Hackettstown High School

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Dear Parents:

The school health program at Hackettstown High School is designed to maintain the physical and emotional well-being of the student.  To attain this goal, many services are routinely available to the student.  However, as with every school program, we are only effective if full cooperation is received from students and their parents.

The following procedures and services are currently in effect:

Medications:  In adherence to N.J. Dept. of Education laws, medication prescription as well as over the counter, Tylenol, Advil, antacids, cough drops will only be administered with a doctor’s written prescription.  The prescription must include the following guidelines and be renewed annually. Students are not permitted to carry their own medication.

A.       Purpose of the medication

B.        Dosage

C.        Times at which the special circumstances under which the medication shall be administered

D.       The length of time the medication will be prescribed

E.        Possible side effects

Prescription medications must be brought in by the parent in the original pharmacy container with the original label.  This law only allows students to self-medicate only for illnesses that are life threatening as asthma or allergic reactions.  Therefore, inhalers and epi-pens are the only medications students are permitted to carry.  Written permission from the student’s physician is required as well as parental permission.  If medication is required for your child during overnight field trips, please contact the nurse’s office in a timely manner.  This will allow time for arrangements to be made.  Enclosed are the appropriate forms required by law to be filled out completely and returned prior to the upcoming school year.

Over the counter medications:  This form must be signed by student’s own physician in order for any over the counter medication to be given throughout the school year.

Epinephrine:  Public law 2015 chapter 13 effective September 2015, emergency administration of epinephrine to any student for anaphylaxis, states that the school nurse or designated delegate administer epinephrine to ANY student having an allergic reaction.

It is Required that all parents read and sign annually the statement acknowledging your understanding of the new legislation and return to the health office.  You may find the law under the health office tab on the website and the parental acknowledgment under required forms.

Leaving school because of accident or illness: When it becomes necessary for a student to leave school due to an accident, or illness, a parent or guardian must come to school and take the student home.  If a parent or guardian is unavailable please indicate an alternative person on the emergency card.

Gym excuses: Students are required to participate in physical education. Students will be allowed 3 non-medical excuses per semester. If any student exceeds 3 non-medical excuses per semester a medical note must be presented.                                                                                                                                         

Immunizations:  Monitoring of immunizations will be done at the beginning of the year.  If discrepancies are found parents will be notified.  Non-compliance will result in exclusion.

Physical examination by school physician:  One physical exam is recommended for adolescents’ grade 7-12.  It is also recommended this be done during grade 10.  Any student obtaining a physical as required by N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2(b) stating medical exams must be conducted at the medical home of that student.  A full report must be sent to the school.  If students do not have a medical home, the school physician will conduct the examination at his or her office.  N.J.A.C. 6A:16.3 has defined medical home as a health care provider and that provider practice site chosen by the student's parent or guardian for the provision of health care.

Health screenings by school nurse:  The school nurse conducts health screenings throughout the year.  Height, weight, vision, and blood pressure will be done annually for each student.  Scoliosis will be done on grades 9 and 11.  A hearing test will be done on all 11th grade students.

Scoliosis Screening: All 9^th and 11^th grade students will be screened for scoliosis, (curvature of the spine). Parental permission is required for this test. You will find the required permission slip under required forms. Please indicate your intent sign and return to the health office.

Health Questionnaire:  Any questions or concerns regarding your child should be documented on the health history questionnaire.  Pay special attention to allergies and scoliosis, this will be used as permission for scoliosis screening during the year.  Please be reminded that all information is kept strictly confidential.

Random drug testing: Random drug testing forms are required for any student who plans to participate in any school based activity, sport, or anyone who plans to park on campus. Forms are located under the health office required forms. Please return them directly to the health office.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the health office at 908-850-8150 ext. 244

Sincerely,

School Nurse