Welcome
Welcome to another year...
Welcome to the NEW school year!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we begin another productive school year at Kutztown Area School District, please allow me to share important school health information with our Elementary School families.
The annual health room emergency form , the “Emergency Health Room Consent Form” is now electronic and needs to be completed in Power School prior to the start each school year. Information and instructions to complete this form was provided by the KASD Technology Department. If you have questions please call the Technology Department.
It is necessary for this form to be completed in order to treat your child during the school day. Please make sure the information requested is complete and up to date throughout the year.
Special Health Needs. If your child has specific health needs, please communicate with the nurse each year so that individual accommodations, care plans, emergency action plans, or programs can be arranged based on your child’s current status.
Medication at school: Medication administration by a licensed nurse at school requires a medical provider completed KASD form, with parent signature, each school year. Forms can be obtained on the KASD website. Medications must be brought to the nurse by the parent/guardian or adult designee. Students are not permitted to bring medication to school.
Health Screenings: vision, hearing and growth (height and weight) will begin mid- September. If your child does not pass the vision or hearing screening, a letter will be sent home referring you to have your child evaluated. Please return the evaluation report by the medical provider to the school nurse.
Health Screenings should not take the place of a regular medical, dental and vision exam by your medical provider.
Pennsylvania Code requires students have the following Medical EXAMS on file:
Physical Exams: initial Exam upon entry into a PA school either as a transfer student or new Kindergarten enrollment, an Exam in grade 6 (may be completed one year before the start of sixth grade), an Exam in grade 11(may be completed one year before the start of eleventh grade). It is encouraged to have your child examined privately by your established medical provider, to provide for continuity of care for your child.
Dental Exams: initial Exam upon entry into a PA school either as a transfer student or new Kindergarten enrollment, an Exam in grade 3 (may be completed one year before the start of third grade), an Exam in grade 7 (may be completed one year before the start of seventh grade).
It is encouraged to have your child examined privately by your established dentist, to provide for continuity in the dental care of your child. If you cannot establish a dentist you may choose the school dentist to provide the mandated school dental exam, however be aware that this does not include dental cleaning or dental care.
School and Health Connection
There is a clear connection between health and learning. In addition to known medical conditions that currently affect your child, it is helpful to keep the school nurse informed of any conditions that arise throughout the school year - medical, emotional, and behavioral -involving your child.
Being healthy and having positive self-esteem are two important factors in being able to learn. Please be sure your student is well rested and nourished before coming to school each day. Eating a nutritious breakfast each morning is important for school success. Personal hygiene is essential for good health and self-esteem. Children need to be encouraged to be responsible to be clean: body, hair and teeth on a daily basis.
ILLNESS & ATTENDANCE: It is important to follow the KASD guidelines for when you should NOT send your child to school.
- vomiting, diarrhea, or a severe cough -should remain home for 24 hours or until resolved.
- temperature 100°F or higher-MUST stay home for 24 hours. They may return when they are fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication.
Diagnosed communicable disease: Please report any diagnosed communicable disease to the Nurse immediately. Do not return to school until treatment has occurred or you have obtained documentation that the child is free of communicable disease/ excuse stating able to return to school.
Food allergies, Snacks and Party Treats: Nutrition Standards in Pennsylvania Schools encourage parents and caregivers to promote healthy eating and provide healthy snacks for school snack time. We encourage you to pack healthy food choices for your child. Parents/Guardians of students with peanut and/or other nut allergies will be offered the option to have their child sit at the peanut/tree nut free lunch table.
We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of the children in our school. It is strongly advised that parents not send in classroom-wide treats due to allergies and medical conditions of many students. Additionally, Food given as a reward can lead to an unhealthy emotional connection between eating certain foods and feeling good. This enables emotional eating. A birthday pencil or book for the teacher to read is a much better choice to help celebrate your child’s birthday.
For students in grades K, 1, & 2 please keep an extra set of clothes, especially pants, underwear and socks, in your child’s backpack in case of any urinary accidents, lunchroom spills or contact with puddles at recess. The health room has only a small supply of emergency clothing and is depleted from time to time.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 610.683.3557 Ext 2 or tschmeck@kasd.org .
Warm Regards,
Tina Schmeck, MSN, RN, CSN,
Certified School Nurse, KASD Elementary Schools
Greenwich Elementary
Kutztown Elementary
Staff Nurse: Greenwich Elementary (TO BE ANNOUNCED) 610.756.6948