Nurse’s Office
Nurse’s Office
Rome Catholic School supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. If your student has health related needs or concerns, please contact the school nurse to discuss how your student’s needs can be met while at school.
Anne Mack RN
315-336-6190 ext. 3
Illness
If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and take him/her home. It is essential that the nurse has a phone number where you can be contacted during the day and an emergency number in the event you cannot be reached. A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to other children and staff. We suggest making a plan for childcare ahead of time so you will not be caught without a comforting place for your child to stay if he/she is ill.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NYSDOH has issued a document entitled “New Masking Guidance Update”. This document includes the following:
“Symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status or recent infection, should stay home until tested and if positive or not tested, should isolate for 5 days, or until other criteria are met for school attendance (e.g., resolution of fever), whichever is longer. The NYSDOH flow chart addresses school attendance and requirements for children who have symptoms consistent with vaccine side effects shortly after receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Medication
The requirements for student medication to be administered at school (including over-the-counter items such as acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cough drops etc.) remain as follows:
- A written signed order from a doctor must be submitted stating the student’s name, medication name, dosage, times and dates to be given. Medication will be kept secure in the nurse’s office and administered at the proper time.
- A signed request from the parent/guardian to administer medication must be submitted.
- All medications must be in the original container bearing the original pharmacy or manufacturer’s label, and given to the nurse by an adult.
The medication(s) will be labeled and kept locked in the school nurse’s office until dispensed by the school nurse. Parents are welcome to come to the school and administer a medication to their child if needed. Please call the school’s health office if you have any questions or concerns.
Physical Examinations
According to Education Law Article 19 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education (NYCRR), children are required to have a physical exam when entering a school district for the first time and in grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. This requirement may be met by submitting documentation of a physical exam by the student’s healthcare provider within the 12 months prior to the start of the school year. Beginning January 31, 2021, physical exams for schools must be completed on the NYS Required Health Examination Form or an electronic health record equivalent form. If record of a physical exam by a private health care provider is not received by the time of the school physicals, the child will automatically be included with school physicals. The school will notify in writing, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of each child in whom school health services identifies a concern or other condition which may require professional attention.
Screenings
During the school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school as mandated by the State of New York:
Vision
- Distance and near acuity for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, and 5.
- Color perception screening for all newly entering students.
Hearing
- Hearing screening for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, and 5.
Scoliosis
- Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all girls in grade 5.
A letter will be sent home if your student needs follow-up with your health care provider. Please contact the school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
Immunizations
New York State Public health law requires that all students entering or attending school, including through distance learning, must be immunized. The age at which vaccines (shots) are given must match the NYSDOH Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance Chart. Parent/guardian(s) must submit proof of their students’ immunization to the school nurse within the first 30 days of school, or the student will be excluded from school per NYS Public Health Law.
Schools can accept the following immunization records as proof of immunization:
- An immunization record from your health care provider or health department.
- An official copy of the immunization record sent directly from your child’s previous school with the dates given.
- A NYSIIS/NYCIR Immunization Registry record.
- A blood test (titer) lab report that proves immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B.
- A note from your health care provider with the date your child had Chicken Pox (varicella).
If your student does not have a healthcare provider or you need assistance getting your student immunized, the Oneida County Department of Health 315-798-5748 also administers immunizations to students.