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Health Office

General Information

 

Instructor: Jamie Caruso, RN, CSN, MSN

Welcome to the Orchard School Health Office! Your calls and questions are always welcome – the more I know, the better I am able to care for your child.  

You can...
Send an email to Mrs. Caruso: [email protected]
Call me at 201-670-2730 
fax information to 201-670-2879
You may also come in to the health office to speak with me in person.

When to Keep Your Child at Home:
If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms he/she should be kept home:

- a fever over 100 degrees (orally)
- vomiting or diarrhea
- having difficulty breathing
- a severe cough
- extreme fatigue
- an unusual rash
- redness, itchiness and discharge from the eyes
- strep throat, until a negative culture and/or after being treated with an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.

In order to minimize the spread of illness, please keep your child home for at least 24 hours after they experience vomiting, diarrhea or a fever of 100 degrees without the use of Tylenol, advil, etc. These medications will mask but not address the cause of the fever. The health of our Orchard community is our top priority. 

When your child is absent:
Please call the Absence Verification Line (201-670-2730x1) and please state the reason for your child's absence. Be specific about what symptoms your child is experiencing and how many symptoms. Please be aware that during the current phase, we need a doctor's note if your child is experiencing two or more symptoms to return to school. (see above list)

Notes from physicians and parents:

All notes about health issues should be brought to the nurse by the student. If your child sustains a significant injury, such as a concussion or a fracture, please let me know.

Physical Education passes:

A student may be excused from physical education classes for a maximum of 2 days on the basis of a written parental note or at the discretion of the school nurse. A note from a physician is required for a longer period of time.

Lice Information
Lice Checklist - Please use this checklist if someone in your family has lice. It maps out what steps need to be taken and what needs to be cleaned in your house. You can also go to www.headlice.org for more information, or click HERE for a comprehensive PowerPoint on the subject.

What happens if your child become ill or injured at school?
Your child will be assessed and cared for by the school nurse. In the case of minor illness or injury, parents or other designated caregivers may be contacted. In case of serious illness or injury, we will call 911 and then contact parents or other designated caregivers. It is very important that you update your contact information whenever it changes!

Medications:
Medication may be administered in school if we receive the proper authorizations from parent/guardian and physician. Parents must deliver the medication to the health office in the original container. See below for forms.

When should you keep your child home from school?
It is sometimes difficult to determine if a child really needs to stay home and miss school. Here are some guidelines:
* If a child has vomiting or diarrhea -- they should stay home for 24 hours.
* If a child has a fever (100 degrees or higher), they should stay home for 24 hours after the fever has subsided without medication. Keep in mind that a mildly elevated temperature may be an early indication of illness.
* If a child has a sore throat with fever and/or vomiting, consider a visit to the pediatrician. Students who test positive for strep must stay home until they have been receiving antibiotics for 24 hours.
* If a child has discharge or crusting from the eyes, please consult with a pediatrician. Students should be discharge-free before returning to school.
* If a child has a bad cold or any other illness that prevents him or her from being able to focus in the classroom - or might disturb/infect the rest of the class - a day of rest at home can be very therapeutic. You may prevent a more serious illness by giving your child time to recover.


See below for links to the required health forms.