Woodbridge School District

Our Head School Nurse is: Stacey Katz
The telephone number is: 389-2195 “Press 2.”

Laws governing school health are rigid and complex. The Woodbridge School District must make annual reports to the State of Connecticut.

No child will be admitted to school without a complete health assessment and immunization record.

1. documented proof of adequate immunizations
2. hemoglobin or hematocrit results
3. height, weight, and blood pressure
4. vision, hearing, dental, and speech screening
5. chronic disease assessment
6. postural screening: Gr 5 and older

   Immunizations must include the following:

   1. diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (four doses of DPT required, at least one dose on or after the fourth birthday)
   2. polio (at least three doses required, one dose on or after the fourth birthday)
   3. measles, mumps, and rubella (one dose required, on or after the first birthday;
   4. two doses required for entrance into kindergarten)
   5. hemophilus influenza type B (HIB) (required of all children who enter prior to their fifth birthday)
   6. proof of Variciella or the Varicella vaccine for entrance into kindergarten

   Any child who presents a certificate from a physician or local health agency stating that such immunizations are medically contraindicated because of the physical condition of such child; or a statement from parents or a guardian of such child that such immunization would be contrary to religious beliefs; or in the case of measles, mumps, or rubella, presents a certificate from a physician or local health agency stating that the child has had a confirmed case of the disease; or in the case of pertussis, has passed his sixth birthday, shall be exempt from the appropriate provisions of this section.

   Birth certificates required
   At registration, your child’s original birth certificate is also required.

   Report communicable diseases
   Communicable diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, pneumonia, strep throat, lice, scabies, ringworm, shingles, and chicken pox must be diagnosed by a doctor and reported to the school nurse.

   Strep Throat

   Strep throat should be treated for at least 24 hours before a child returns to school.

   Chicken Pox

   A child may return to school only when the last eruption has dried and crusted.

   Rashes

   A child who has a rash such as impetigo, scabies, shingles, or ringworm will be excluded from school until the condition is diagnosed by a private physician and treated, if necessary. Proof of treatment must accompany the student upon return to school.

   Head Lice

   Children’s hair should be checked at home at least once a week. If there is any question regarding inspection or procedure, the school nurse will gladly assist. Once infested, a child will be required to remain out of school until treatment has been  initiated.

   Absences due to Illness

   The school nurse should be aware of any absences for reasons such as an operation or communicable disease. An operation may require program modification for your child. When told of a communicable disease, the school will advise other parents of their child’s exposure to the disease as appropriate.

   Elevated Temperature

   A child with a temperature of 101.0 degrees or higher must be kept at home until the temperature is normal for 24 hours.

   Vomiting and Diarrhea

   Please keep your children home if they vomited or have diarrhea in the morning. Any child who is not feeling well in the morning should remain at home. This will lead to faster recovery and prevent exposure of the child’s illness to others. We suggest that children not be left home alone when ill. If a child becomes ill or injured at school, we will try to reach the parent at home or at work. We cannot provide care for ill children in school for an extended period of time. If a parent or guardian cannot come to school to pick up a child, alternate arrangements must be made for a friend, relative, or neighbor to pick up your child.

   Medication in school is strictly controlled by law.

   Pursuant to Board Policy 5141.21, medication will be administered during school hours only under the following conditions:

   • An authorization form is completed and signed by a physician and parent. This includes over-the-counter drugs (cough medicine, Tylenol, antacid, etc.); State of Connecticut authorization forms are available from the school nurse.
     Medication must be brought to school in the original bottle or container, properly labeled with the name of the student, name of the physician, date, original prescription, and directions for correct dosage.
   • All medication must be brought to the nurse’s office by an adult; do not send medication to school with your child.
   • No medication will be stored in school beyond one week of termination of the physician’s order; it must be picked up by an adult.
   • Long-term medication authorization forms must be renewed in late August each year; all medications must be removed from school in June, or they will be destroyed.

