Health Requirements

 IMMUNIZATIONS:

All students grade K-12 need to following immunizations:

*4 doses of tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)

*4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and six months after the previous dose)

*2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella

*3 doses of hepatitis B (properly spaced)

*2 doses of varicella (or evidence of immunity)

Additional requirements for grades 7 through 12:

*2 doses of meningococcal conjugate (MCV) vaccine-

*1^st administered at age 11-15; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12^th grade.

* If original dose was given at or after 16 years of age-only one dose is required.

*1 dose of tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis booster (Tdap) 

All immunization records must be up to date by the 5th day of the school year to avoid exclusion. 

EXAMS AND SCREENINGS:

Every child, of school age, living within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are mandated to receive the following health services… all results are accessible through Skyward. 

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Required upon original entry (kindergarten or first grade), 6th, and 11th grades. Examinations done by a family physician within one year prior to entry into the grade where an examination is required are acceptable by state regulations. Forms can be obtained through the health room or by downloading them from the website. The Private physical forms are to be returned in to the health suite by SEPTEMBER 15 of the required school year.

NOTE: When a physical examination is not completed by the family health care provider, a school doctor will complete an abbreviated examination. (Parent permission is noted on the yearly emergency form, which is completed at the beginning of each school year). The school nurse will notify the parent when the physical is scheduled. The parent is invited to be present during the examination. 

DENTAL EXAMINATION

Required upon original entry (kindergarten or first grade), 3rd, and 7th grades. Parents are advised to have these examinations done by their family dentist because he/she is familiar with the child's past dental history and is prepared to provide any necessary treatment. Examinations done by a family dentist within one year prior to entry into the grade where an examination is required are acceptable by state requirements. (Forms are available through the health room or by downloading them from the website. Private dental examination forms are to be returned to the health suite by SEPTEMBER 15 of the required school year

NOTE: When a dental examination is not completed by the student’s family dentist, a school dentist will complete an abbreviated examination. (Parent permission is noted on the yearly emergency form which is completed at the beginning of each school year). The school nurse will inform each parent when the examination is scheduled. The parent is invited to be present during the examination.

GROWTH SCREENING

All students will be weighed and measured yearly in accordance with the PA state mandates.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires school districts to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). This request is a result of the increased prevalence of overweight and underweight conditions in our population, especially our children. These conditions are associated with the development of chronic illnesses during adulthood including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers. See “What’s the Buzz...” (below) for more information and to find some tips on how to improve the BMI measurement.       

VISION SCREENING

All students in all grades have their near and far vision checked annually. First grade students will be also tested with the plus lens, color vision and for stereo depth perception.

HEARING SCREENING 

Grades kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 and all other children who are newly enrolled in the district or who have had a history of a hearing problem will have their hearing screening completed.

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING

The school law requires that a screening for scoliosis be performed on all students in grades 6 (during the physical exam) and 7. The purpose of the screening program is to detect possible curvature in the spine. If this condition is corrected early with appropriate treatment, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented. The screening test is very simple and can be performed in less than a minute. This will be completed during the student’s gym class.  

*REFFERAL FORMS*

If any potential issues are detected during these screenings/examinations offered by the school health program, a notice will be sent home recommending the parent or guardian, seek further evaluation and/or treatment. The referral form is to be completed by the specialist’s office and returned to the school nurse. We appreciate your assistance and support in helping us fulfill the state school health regulations. Please contact your child’s nurse directly, with any questions or concerns you may have.

 Please note that each immunization mandate is carried forward into subsequent years

        *To avoid exclusion, complete immunization records must be submitted, by the 5th day of the school year.