Health Services

Reasons for dismissal and exclusion include:

1. Temperature of 100 degrees or higher
2. Cough with fever
3. Suspected infection of eye, ears, nose, throat, skin, scalp (unless under physician’s care for 24 hours)
4. Severe headache or abdominal pain
5. Suspected communicable disease and/or rash of unknown origin
6. Suspected fracture or any severe or disabling injury
7. Questionable need for sutures
8. Vomiting or diarrhea
9. Head injury requiring a physician evaluation
10. Mental health crisis
11. Immunization delinquencies without exemption documentation

In order to provide the healthiest school environment possible, please do not send your child to school when symptoms of illness are present. Children must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. According to school policy, if a child is being treated for a contagious illness or condition such as strep throat or impetigo, they must complete a full 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school.

The students will be spending more time outside for play and learning, so it is important to keep an eye out.  Ticks can carry Lyme disease in addition to many other illnesses.  If you or your child(ren) are playing outside, it is important to wear insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. When you come inside, be sure to do a thorough body check to ensure you haven’t brought one home with you.  Also, be sure to check any pets that may be playing outside!

If you notice that you have a tick embedded, use tweezers and grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Once removed, wash the area with warm soapy water.  Watch for signs of sickness such as a rash that appears like a bullseye ring or a developing fever.  Contact your physician if you notice a bullseye ring or become sick after a tick bite.  

For more information on Ticks and Tick Borne illnesses, please visit the CDC’s website @ https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/.

As Allergy Season quickly approaches, please know some of the symptoms of allergies and how to help prevent them from arising in yourself or your child.  Many allergy symptoms can be the same as COVID-19 symptoms.  Seasonal allergies can result from grass, weed, tree pollen, or molds. Cat and dog dander allergies are common. Symptoms include:

• itchy eyes and skin
• itchy nose or throat
• sneezing
• nasal congestion
• wheezing
• rash

Many over the counter medications can help keep these symptoms at bay.  Please speak with your pediatrician about what might be best for your child if they typically suffer from allergies.  We want to help avoid any dismissals from school for symptoms that may also be consistent with COVID-19 symptoms!

Don't forget your flu shots this year! 

Per the MA DPH, the influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts schools, colleges and universities in person. The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and ​the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements. 

Please submit documentation to the health office once your child has received their yearly flu vaccine. Thank you!

If your child requires an EpiPen, Inhaler, or a Daily Medication, they will require a form to be filled out by your physician that will remain on file in the Health Office for the year.  *Elementary School Children are not able to bring in any medications to school.  Parents must drop off all medications.

Access to any of these forms are located here: 

Health Dept. Parent Forms

Vision and Hearing: Vision and hearing screening is done yearly in grades K through 5. Parents will be notified of any problems that necessitate a medical follow-up. Vision and hearing screening is also offered to preschool students.

Postural Screening: The state of Massachusetts mandates that all students in grades 5 through 9 be screened for scoliosis. Your child's posture will be screened beginning in the fifth grade. Physician referrals will be made as needed.

Heights and Weights:  Heights and weights are measured and body mass index (BMI) is calculated on children in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. 

 *Parents/guardians may waive any screening by submitting a written request to the school nurse.