• Jr. High School Health

     

    Mission Statement

    School nurses promote health and wellness and assist in providing a safe and healthy environment that is conducive to learning for all students and staff.

    State-Mandated Services

    All students in the Jr. High School are provided with screenings mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These screenings include:

    • Height, Weight and BMI (body mass index) for all grades.
    • Vision - For all grades.
    • Scoliosis Screening - Grade 7.
    • Hearing - Grades 7 and 11.
    • Physical- Grade 11.
    • Dental Exam - Grade 7.

    The screenings are administered by the nurse on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. A referral is sent home if there is a need for further evaluation. Physical examinations are provided by the school physician. Parents/Guardians may choose to have their family doctor perform the physical at their own expense. The Private Physician’s Report of Physical form may be downloaded or requested from the school nurse.

    Medication

    It is the policy of the Washington School District that medication be administered at home by a parent or guardian. Under exceptional circumstances, medication prescribed by a physician may be administered by school personnel in compliance with school regulations. The Authorization for Medication During School Hours form may be downloaded or requested from the school nurse.

    Immunizations

    Pennsylvania State Law requires that all students be properly immunized. Students are required to have the following properly spaced immunizations:

    • Four doses of the Diptheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine (DPT).
    • Three doses of the Polio vaccine.
    • Three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
    • Two doses of the Measles, Mump and Rubella vaccine (MMR).
    • One dose of the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or confirmation that the student has had the disease.
    • One dose of MCV (Meningitis) to enter 7th grade and a second dose of MCV to enter 12th grade.
    • One dose of Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) to enter 7th grade.

    Parent/Guardians who have medical or religious objections to these immunizations should contact the school nurse or building principal.

    Communicable Disease Guidelines

    In order to prevent the spread of communicable disease, students should remain out of school according to the following guidelines:

    • Chickenpox: Until all lesions are dried (usually 5-7 days)
    • Strep Throat/Scarlet Fever: Until 24-48 hrs. after start of antibiotic.
    • Impetigo: Until 24 hrs. after start of antibiotic and no drainage
    • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Until 24 hrs. after start of treatment or deemed non-communicable by physician.
    • Scabies: Until appropriate treatment and determined non-infectious by physician.
    • Head lice: Until after treatment and hair is free of nits/eggs.
    • German measles/measles: 4 days from onset of rash.
    • Mumps: 9 days from onset of swelling until swelling subsides.
    • Whooping Cough: 5 days from start of appropriate therapy.

    Any child who has a fever of 100 degrees or more, is vomiting, or is experiencing diarrhea should be kept at home. Children will be sent home if these symptoms occur in school.

    Dental Health Services

    The Washington School District employs a part-time dental hygienist. Her responsibilities include the Pennsylvania State mandated dental screenings in grades 1, 3 and 7 and providing dental health education in grades K through 8.