   Allergies

   It is important that the school nurse and staff be alerted to allergies, such as bee stings, insect bites, or any severe reaction to foods, medication, or environmental substances. If indicated by a physician, emergency medication should be authorized and stored in the nurse’s office at school to be administered when needed.

   Sharing Health Information

   If there is any problem or unusual occurrence at home that might affect your child’s optimal learning, such as the illness or death of a family member, friend, or household pet, or if there are changes within the family, please feel free to share the information with the nurse, as well as the classroom teacher and/or administration.

   Notify the Health Office

   During the summer months, a child may have been stricken with a serious illness or communicable disease, sustained a fracture or injury, had an operation or procedures such as tubes in ears, have seen the doctor and received a new prescription for glasses or new lenses, or have received an immunization booster. In such cases, the nurse should be informed so that medical information may be updated and staff informed when indicated.

   Vision and Hearing Screening

   Vision and hearing screenings are done annually in accordance with state guidelines.

   Policies and Notifications

   Health and Wellness
   (Pursuant to Board Policy #6142.101)

   The Board of Education recognizes the importance of the school’s role in promoting good nutrition, physical fitness, and a healthful school environment. The Board authorized the administration to develop integrated nutrition and physical activity programs to provide students and staff with the skills and support to adopt healthful lifestyles.

   Suicide
   (Pursuant to Board Policy #5141.5)

   The Board of Education recognizes that suicide is a complex issue and a concern for the school system and the community it serves. This district wishes to take a proactive stance in preventing the problem of youth suicide. It is the Board’s policy to actively respond to any situation where a student verbally or behaviorally indicates intent to attempt suicide or to do physical harm to himself/herself.

   Child Abuse
   (Pursuant to Board Policy #5141.4a)

   All professional staff, including but not limited to paraprofessionals, is obligated by law to report suspected child abuse, neglect, and/or if a child is placed in imminent danger of serious harm to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect. Child abuse is defined as any physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means or injuries which are not in keeping with the explanation for their cause. Improper treatment such as malnutrition, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional abuse, and cruel punishment are considered abuse. Neglect means that a child has been abandoned or is being denied proper care and attention, physically, educationally, emotionally or morally or is being permitted to live under conditions, circumstances, or associations injurious to their wellbeing.
   Board of Education Policy #5141.4a

   Psychotropic Drug Use
   (Pursuant to Board Policy #5141.22)

   School personnel are prohibited from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. School nurses, nurse practitioners, district medical advisors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors may recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner.

   AIDS
   (Pursuant to Board Policy #5141.4)

   The Board of Education is aware of the unique educational and health problems associated with the conditions of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Board recognizes its responsibility to provide every child an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. At the same time, the Board must assure that a safe learning and working environment be provided for its students and employees.

   Asbestos Hazard Response

   As required by statute, an annual announcement regarding the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the Beecher Road School is required. The Beecher Road School has a Management Plan governing the safe control and maintenance of asbestoscontaining materials identified in the building. The Plan is available and accessible at the Superintendent’s Office at 40 Beecher Road South in Woodbridge. Regular inspections of identified materials by school staff are conducted to ensure that maintenance requirements are met.

   An Asbestos Abatement Plan was revised and implemented as part of the construction and renovation project at Beecher Road School completed in 1997. A triennial inspection by an outside State-approved vendor was conducted in December 2003. lease direct any questions you may have to the superintendent’s office at 387-6631.

   Pesticide Notification

   As required by Public Act 99-165, an annual announcement regarding the use of pesticides in Beecher Road School is required. This act prohibits the use of pesticides during school hours and activities, except in emergencies. Beecher Road School has an “Integrated Pest Management Plan” governing the safe control and use of pesticide applications in the building and/or school grounds. This Plan is available and accessible at the Superintendent’s Office at 40 Beecher Road South in Woodbridge. Regular inspections by school staff are conducted to ensure that all pertinent requirements are met. Parents or guardians of children at Beecher Road School may register for notification prior to any pesticide application by contacting the principal’s office for the appropriate grade level(s). A record of any application of pesticide at Beecher

   Road School shall be maintained and available for review starting July 1, 2000.