Iroquois Health Office 

 Mission Statement...The Niskayuna School Nurses strive to impact the school community by providing health services and education that empower the educational community to learn and work at their optimal level.

Students who are entering 6th grade or are in a  comparable age-level special education school program and are 11 years of age or older must receive an immunization containing tetanus toxoids, diphtheria, an acellular pertussis (Tdap). If a student has received a Td, DT, or DTaP vaccination within the last two years, the student's Tdap vaccination should be deferred (with rare exceptions) until a period of two years has elapsed. Ten-year old students who are entering 6th grade will not be required to receive a Tdap vaccine and will not be excluded from school, but they must be flagged, tracked and immunized when they turn 11 years old.

Children who will be 10 years old when entering 6th grade:  There are two Tdap vaccines available, Sanofi Pasteur's Adacel which is licensed for persons aged 11 to 65 years and GlaxoSmithKline's Boostrix, which is licensed for persons aged 10 to 18 years.  There are two options available regarding 10-year-old children who are entering 6th grade: (1) vaccinate those children using Boostrix, or (2) delay vaccination until those children are 11 years old. Children whose vaccination with Tdap has been delayed will be considered "at interval" for receiving the required immunization.  They will not be excluded from school, but they will be flagged and tracked.  However, it is required that they receive the immunization once they turn 11 years old.

New York State also requires a varicella vaccine for students born on or after 1/1/94 entering, repeating or transferring into 6th grade or are in a comparable age-level special education school program. These students must have documentation from a physician or health department of immunization for chicken pox (Varicella) or physician documentation or the disease. Two doses of varicella vaccine are recommended for students who receive the first dose on or after their 13th birthday. Diagnosis by a physician that a child has had varicella disease is acceptable proof of immunity in lieu of immunization. 

Medication during school hours: If a child must receive medications during school hours, New York State law requires that the school nurse have a written order from the licensed prescriber and written parental permission. This applies to both prescription and over the counter medication.  To obtain a medication release form, click Medication release form. All medication should be delivered by an adult to school.  All medication must be in its original labeled container.  Medication orders will need to be renewed each school year!

Students with special medical needs:  Students with special medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, food allergies, etc, must provide information, physician's orders and medical supplies to the Iroquois nurse by the first day of school.  Please plan to meet with the nurse to discuss plans for safety on school field trips.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS

New York State Education Law requires that all new entrants and children in 7th grade  have a physical exam. The physical examination must be performed within the last twelve months.  A copy of the examination must be kept on file in the school Health Office. If the health certificate is not provided from the private physician, the examination will be performed by the school physician.

Screenings:  Your school nurse will provide vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings as recommended by the New York State Dept. of Education.


Health Policies:  In middle school, we strive to provide health services to keep your child functioning at their optimal level.  Children who come to school sick have a hard time learning and doing their school work. They also spread illness to other children, teachers and staff.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping your child home for the following: 

The Niskayuna School District follows the following health guidelines.

 

7th Grade Physical...Medical Inspection Form

Sports Participation: It is the student's responsibility to submit the following forms to the school nurse two weeks prior to the beginning of the seasons.
1.  Niskayuna Schools Athletic Card (Gray)...both sides must be completed and signed by parent and student
2.  Sports Physical Form...completed within one year and on file in the Iroquois Middle School Health Office
3.  Interim Health Information For Physical Education and Athletics Form (Green)
4.  Selection/Classification Form (Developmental Screening Form)...needed only when you are a middle school student playing high school sports and available only from the nurse; must be signed by a physician

REMINDER:  For each sport played, a gray athletic card and the interim health history questionnaire must be filled out.