The functions of the school health service are to make sure each child is physically and emotionally ready to receive the benefits of education, to protect against the spread of contagious disease, to care for medical emergencies that may arise, and to consult with school administrators and teachers on health matters.
We need the cooperation of the parents to carry out these functions.
Immunizations | Physical Exams | Medications in School | Health Screening | Allergies and your Child’s Safety | BMI Report Opt Out Form
Immunizations
Children attending day care and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school. This is true unless they have a valid medical exemption to immunization. This includes all public, private, and religious schools. A medical exemption is allowed when a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine.
- View the 2023-24 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance on the New York State Department of Health website.
- For additional information about school vaccine requirements in New York State, view school vaccine requirements on the NY State Education Department website.
- Download a Medical Exemption Statement for Children –18 Years of Age form from the New York State Department of Health website.
There are no nonmedical exemptions to school vaccine requirements in New York State. View more information about this on the New York State Department of Health webpage “Frequently Asked Questions About Legislation Removing Non-Medical Exemptions from School Vaccination Requirements“
Physical Exams
Required Physical Exam Form
A required New York State Physical Exam form must be completed for all students.
Access the Required NYS School Health Examination Form.
Sports participation
All students participating in school sports must have a yearly physical. In addition to the yearly physical, a Pre-Participation/Interval Sports Health History Form must also be completed and signed by a parent/guardian within 30 days of the start of each sports season.
Learn more about sports health requirements on the Family ID: Sports Registration page.
Working Papers
A yearly physical is required for working papers.
Dental Health Certificate
New York State Law (chapter 281) asks schools to request proof of a dental examination in the following grades: school entry, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th. Please work with your child’s dentist to complete the Dental Health Certificate below and return it to the School Nurse.
Download the Dental Health Certificate.
Medications in School
Parent and Prescriber’s Authorization for Administration of Medication in School
School Health Personnel are frequently asked to dispense medication in school. Every effort should be made to administer medications outside of the school setting. However this is not always realistic or desirable. Only those medications which are necessary to maintain the student in school and which must be given during school hours should be administered. New York State Law, The Nurse Practice Act and State Education Law must be followed.
When your child requires medication during the school day, a written physician’s order (including diagnosis), as well as written parent permission is necessary.
The following forms must be completed in order for the school to administer any medication to a student. The forms must also be completed for any self administered medication.
- 6305.1 PROVIDER AND PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION AT SCHOOL/SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS
- 6305.2 PROVIDER ATTESTATION AND PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR INDEPENDENT MEDICATION CARRY AND USE
- 6305.3 PARENT/GUARDIAN AUTHORIZATION OF ANOTHER ADULT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Medications must be delivered by an adult at the elementary level. This includes prescription band over-the-counter medications.
All medical treatments necessary in school, including crutches, require written medical authorization.
IMPORTANT:
In grades K – 6 no child is allowed to carry medications to school. An adult must deliver medications to the school nurse. *If there is a need for an exception, they will be decided on an individual basis.
The school nurse is unable to administer medications without ALL of the above. We have medication administration forms available if you need one. Please do not send your child in with a pill in a baggie! The nurse is unable to accept them.
Over the counter medications must be in original container/package with the student’s name affixed to the container. The same applies to drug samples.
Please be sure to read the complete school policies available on BoardDocs®.
Please contact your school nurse for more information or if you have questions.
Health Screening
Chapter 53 of the Education Law – 1980 required local school districts to screen all new entrants including Kindergarten.
Screening is a preliminary method of distinguishing from the general population those pupils who may possibly have a handicapping condition or those who may be gifted. Screening should not be viewed as an in-depth method of assessing development. It is a quick method of determining overall performance and should indicate whether or not a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. Based upon the results of screening, students who are in need of further evaluation will be referred to appropriate school and medical personnel.
New Hartford’s screening program will include:
- A health examination by a licensed physician, or evidence of such, in the form of a health certificate.
- Certificates of immunization or referral for immunizations.
- Request for a Dental Health Certificate for school entry (Grades K, 1,3,5,7,9, and 11).
- Articulation skills and receptive and expressive language development.
- Cognitive development (learning strengths and weaknesses).
- Motor development.
Screening will be conducted under the following schedule: - Kindergarten – May/June
- New entrants – August/September
- New entrants after September 1st – Individually as needed
When the screening has been completed you will receive a copy of the Screening Profile, which will contain the results of the testing. All data pertaining to your child will be treated in a confidential manner.
The school nurse also completes mandated screenings as required by NYS guidelines, such as vision, hearing and scoliosis.
Your assistance and cooperation in supplying information and completing necessary forms will be appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.
Allergies and Your Child’s Safety
If your child has a known hypersensitivity or allergy to substances such as food or insects, it is imperative that you alert your school nurse before the first days of school.
In severe reactions, children may develop hives, itching, and swelling, which can lead immediately to difficulty in breathing. Prompt recognition and treatment could save your child’s life.
Parents should bring the child’s prescribed medication to the school nurse with a written order from your health care provider. The nurse will coordinate with parents to develop an emergency care plan specifically for your child.
It is important to note that we are unable to “stock” medications. Our goal is to provide safe and immediate treatment for your child should the need arise. Communication of these needs is the first step!
Read more about Medications in School.
BMI Report Opt Out Form
As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low.
Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. Our school has been selected to be part of the survey this year and we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups.
Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.
The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.
If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please complete a BMI Report Opt Out Form and return it to your child’s school nurse.
Departments & Services Links
contACT health SERVICES
Hollice Paciello, BSN, RN
District Head Nurse
Phone: (315) 624-1235
Fax: (315) 624-1251
Nicole Getz, Bradley Elementary Nurse
Phone: (315) 624-1232
Cathy Clark, Hughes Elementary Nurse
Phone: (315) 738-9357
Jessica Wellington, Myles Elementary Nurse
Phone: (315) 738-9606
Marie Perrotta, Perry Jr. High Nurse
Phone: (315) 738-9317
Hollice Paciello, BSN, RN, High School Nurse
Phone: (315) 624-1235