General Health Information:

Annual Screening:
Every child attending school has a yearly evaluation by the school nurse. This includes a height and weight check, blood pressure reading, and a vision/hearing test. Children in grades 5th through 9th have a scoliosis examination to check for curvature of the spinal column. A parent or teacher may request additional eye and ear checks whenever they suspect a problem.

Sports Pre-participation Physical Exam:
Any student participating in SCCSD sports programs must pass a doctorโ€™s physical exam in order to participate in competitive sports activities. This physical may be performed either by the studentโ€™s own doctor or the school physician. A new physical is required every 13 months. Students who have not had a physical cannot participate. This form โ€“ CLICK HEREโ€“ is a questionnaire which must be filled out by the student and returned to the school nurse before the doctor will do the physical.

Medication:
If possible, a childโ€™s medication should be administered outside of school hours. However, the school nurse will dispense medication if the proper procedures are followed. In order to have medication (prescribed and over the counter) administered by the school nurse the Administer of Medication Form needs to be filled out and returned with your child and given to the school nurse. This is the case with all medication (including cough drops). There is also a box your physician can check if the child can self-carry and self-administer. All medications should be given to the school nurse in their original container with the name of the student name listed. Medications will not be accepted in baggies or other containers other than the original containers properly labeled. Pharmacies will provide parents with an extra labeled prescription bottle for medications that need to be given at school if they are asked and told that they are for school. The Administer of Medication Form must be renewed every school year or anytime there is a change in the prescription order. These rules are in accordance with New York State Law.

First Aid:
In the event of an accident or sudden illness at school, first aid will be administered by school personnel to the best of their abilities and training. Parents will be informed immediately of any serious illness or injuries. It is important that parents provide the school with emergency information via the emergency card.

Automated External Defibrillators:
The District maintains on site, in each instructional school facility, at least one functional automated external defibrillator (AED) for use during emergencies. Whenever public school facilities are used for school-sponsored or school-approved curricular or extra-curricular events or activities or a school-sponsored athletic contest is held at any location, school administrators shall ensure the presence of at least one staff person who is trained in the operation and use of an AED. Where a school-sponsored competitive athletic event is held at a site other than a public school facility, the public school officials must assure that AED equipment is provided on site.

Emergency Information:
At the beginning of each school year, parents are asked to provide Emergency Information for each child enrolled. Please list the names of persons to be contacted in case of sudden injury or illness. New York State law permits schools to provide only first aid treatment.

Applications for Working Papers:
Young district residents ages 12 through 17 who plan to work full or part-time must obtain working papers. Application forms are available in the Junior/Senior High School Guidance Office and must be returned with proof of age and record of a recent health examination.

Student Accident Insurance:
The School District, although not required to, carries secondary insurance for accidental bodily injury sustained by students which occur in school.

The School insurance is an EXCESS COVERAGE ONLY policy to supplement existing family medical insurance. Claims must first be made under family or employer policies. The student policy will provide benefits which are not payable under any other policy to a pre-set limit. Accidents which may occur before, during or after school hours, unless during a supervised school sponsored activity, are not covered by this insurance, nor are injuries as a result from fighting. Students are covered once they get on the school bus. Pupils who walk or ride bikes are not covered until they enter the building. Children who wear glasses to gym class are requested by the gym teacher to remove them or wear protective goggles. If you want your child to wear glasses without goggles, you must write a permission slip stating this waiver.

Again, bills should be submitted to family medical insurance first and then any balance is submitted to the schoolโ€™s insurance, which is then paid as a scheduled benefit. The School Nurse will assist parents with completing school insurance forms.

Home bound Instruction:
Home bound instruction is a service provided to students who are unable to attend school due to medical, emotional or disciplinary problems. Secondary students receive instruction for two hours per day and elementary students receive one hour per day. Students receive credit for their work while on home bound instruction.

The parent must notify the principal or guidance counselor if a student will be on an extended school absence and will require an itinerant teacher. If the inability to attend is due to a medical or emotional reason, the parent should obtain from the childโ€™s physician a written medial request for home bound instruction.

Native American Services Provided through NYS Indian & Title VII Contracts:
These positions include guidance counseling services, social worker, academic tutors, home school coordinator, and elementary Seneca language/culture teachers as funding permits.

Physical Examinations:
New York State Law mandates new entering students have a physical examination, along with all Pre-K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th graders. Exams are also required for athletic participants, and for working papers. A physical exam will be done by our school physician in the health office. Boys in 7th and 10th grade along with boys applying for sports will be examined for the presence of a hernia. You may wish to discuss this with your son so he will know what to expect during the exam. If you prefer to have a physical exam done by your own Health Care Practitioner or wish to be present during the school exam, please notify the Health Office upon entrance. Please be informed that all information is confidential and will be transferred onto the studentโ€™s permanent health record.

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the studentโ€™s body mass index or โ€œBMIโ€. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the studentโ€™s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the studentโ€™s school health examination. A sample of school districts has been selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health.

Our school has been selected to be part of the survey, therefore, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our studentโ€™s weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your childโ€™s information excluded from this survey report. The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier. If you do not wish to have your childโ€™s weight status group information included as part of the Health Departmentโ€™s survey this year, notify your childโ€™s school nurse so your childโ€™s weight status will not be included in the annual school survey.

AIDS:
In accordance with NYS Guidelines, the Salamanca City Central School District has developed a Policy and Regulations concerning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Please refer any questions or concerns to the Superintendentโ€™s Office.