The health and well being of all our students at Albany Elementary is our main concern. The health clinic is staffed by a registered nurse from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have a two bed clinic. A typical day includes caring for tummy aches, minor scrapes, head bumps, and "boo boos." Students are sent home for a temperature above 99.6 degrees, diarrhea, vomiting, pink eye, and lice. Medication is administered at lunch, before P.E./recess, and on an as needed basis. We have several students who require inhalers and nebulizer treatments at school.

Health records are maintained on all students. Records include information on immunizations, height, weight, allergies, illnesses, fluoride participation, as well as vision and dental screenings. Physicals are recommended for all students in kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grades.

At the start of each school year, parents fill out a student health information sheet. Information is compiled and a confidential health list is distributed to staff.

Immunizations are a very important part of the student health record. Indiana State Law requires that when a child enrolls in a school corporation for the first time or any subsequent time and at any level, parents must show either that he/she has been immunized or that a current religious or medical objection is on file. Immunization requirements are as follows:

2010-11 INDIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

MINIMUM IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL ENTRY

Kindergarten

 

5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are acceptable if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the 3rd dose).

• 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV. The 4th dose must be administered on or after the 4th birthday, and at least 6 months after the previous dose. (3 doses of all OPV or all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday, and at least 6 months after the 2nd dose).

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be given on or after 24 weeks of age and no earlier than 16 weeks after the 1st dose).

• 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday. • 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday and separated by 3 months or physician written documentation of history of chickenpox disease, including month and year of disease.

 

 

Grade 1

5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are acceptable if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the 3rd dose).

• 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV by age 4-6 (3 doses of all OPV or all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday).

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24

• 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday or physician written documentation of history of chickenpox disease, including month and year of disease.

 

 

Grades 2-5

5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are acceptable if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the 3rd dose).

• 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV by age 4-6 (3 doses of all OPV or all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday).

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24 weeks of age).

• 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.

• 1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday or written history of disease. Parental history of chickenpox disease is acceptable proof of immunity. A signed written statement from the parent/guardian indicating month and year of disease is sufficient.

 

There are several screenings required by Indiana State Law. All first grade students are given a Modified Clinical Technique vision screening at school by a local optometrist. Third grade students are given a vision screening by the school nurse. In addition, all students new to the school corporation or students referred by staff or parents are given a vision screening by the school nurse. Any student failing any screening is referred for further evaluation.

Third grade students are given a school dental inspection by a local dentist. This consists of a quick visual exam that screens for decay, gum disease, poor brushing habits, or need of professional cleaning, orthodontia, or space maintainer. A report is sent home to parents that indicates whether dental care is needed. It is recommended that your family dentist be visited every six months for a complete dental examination and necessary care.

First through fifth grade students are able to participate in a fluoride mouth rinse program. The fluoride is given once a week and students swish the fluoride for one minute and may not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterward. All students who participate receive a free toothbrush. The cost of the program is free due to funding by our P.T.O.

Fourth grade students participate in the American Red Cross B.A.T. (Basic Aid Training) Program. This is a wonderful program that covers what to do in an emergency, where and how to get help, recue breathing, choking, poisons, wounds and fire safety.

Fifth grade students go to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center in Indianapolis for a program called "Life Begins." This program addresses the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty and the miracle of life. A follow up talk is held at school to discuss the importance of hygiene and to give students the opportunity to ask questions. This program recognizes the role of the parents in being the primary educators and encourages you to talk open and freely with your child to aid in this learning process.

Students are encouraged to participate in Red Ribbon Week which takes place in October.. Various activities are planned to help send a drug free message to students. All students are given a red ribbon or bracelet to wear for the week to show their drug free spirit.

Staff well being is important also. Flu shots are offered to the staff. Staff may stop in for blood pressure screenings at their convenience. All staff are given a Universal Precaution Kit at the beginning of each school year. A CPR class is offered periodically to train interested staff. Several staff members have participated and are certified in infant, child, and adult CPR, as well as the Heimlich maneuver. Serveral staff members have also been trained to use the A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrallator)

Parents are always welcome to call with any concerns or questions that they may have. It is a pleasure to be at Albany Elementary caring for the students!

Yours in good health,

Jan Smoot

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Albany Elementary School
700 W State Albany
765-789-6102