When to Keep a Child Home with Illness

It can be hard to know when to send children to school if they tell you that they do not feel well. Usually, the best place for them is in school, but there are some times when you need to keep your child home from school.

• Read our guidelines on illness symptoms and staying home.

Attendance Reminder

When a child is absent, please call the main office (315) 826-7900 (Ext. 3 for Middle/High School).

Parents/guardians must submit an excuse note to the Attendance Office on the day the child returns to school.

• Download and print a Written Excuse for Absence, Tardiness, Early Dismissal.

Health & Physical Requirements

Physicals are required by New York State for all NEW students and students in Pre-K, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th and yearly for any student participating in a sport.

All Pre-K and kindergarten students need to have a change of clothes, brought in to keep in their cubbies, including socks and shoes.

All students entering grades 7 and 12 must have the meningococcal vaccine prior to the first day of school.

• View the required NYS School Health Examination Form.
  This form is to be completed by private healthcare provider or school medical director.
• View the Dental Health Certificate.
  Parents/guardians complete Section 1 and then take the form to the child’s dentist/dental hygienist for an assessment. Request the dentist/dental hygienist to fill out Section 2 and then return the completed form to the school nurse as soon as possible.

Medications in School

With a healthcare provider’s order and written parental consent, schools may administer medication to students. An adult must deliver the medication in its original packaging to the school, with specific exceptions for middle and high school students who require inhalers.

• Provider and Parent/Guardian Permission to Administer Medication at School/School Sponsored Events
• Provider Attestation and Parent/Guardian Permission for Independent Medication Carry and Use

Allergy and Anaphylaxis

The Individual Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan is a required document for children with known allergies that provides child care programs with detailed instructions from parents and healthcare providers on identifying allergens, implementing prevention strategies, and executing emergency medical steps during a reaction.

• Download an Individual Allergy And Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan.

In-School Health Screenings

The District’s Health Services program supports student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way that we provide care for students is by performing health screenings mandated by New York state.

During the school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school. A letter will be sent home if there are any findings that would cause concern or need medical follow-up. Please call your child’s school health office if you have any questions or concerns.

Vision

• Distance and near acuity for all newly entering students and students in kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.
• Color perception screening for all newly entering students.

Hearing

• Hearing screening for all newly entering students and students in kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.

Scoliosis

• Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all girls in grades 5 and 7 and boys in grade 9.

Immunizations Information

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) offers guidelines and information about state required immunizations.

• View school vaccination requirements on the NYS Department of Health website.
• View required immunizations information on the State Education Department website.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Information

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 in in a healthy range or is too high or too low. New York State Education Law requires that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. Our school is part of the survey conducted by the New York State Department of Health biennially (i.e., every 2 years). 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 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, complete the Body Mass Index (BMI) Survey Opt-Out Form and return it to the school nurse.

• Download the Body Mass Index (BMI) Survey Opt-Out Form.