Health Services

The following are required for school enrollment:

1. All students must be properly immunized to register and attend school (See separate section “Immunization Regulations”).  Any exception to this mandate will be addressed on an individual basis.

2. A Health Appraisal Report is required for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, for new entrants, and for students entering a Committee of Special Education Program.  The student’s primary Health Care Provider or School Physician may complete the physical examination. 

3. A Dental Health Certificate also is requested for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, and for new entrants.

4. Proof of lead testing for preschool entry will be requested at registration.  If your child does not have proof of lead testing, you will be provided with information on resources to obtain a lead test.  Further information on lead poisoning is available at:   http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/

Each student has an individual health file in the School Health Office.  This file includes immunization dates, screening data for height, weight, body mass index, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and blood pressure, along with physical exam summaries and other health history information. New York State requires body mass index information to be reported on a bi-annual basis.

Student health and medical information, which is maintained by the district as part of a student’s education record will remain confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and/or district policy. Such information will not be disclosed without prior written consent of the parent (or the student if 18 years of age or older) to any individual or organization within or outside the district, unless otherwise permitted by law and/or district policy. Parents are encouraged to review the district’s Annual Notice about rights concerning student records, for additional information about access to, and disclosure of, information in student education records, including health and medical information contained in those records.

Parents/guardians must complete and return a Student Emergency Information Form during the first weeks of each school year.  This form includes emergency contact and health history information.

Although your child’s medical history and health conditions are confidential, emergency information will be shared on a need to know basis with school and transportation personnel to protect your child’s health and safety while at school.
In addition, parents are responsible for discussing with the Transportation Supervisor and their child’s bus driver(s) any medical condition that may require any emergency treatment during transport.

Under the law, schools may give nothing more than first aid treatment.  Immediate notification of parents or an alternative person designated by the parents may be necessary when hospitalization or emergency medical care is required.

In the event of an accident or serious illness requiring medical intervention, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian. If the school is unable to contact the parent/guardian or a designated person on the emergency information form, the student will be transported by community emergency response team personnel according to medical direction provided by Emergency Medical System [EMS].  A hospital of choice might not be honored.   

Buffalo Pediatric Associates, LLP provides physician coverage for Sweet Home Central School District.  Dr. Robert Kaplan, MD is the SHCSD Medical Director and is responsible for school physical examinations. 

Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted for all students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 and on an as-needed basis.  Scoliosis screenings will be conducted for boys in grade 9 and for girls in grades 5 and 7.

Parents should not send students to school who are ill, or who present with an undiagnosed rash.  Parents should contact their child’s Health Care Provider and School Nurse for any questions or concerns regarding communicable diseases, and/or criteria for staying home and returning to school.

Students who are immunocompromised or who are not vaccinated against a communicable disease will be exempt from school during an outbreak until local health department personnel and/or Sweet Home Central School District Medical
Director authorizes re-entry.

According to the New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health Administration of Medication in the School Setting Guidelines, any medication to be administered in school must be brought to school by an adult to the School Nurse, and must be stored in the original bottle or container in which the medication was purchased or prescribed.  Parents also are responsible for picking up any medication no longer being given or any medication left at the end of the school year.

A medical note from the student’s Health Care Provider and written permission from the parent or guardian must be received before any medication is to be administered.  The note(s) should include permission for school health personnel to administer the medication, along with a statement of the reason, the name of the drug and the amount and time to be given.  This policy includes prescription medication as well as over-the-counter medication such as cough drops, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, nasal sprays and inhalers, eye and ear medications, sprays and ointments for the skin.

Medication is secured in each Health Office.  School Nurses are staffed in each school building and administer medication to students.  Students will not be permitted to carry or have medication in their possession, unless designated as a ‘Self-Directed-Self Carry’ student by their health care provider.  Parents should contact their child’s School Nurse for further information.

Students may carry and use FDA approved sunscreen products as long as the student's parent or guardian provides written permission for the student to carry and use sunscreen.  A student who is unable to physically apply sunscreen may be assisted by unlicensed personnel when directed to do so by the student, if permitted by a parent or guardian and authorized by the school.  

Sweet Home Central School District follows the New York State Education Department Guidelines for Concussion Management in the School Setting.  This provides school district personnel, parents/guardians, students, and private health providers with guidelines on head injury management in school settings.  This protocol assists in identifying a student with a potential concussion, and ensures that a student who has been diagnosed with a head injury receives the appropriate care and attention at school to aid in his/her recovery.  

Representatives of various disciplines from all school buildings, service center,
food service, and administrators, along with school board, parents and
students meet regularly throughout the school year to discuss health initiatives
and promote better health with improvements in curricula, food service and
safety. Wellness related initiatives and activities are reviewed and discussed,
and students empowered to make informed choices about their health and
well-being.

Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children
Reauthorization Act of 2004 includes a provision which requires schools
that participate in the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch
Program, Summer Food Service Program or Special Milk Program to
establish a local Wellness Policy by September 2006.

The intent of this legislation is for local school communities to model,
foster and teach children to eat well and be physically active in order
to achieve a lifetime of good health. The policy should include goals for
nutrition and physical activity that reflect the unique needs of the student
body and community. Included in the intent is transforming the way
children eat at school. The legislation recognizes the vital role of schools
in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing overweight, and provides
them with flexibility for autonomous local action.

Questions, comments or further input about health and safety issues
throughout the district are welcomed by the committee. They can be
directed to chairperson Donald Feldmann at 250-1406 or via email at