A Message from the Health Office
MANAGEMENT: Head lice information for parents:
Head lice (pediculosis) infestation is common in the United States among children 3 – 12 years of age. Head lice are not a health hazard and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. The most common symptom of lice infestation is itching. If you notice your child scratching his or her head often, especially behind the ears or at the nape of the neck, check for lice. Also, do frequent checks when you know of a lice outbreak in your child’s school.
Please see the instructions for treatment of head lice. You may also refer to the Classroom Lice Notifications that are sent home with your child for treatment instructions during a lice outbreak in school.
Please visit the following websites for additional information regarding treatment of head lice infestation.
www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/parents.html
www.headlice.org
NJ Department of Health Bed Bug Resources:
Guidelines for Use of Steri-Fab or Microban for Sanitizing/Disinfecting Mattresses, Bedding and/or Upholstered Furniture (PDF 13K)
Bed Bug Control for Homes (PDF 18K)
Bed Bug Fact Sheet (PDF 169K)
Bed Bug Inspections and Remediation (March 2010) (PDF 42K)
Emergency Card
It is very important that we have current and valid telephone numbers in order to reach you in the event of an emergency or illness during the school day. Please keep us alerted throughout the school year of any changes in writing.
In the event that your child will be absent or late to school, you must call the Child Safe voice mail (973)263-7075 ext. 1 and leave a message. This call can be made at any time prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of absence.
For the health and wellness of the entire Intervale School community, please keep sick children home until they are recovered and fever-free for at least 24 hours (fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication).
Do not send your child to school if he/she:
- Has diarrhea or vomited within the last 24 hours
- Has an excessively runny nose, sore throat, and/or cough
- Has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more in the last 24 hours
Click on the above heading for the school district guidelines and call the Child Safe voice mail if your child is ill.
Prevention of the spread of communicable diseases in schools and other places where children gather calls for cooperation between home and school. Click on the above heading to view the Communicable Disease Policy Notice and the requirements for re-entry to school. The diseases mentioned must be reported to the school. If you have any questions, please call the School Nurse.
While your child is attending a public school in the Parsippany – Troy Hills School District, he/she will be required to have a physical examination periodically. By law, these examinations are required for the following:
- All kindergarten students
- All new admissions to school in Parsippany
- All students applying for working papers
- All students involved in interscholastic athletics
- All students being evaluated by the Child Study Team, when necessary
All new students entering the Parsippany – Troy Hills School District are required to have a physical examination. Click on the Grades K – 4 Physical Examination Form heading to download the appropriate physical form for the physician to complete. Make a copy of the form to keep for your own records before sending the original completed form to the School Nurse.
In addition, although not required, we urge you to obtain subsequent medical examinations at least one time during each developmental stage at early childhood (preschool through grade three), preadolescence (grades four through six) and adolescence (grades seven through twelve).
Click on the Fifth Grade Physical Examination Form heading to download the appropriate physical form for the physician to complete. Make a copy of the form to keep for your own records before sending the original completed form to the School Nurse.
If your child receives any immunizations throughout the school year, please send a copy of the updated record to the School Nurse. This will enable the Nurse to maintain accurate health records for your child. Click on the heading for a list of the required immunizations for entry into New Jersey schools.
***NEW***
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services has amended the immunization requirements for all students born after January 1, 1997 and entering the 6th grade on or after September 1, 2008. Students will now be required to receive one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given no earlier than the 10th birthday and one dose of a meningococcal containing vaccine (meningitis) such as the medically-preferred meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Written proof must be provided to the school nurse. As per state guidelines, failure to provide this information will exclude your child from school until vaccines are completed and proof presented. Click on the above heading to read the requirements for entry into Grade 6.
Family Life Program – Grades 4 & 5
As part of the Family Life program, we are offering parents the opportunity to preview the family life films and materials that we use in our health curriculum. These materials are used as prompts for class discussion.
The 4th Grade film "Always Changing" can be previewed online at www.pgschoolprograms.com. Details will be in the parent notices which will be sent home.
Parent Preview for 5th grade will be on Monday, May 14, 2012 @ 5:00pm, in Media Center. (Unfortunately, the 5th grade films are not available online.)
Please return the completed forms immediately.
We value the opportunity for you to preview these films before your children see them. Please call me if you have any questions.
If it is necessary for your child to take medication in school, please be aware that the BOARD of EDUCATION has a strict policy in place that includes both prescription and over-the-counter/non-prescription medications.
For administration of all medicine in school, your doctor must complete the school medication form available below. Please contact me with any questions.
Have your child’s physician complete the above Medication Authorization form. Parents must bring in the medication in its original container. Students are not permitted to carry medication on them. Click on the Medication Policy heading for further information. Yearly updates are required.
Under certain circumstances, a physician may deem a student able to self-administer and carry a medication on their person. This order form is used for medications used for allergic reactions, asthma, or insulin. Yearly updates are required.
If your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy, the physician must complete the Food Allergy Action Plan. Click on the heading to download the appropriate form. Yearly updates are required.
If your child is diagnosed with Asthma, the physician must complete the Asthma Treatment Plan. Yearly updates are required. Click on the heading to download the appropriate form.
If your child is diagnosed with a Seizure disorder, the physician must complete the Seizure Action Plan.Yearly updates are required. Parents must complete the Parent Questionnaire. Click on the heading to download the appropriate form.
New Jersey State Law requires all students to participate in a physical education program unless excused by a physician. However, for reasons of temporary illness or injury, a student may be excused up to three (3) days, upon receipt of a note from the parent. A note from a physician is required to be excused from physical education beyond 3 days. Please note: If a student is excused from physical education, he/she may not participate in recess activities, such as running, playing games, or playing on equipment.
Student Health Insurance Information
"Governor Corzine has made a commitment for New Jersey to provide universal health insurance to children and affordable options for parents and guardians..." (Davy, 9/08). If you would like more information you may go to http://www.njfamilycare.org or call 1-800-701-0710 or you may contact the School Nurse, Mrs. Crooker, at (973)263-7075 ext.2.
