administer the medication
yourself)
Physician's orders for school must be renewed for each school year.
My child had a fever but now feels OK. When can she return to school?
Children should be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school. By
keeping ill children home we protect others from the spread of germs.
My child's friend was sent home ill today but not my child. Why?
Children are sent home for any number of reasons. A "rule of thumb" is: they
will be sent home if they have a temperature over 100 degrees, if they are
vomiting, for an undetermined rash that could possibly be contagious, for a
case of suspected conjunctivitis (pink-eye) that is not connected with a
recent cold or allergy, an injury that needs a Dr.'s attention or rest at home.
Please realize that all children who come to the nurse are NOT sent home for
every ailment. (Nor would you want them to be!) I may send home a note
informing you of any incident of concern or your child may simply inform you
of any minor incidents.
My child has been absent a lot this year. What is the attendance policy?
Weehawken Student Attendance Policy (Grades 3 Through 6)
POLICY
WHEREAS, the requirements for graduation have been updated pursuant to
N.J.A.C.6:8-4 in consultation with the teaching staff members, under the
direction of the chief school administrator; and,
WHEREAS, the Weehawken Board of Education shall establish student attendance
requirements pursuant to N.J.A.C.6: 8-4.2 (d) 2 to effectively deal with
chronic absentees and truants; therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of
Schools to establish attendance regulations in order for students in grades
three through six to receive credit in each of their educational programs.
REGULATIONS
The following regulations shall apply to any student in grades three through
six:
1. Any student accumulating twenty (20) absences or more, or 11% of their
possible days attendance from the date of enrollment at any time during the
school year, shall not receive credit for their educational program for the
school year.
2. Any student receiving a failing grade due to absences may file an appeal
with the middle school principal.
3. A. The middle school principal shall forward the appeal to the nurse, who
shall serve as chairperson of the Appeal Panel. She shall be responsible for
setting a hearing date and notifying all panel members and the student filing
the appeal, of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
B. Members of the Appeal Panel shall consist of the school nurse, one
teacher, one parent and the Attendance Officer.
C. The student or parent requesting the appeal shall submit a written
explanation and documentation by a physician if it concerns a medical reason
to the middle school principal one week prior to the hearing, and the
principal shall forward copies to the Appeal Panel.
1) A form may be obtained from school nurse for the physician to complete
and submit stating medical reasons.
2) If medical reasons do not exist, a written explanation by the parent
shall be required.
3) Students or parents are required to submit appeal letters no later than
three weeks before the end of the year.
4) The Appeal Panel having heard the matter shall make a determination and
submit their recommendation to the middle school Principal, who shall render
the final decision.
Note: Parent will receive periodic notification of the child's excessive
absenteeism. When absent 10 days a formal notification will be sent to the
parent and a conference may be scheduled.
