VIII. HEALTH AND SAFETY

All regulations in accordance with the State of New Jersey Health Department must be observed. Health Records will be kept up-to-date by the school nurse. Please cooperate with the school nurse when necessary information is requested. If pertinent information is not presented within a reasonable time, the student may not attend class until such data is procured.

Information pertaining to physical examinations and various health testing is submitted to the parents/guardians by the school nurse. Parental consent is required for the physical examinations and some testing. Referral slips will be sent to the parents/guardians containing any recommendations made by the school nurse.

In case of hospitalization or contagious illness, please notify the principal immediately. If a student has any particular health problem or allergy, be sure to notify the principal and/or the school nurse so that this may be recorded on the student’s health record.

A. HEALTH SERVICES

HEARING: Students are tested for hearing loss. Parents are notified, if hearing loss is evidenced.

HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS: Each student's height and weight are taken and recorded annually.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: In accordance with State's School Health Act, physical examinations are required for all new students in first, fourth, and seventh grades.

SCOLIOSIS: Students ten years of age and older are screened annually, and parents are notified if further testing is needed.

B. POLICY ON ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

Holy Trinity Interparochial School strongly discourages the administration of either prescription or non-prescription medication in school or on field trips. However, if it is absolutely essential that a student receive medication while under school supervision, the following procedures apply:

1) A parent/guardian should come to the school and personally administer the medication.

2) If this arrangement is not possible, the school

3) nurse or principal (or his/her designee) will administer the medication under the following conditions:

A. The medication must be given to the school nurse or principal by the parent/guardian.

B. The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container.

C. The parent/guardian and the student's physician must complete and sign an "Authorization to Administer Medication in School" form. This form is available from the school.

Students will be permitted to self-administer medication only for life-threatening illnesses or conditions. The parent/guardian must schedule a conference with the school nurse to discuss in detail the need for the medication. The parent/guardian and the student's physician must complete and sign an "Authorization for Self-Administration of Medication in School" form. This form is available at the school.

C. ILLNESS OR INJURY

The following procedure will be followed should a child develop a sudden illness or sustain an injury in or on school property:

1. If illness or injury is considered minor, first aid will be given, and the student will be provided with a place to stay until s/he is able to return the classroom.

2. If it is judged necessary to have a student sent home, the parent will be notified to come to the school. When a student is picked up at school, either for illness, early dismissal, or emergency, the person coming for the student must report to the school office and sign his/her name and the time of the child's leaving school.

3. Procedure to be followed if the child contracts a communicable disease:

a) Notify the principal immediately

b) Present to principal a certificate from the doctor stating that the student is able to return to school.

Strep Throat Child must be fever free and on medication for 24 hours and a note from the physician stating that the child is not contagious and may return to school.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Child must be on medication for 24 hours and a note from the physician stating that the child is contagious and may return to school. Discharge from the eyes must not be present.

Cold Child must be fever free for 24 hours.

Lice The child must have had a treatment with a special lice shampoo and scalp and hair must be nit free.

Impetigo, Ringworm, Scabies The child must be on medication for 24 hours and present a note from the physician stating the child is not contagious and may return to school.

Accidents If an injury occurs over the weekend, seek medical help at the time. DO NOT wait until Monday for the nurse to evaluate the injury. The office is not equipped to diagnose or prescribe treatment that should be done by a medical doctor.

STUDENTS WILL BE SENT HOME FROM SCHOOL IF THESE REGULATIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROCEDURE FOR AN ILL STUDENT:

1. The student’s temperature is taken.

2. The student’s color and appearance are evaluated.

3. Notification is given to parents/guardians that the student is sick and should go home.

4. If unable to reach parent/guardian, persons listed on the emergency card will be notified.

5. The student is not permitted to walk or take a taxi home alone.

D. STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

The Archdiocese of Newark has purchased an accident insurance policy which is designed to help protect parents in Archdiocesan schools (grades pre-K through 12) against financial loss caused by covered accidents.

In the event that a student is injured due to a covered accident when participating in a supervised activity, the Archdiocesan policy will help pay expenses for required medical treatment which are in excess of benefits payable under any other insurance covering the student.

A brochure briefly outlining the benefits and terms of the coverage is sent to parents.

E. SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

New Jersey State law requires that any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been subjected to abuse or neglect, must make a report to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.

F. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

The School's Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the school office, as required by the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This document is available for examination upon request.

G. EMERGENCY CARDS

An emergency card is issued each year to every student. This card contains the student's name, address, phone number, persons to be contacted in an emergency and the name of the family physician. It is important that parents complete and return these cards as soon as possible.

Parents are requested to notify the school office whenever there is a change in the emergency information provided to the school in September. We should always be able to contact one parent during the school day.

H. FIRE DRILLS

The purpose of a fire drill is to provide a procedure for safety in the event of an emergency. Fire drills are conducted twice a month. Fire drill exit routes are posted in each classroom. When the fire alarm rings, all occupants leave the room quickly, quietly, and in an orderly fashion and proceed to assigned places outside the building. All windows and doors must be closed.



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