Notes from the Nurses
 Mrs. J. Mentnech, RN                       Mrs. D. Farragher, RN
Mackenzie Elementary                    Eldred High School

 The Health Offices would like to take this opportunity to share with you health policies that may affect your child during the school year.
 
Physicals
New York State requires that all new entries and students in K, 2nd, 4th, 7th and 10th grade be given a physical examination.  Additionally, sports physicals are required for any student wishing to participate in a sport.  Physicals are done by the School Physician during the regular school day and are arranged through the Health Offices.  Students who prefer to be examined by their own physician may obtain the appropriate forms from the School Nurse.
 
Medications
In accordance with NYS requirements, ANY medications, including prescription AND over-the- counter remedies (examples: alcohol, caladryl, cough drops, Tylenol, etc.) require a written order by a medical doctor in order for the nurse to administer it during school hours.  The medicine must be personally delivered to the school nurse by the parent or guardian in the original container along with the physician’s written order and parental permission.  Medication forms are available from both Health offices. 

New York State regulations prevent students from carrying most medications with them during school.  Exceptions are made for medications such as asthma inhalers as long as the proper paperwork is completed.  Self- administration forms are available in the Health Offices and must be completed by both the physician AND the parent/guardian.
 
Records
Please notify the Health Offices of any major illnesses, injuries and/or any immunizations which your child may incur so that his/her health record is kept updated.  If the illness or injury is such that it restricts physical education participation, a note from the physician is required.

Immunizations

Any new entry to the schools will need to show proof of immunizations.  Mandatory immunizations include hepatitis B Series (3), 2 MMR's, 3 or more DPT and OPV.  These records need to be signed by a Physician, Public Health Dep't.,Clinic, or school.
 
ATTENTION PARENTS of  CURRENT 5th& 6th GRADERS:
 
New York State Public Health law has been changed effective January 1, 2005. All students entering 6th grade for the 2005-2006 school year and born on or after 1/1/94 MUST BE IMMUNIZED FOR VARICELLA  (chicken pox)
*****************OR, provide:**********
 Written verification of Varicella (chickenpox) disease as documented by a health care provider. (Parental recall is NOT acceptable).
***************** OR*****************
Copy of a varicella titer (blood test) showing immunity.
******************OR****************
Written statement from the healthcare provider that for medical reasons, the child is exempt from this requirement.
 
This is mandatory for entrance into 6th grade beginning September 2005. 
 
If your child fits the above criteria, please contact your childs' physician to obtain the necessary paperwork and/or tests and immunizations, and have them sent to the Nurses' office  ASAP. Public Health Nursing runs immunization clinics twice monthly FREE OF CHARGE if you desire the immunization for your student.  Their # is 292-0100 X 1.
 
Head Lice Info
Lice lay eggs (called nits) in human hair close to the scalp.  Nits are the size of a grain of sand and are cemented onto the hair shaft.  Lice cause itching and are easily transmitted if children share hats, blankets, pillows, combs, etc.  (Please remind your children NOT to share these items with others.)  Lice DO NOT jump, they can only crawl.  The “nits” hatch in 7-10 days and can start laying their own eggs in about 10 days!  So it is easy to see how an infestation can occur over a short period of time.

 It is every parent's responsibility to frequently check their child's head and make sure their child has clean, nit-free hair.  The Eldred Central School District has a "no nits" policy.  Students with lice will not be able to attend school until they are free of lice and nits. 

The Health Offices wish to extend to you an invitation to call the School Nurse with any questions you may have throughout the school year.  You may reach the Mackenzie Elementary School Nurse at 856-2148 and the High School Nurse at 557-8616.
 
Thank you for your cooperation in these most important matters.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mrs. Farragher RN
Mrs. Roeder RN

 
Thank you!