Welcome to the Health Office

• Junior/Senior High School Nurse Sue Horne, RN, 518-882-1033 x 4801

• Joseph Henry Elementary Nurse Erica Rose, LPN, 518-882-1033 x 4242

• Confidential Fax: 518-882-1099

Attendance

When you expect your child will be sick and cannot attend school, you should utilize either the ParentSquare app or SchoolDismissal Manager app. If you can’t access the apps or they are not working, you may call the appropriate health office:

Junior/Senior High School Attendance Office 518-882-1033 x 4801

Joseph Henry Elementary School Attendance Office 518-882-1033 x 4242

If you have reported your child’s absence via ParentSquare, SchoolDismissal Manager, or by phone, a note for the absence is not needed.

If your child is arriving late or leaving early, you may use the apps above as well, and no note is needed.

Legal absences are defined in our handbook.

Health and Dental Examination Requirements

New York State law requires a health examination for all students entering the school district for the first time and when entering grades PreK or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The examination must be completed by a NYS licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

A dental certificate that states your child has been seen by a dentist or dental hygienist is also asked for at the same time. The school will provide you with a list of dentists and registered dental hygienists who offer dental services on a free or reduced cost basis if you ask for it.

• A copy of the health examination must be provided to the school within 30 days from when your child first starts at the school and when your child starts PreK or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. If a copy is not given to the school within 30 days, the school will contact you.
• If your child has an appointment for an exam during this school year that is after the first 30 days of school, please notify the Health Office with the date.
• Communication between private and school health staff is important for safe and effective care at school. Your healthcare provider may not share health information with school health staff without your signed permission. Please talk to your provider about signing their consent form for the school at the time of your child’s appointment for the examination.

We suggest you make copies of the completed forms for your own records before sending them to the school health office. Forms may also be faxed to the school health office at 518-882-1099.

Health Screenings

The Health Office supports students’ academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way we provide care for your child is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York. Screenings will not be done if adequate screening results have been provided on a Health Examination Form from a licensed medical provider.

During this school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school:

Vision

• Distance and near acuity for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11
• 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, 5, 7, and 11

Scoliosis

• Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all girls in grades 5 and 7, and boys in grade 9

These screenings will be completed by the end of the school year. Referrals for further evaluation are made if there is a deviation from normal. Contact the health office if you have any questions.

Please scroll down for important forms and links.