Nurse’s Desk
Absence
Parents must call in or email to the Nurse’s Office each day that the child is absent. We must account for every child, every day. Phone number is 856-983-0078. Email address for absences or tardiness is absent.tardy@stjoansk-8.org. In the event that you do not report the child absent, a Honeywell Alert will be sent.
Emergency Cards
Please complete the card, sign it, and return it promptly to school. Please try to use local people for your emergency numbers, as someone who is more than 20 minutes away may be reluctant to come for your child. If your home, emergency, and/or work number changes during the school year, please contact the school and update the Honeywell Alert System.
Immunizations
If your child has had any recent immunizations, please send a copy of the doctor’s certificate to the Nurse’s Office so that we may update your child’s health record.
Medication Policy
All medication to be taken during school hours must be left in the Health Office and dispensed by the nurse. All medications, including over-the-counter items such as Tylenol, Advil, allergy medicine and cough syrup, must have a note from both the doctor and the parent. No medication will be given without these notes. The medication must be in its original container or pharmacy-labeled container. Your pharmacy will provide you with a second labeled container if asked. Please do not send pills to school in envelopes or baggies.
Students must have a Medication Authorization Form on file for dispensing of any medication during school hours. Asthma Treatment Plans, Allergy or Seizure Action Plans require a medication authorization form.
Physical Exams
Any student entering a New Jersey school for the first time, i.e. Kindergarten and transfer students grades 1 -8, must submit a physical exam form to the nurse within 30 days of starting school. The exam must have been completed within the previous 365 days.
No other routine physical exams are required by the school, but it is important to your child’s health that he/she be examined at least once during the following stages of development: childhood (gr. K-2), pre-adolescence (gr. 3-5), and adolescence (gr. 6-8).
Sports Physicals: Any student wanting to participate in sports must submit an exam completed within the previous 365 days before the first practice after tryouts. All required forms can be downloaded from this website.
Annual Screenings
All students will have an annual growth survey, blood pressure, vision screening grades in grades K-8 and hearing screening in grades K- 4,6,and 8. Any deviations from normal will be reported to parents.
Scoliosis Screening
Scoliosis screening, required by law, is conducted for pupils in 5th and 7th grades. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine may curve. It is most commonly found during the period of rapid growth and may progress if not treated. The purpose of the screening is to recognize scoliosis in the early stage. Parents will be informed of any abnormalities and should consult the child’s physician. Permission forms will be sent home prior to the routine screening. If your child has already been diagnosed with scoliosis, please notify the nurse.
N.J. KidCare
The State of New Jersey has a health insurance program for children called FamilyCare. This is a comprehensive insurance for working families who cannot afford to purchase insurance or do not receive it from their jobs. A family does not have to be “poor” to qualify for this insurance, although there are income limits. Please contact your school nurse for information and an application if you are interested. You may also access information online at www.njfamilycare.org
Nurse’s Links
Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
Burlington County Health Department
www.co.bu rlington.nj.us/pages/viewdepartment.aspx?did=37
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder www.chadd.org
Asthma and Allergy
Lice www.headlice.org
American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
FORM ATTACHMENTS
Burlington County Health Regulations
Anaphylaxis/Allergy Action Plan