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Control of Communicable Diseases/Immunizations
There are many current communicable diseases or conditions for which children must be excluded from school. The school should be notified if children develop any of these diseases or conditions, including:
• Chicken Pox
• Impetigo Contagiosa
• Lice (Pediculosis) Exclusion lasts until the last child is free from all nits
• Pink Eye (Contagious Conjunctivitis)
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Scarlet Fever
• Strep Throat (Streptococcal infections)
Re-admission of any child to school following such an illness will be determined by the child being symptom-free as well as the possible observance of the exclusion period. The school nurse should be consulted if there are any questions or concerns regarding re-admission to school.
Immunizations
Every student attending school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be immunized against the following diseases:
Compulsory:
All Grades:
• Four doses of diptheria/tetanus vaccine (one dose on or after the fourth birthday); three doses if series started after 7 years of age.
• Four doses of diptheria (one dose on or after the fourth birthday); three doses if series started after 7 years of age.
• Three doses of polio vaccine
• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine
• Two doses of measles and mumps
• One dose of rubella vaccine
• Two doses of varicella (Chicken Pox) or written statement from physician/designee indicating the month and year of the disease or serologic proof of immunity.
Grades 7 – 12:
1. One dose of tetanus/diptheria/pertussis (Tdap)
2. One dose of meningitis vaccine (MCV4)
3. If your child has had the measles or rubella disease, and not the vaccine, the results of a blood test (serology providing immunity) must be presented to the school. If your child has had the mumps disease, and not the vaccine, a written statement from your physician verifying the diagnosis must be submitted. State law requires that proof of immunization, serology results, or doctor’s verification must be provided before any child can be admitted to school.
Drugs & Alcohol
A student who, while under the school’s jurisdiction, is found to possess, use or abuse alcohol, narcotics, other drugs, health-endangering compounds, or drug paraphernalia shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action. Paraphernalia includes: syringes, needles, roach clips, pipes, and look-a-like substances. Parents will be notified immediately; the school will also notify the local police department. An informal hearing before the principal and superintendent will determine what action will be taken.
Medications
Parents are encouraged to adjust medications so that they do not interfere with class time. If necessary, parents are asked to contact the building principal or nurse about their child’s medication. Students are not to be given medication to take in school without the knowledge of either the school nurse or the building principal.
The noted procedure will be followed when it becomes necessary for school personnel to administer medication to a student during the school day:
• Only those medications prescribed by a doctor will be given.
• A statement signed by a physician with instructions must be presented by the student.
• The instructions must indicate:
1. the name of the medication to be taken
2. the dosage of the medication
3. the time for the medication to be given
4. any possible side effects or special instructions
Written parental consent must accompany the physician’s statement. Only daily dosages in the original prescription container will be accepted. The school will not be responsible for more than a day’s supply of medication, unless special circumstances exist. The medication will be locked in the nurse’s or principal’s office. The medication must be labeled as indicated above. The student must take the medication in the presence of the school nurse, building principal, or other designated school personnel.
Sickness & Injuries
Students should not be sent to school if they are obviously sick. First aid is available to those students who become ill or injured while in school. These students should report immediately to the teacher in charge.
When a student becomes ill at school, it is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation from school to home. Working parents are not excluded from this duty and should make arrangements for a neighbor or relative to be available in emergencies. These names and phone numbers should be listed on the student’s Emergency Care Sheet.
Emergency Care Sheets are completed by parents annually. The forms enable the school nurse to see that children receive the best care possible. It is extremely important that these forms be updated in the school office. Phone numbers should be updated as soon as possible after a change has been made. Parents are asked to select individuals who would cooperate and be willing to care for their children when ill and who will come to school to pick up their children when ill.
When the Principal, nurse, or designee believes that a situation demands urgent emergency care, an ambulance will be called. Parents and guardians will be notified as soon as possible about the emergency.
Please be advised that:
• Parents who do not have telephone service to their home are asked to provide some method by which the school may contact them in the case of an emergency.
• Under no circumstances is a student to go home because of illness or injury unless he has been excused by the nurse or the principal.
• Home-incurred accidents are not the responsibility of the school. Medical help in these situations cannot be administered.
Schools cannot provide aspirin, cough drops, or other types of over-the-counter medications. Parents will have to follow the described process for medication if they want these drugs administered.