Andrea Takacs, RN
School Nurse
518-537-6281 ext. 7108
gcshealthoffice@germantowncsd.org

A student who is sick will not be able to perform well in school, and it is likely they will spread their illness to other students and staff. Students who are ill should stay home.

Our school policy states that a student should not come to school if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• temperature of 100° or greater in the past 24 hours;
• vomiting in the past 24 hours;
• diarrhea in the past 24 hours;
• strep throat or other infections requiring antibiotics such as conjunctivitis or pink eye unless they have been on antibiotics for a minimum of 24 hours;
• have recently tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19

Students must be symptom-free without the use of medication.

If a student becomes ill at school and the teacher or school nurse feels the student is too sick to benefit from school or is contagious to others, you will be called to bring your child home from school. Please be sure arrangements can be made to transport your child home from school and childcare is available in case of illness. If your daytime or emergency phone number changes during the year, please notify your child’s teacher and the health office immediately.

GCS supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way we provide care for your child is by performing health screenings as mandated by the State of New York.

A letter will be sent home if there are any findings on the screening done at school that would cause concern or require medical follow-up. Please call the health office if you have any questions or concerns. Completed forms may be faxed to 518-537-6115. During this school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school:

Vision

• Distance and near vision acuity for all newly enrolled students and students in kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
• Color perception screening for all newly enrolled students.
• Copies of vision screenings with your child’s healthcare provider are appreciated.
   

Hearing

• Hearing screenings for all newly enrolled students and students in kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
   

Scoliosis

• Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screenings for all girls in Grades 5 and 7 and boys in Grade 9.
   

Physicals

• A physical examination including Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Status Category Information is required for all newly enrolled students and students in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Physicals performed by a student’s primary healthcare provider must be completed on the required NYS School Health Examination Form. Any physicals not received or deferred by October 1 will be performed by the school doctor from Care Mount Medical.
   

Dental Certificates

• A dental certificate is requested for all newly enrolled students and students in kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
   

Immunization Records

• An up-to-date immunization record is required for every student. Please refer to the NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance notice to ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date.

Students should not transport or carry medications with them in school unless they are authorized for self-administering. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications. A parent or guardian must bring in medication, which will be kept secure in the health office. A doctor’s order and parent’s permission are required for medication administration in school. An Administration of Over-the-counter Medications form must be signed by both a student’s physician and parent/guardian each school year for a student to receive medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc. while in school.
 

Self-Administer
Parent permission and a doctor’s consent are required for students to self-administer and self-carry medication. Students with this designation are considered independent in taking their medication at school and require no supervision by the nurse. Parents assume responsibility for ensuring their child is carrying and taking their medication as ordered. The school may revoke the self-administer/self-carry privilege if the student proves to be irresponsible or incapable.

If your child needs medication while in school, please complete the Authorization to Administer Medication in School and School Activities form.