When to keep a child home
If your child is not feeling well, please do NOT send them to school. We are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for our students. We need your help in reducing the spread of infectious illnesses in our school buildings.
Your child should NOT attend school and their doctor should be contacted if they have:
- A temperature of 100.4 or greater. They must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)
- A persistent cough
- Heavy amount of nasal discharge (mucus) or nasal congestion with face pain or headache
- Vomited or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- A painful sore throat or a sore throat that has lasted more than 24-48 hours. (Note: if your child has been diagnosed with a strep throat infection, they must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
- Ear pain or fluid draining from their ear
- Honey-crusted sores around the nose or mouth
- An unidentified rash
- Just generally not feeling like themselves
Immunization Information
New York State law requires that students provide proof of immunizations for entry into school. Visit the New York Department of Health website for immunization requirements.
Note: As of June 13, 2019, the state no longer allows for non-medical exemptions for immunizations for children.
Health Screening Information
In accordance with New York State Education Law, the school nurses will conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings on the required grade levels. The school nurse will notify parents/guardians if any problems are indicated during the screening. Visit the New York State Center for School Health website for NYS Screening & Health Exam Requirements.
Medications in School
Whenever possible, medication should be given at home. However, if your child needs to take medication during school hours, the following New York State Law requirements must be met:
- The parent/guardian will provide a written order from a licensed provider.
- The parent/guardian will provide written consent for the medication to be administered.
- The medication must be hand delivered to the school nurse by the parent or a responsible adult.
- The medication must be in the original pharmacy container with the proper label. Over the counter medications (i.e., Tylenol, Advil, etc.) need to be in their original, unopened containers.
Please note that over the counter items such as Caladryl, antibiotic ointment, cough drops, etc. cannot be utilized without following the above procedures. Click here to view and download the Medication Permission Form.
NYS Required Health Examination
NYSED requires a physical exam for new entrants and students in Grades Pre–K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11; annually for interscholastic sports; and working papers as needed; or as required by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Pre–School Special education (CPSE).
Severe Allergies
Students who have been diagnosed by a physician with severe food or life-threatening allergies need special considerations to help ensure their health and safety in school. We have a wide range of supports for students in kindergarten through grade 12 including:
- Registered nurses in each building who are knowledgeable in preventing and managing allergic reactions.
- Comprehensive procedures for administering prescribed medications in school and on field trips.
- Training, books and teaching materials for school personnel on prevention and intervention activities.
- Staff training in EpiPen administration.
If your child is diagnosed with a severe allergy:
- Contact your building principal or school nurse upon enrollment.
- Talk with the Pupil Services Department (518-583-4715) for clarification on district policies and practices on this important issue.
If you have any questions or comments please contact Eric Bush, the Director of Food Service at 518-583-4704.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
New York State requires schools to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations. If SSCSD is asked to provide this data to the state, it will be summary data only and children’s names will not be reported. Parents who wish to exclude their child’s data must contact the child’s school nurse.
Child Abuse Hotline
If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.
¿Tiene sospechas de abuso o negligencia infantil? ¡Repórtalo ahora! 1-800-342-3720. ¿Peligro inmediato? Llame 911.