Health & Attendance

The district is committed to providing students with the comprehensive education and support that meets their health and wellness needs. This commitment is reflected by our school nurses,  wellness policy,  health & physical education curricula, and ongoing attendance initiatives.

New York State is experiencing one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. Flu symptoms include a fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough. The flu is highly contagious. Orange County Health Commission Dr. Jean Hudson is urging parents, who suspect their child has the flu, to call your doctor and to keep the child home from school and childcare.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. The Center for Disease Control recommends everyone, over 6 months, should
get vaccinated.

   • Parent Letter from OC Health Commissioner
    • The Flu: A Guide for Parents
    • CDC Web Site - Visit Flu.Gov for information on
       symptoms, prevention tips, treatments and
       Vaccine Finder to find a location near you.
 

Automatic Phone Messages
When a student is absent from school, parents/guardians will receive a call from the automated school message system. Attendance calls go to the home phone number listed in the student records.
Absence Note:  A written excuse, signed by parent/guardian, should be presented by the student on the day her or she returns to school.

Excused vs Unexcused Absences
 

District Attendance Policy
Attendance is a critical factor for educational success. Regular attendance and punctuality will improve a student’s grades, enthusiasm for education, involvement in school activities, and social life. District Attendance Policy
 

Click here for tips to develop good attendance habits and strategies to encourage children to avoid missing school.
 

Parent's Guide to Common
Childhood Diseases - Click here for a helpful brochure from the Orange County Department of Health that outlines the symptoms of common childhood diseases & guidelines for returning to school.   

Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert
Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets are Harmful to Children

Children who are exposed to the chemicals in single-load liquid laundry packets are at risk of serious injury. Some of the chemicals in these laundry packets are toxic. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to lock up these laundry packets and keep them away from children.
Click here for more information.

New law addresses concussions in school sports and activities
Parents should be aware of the new state law that helps them, their children and school personnel recognize, prevent and treat concussions and head injuries.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a ding, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head, can be serious.

Most people who suffer a concussion do recover quickly, however, in more severe cases, a concussion can be fatal. Unlike a broken bone or a laceration, outward signs of a concussion can't be seen. By learning to identify the symptoms and danger signs (pdf), coaches, teachers and parents can help keep children safe. More information is available on the CDC Concussion Web Page.

IMMUNIZATIONS
New York State law requires all students to be immunized against polio, rubella, hepatitis B, diphtheria, mumps, and measles. Proof of immunization for new students must be presented for admission.

Pre-K children born on or after Jan. 1, 2000, and sixth graders born on or after Jan. 1, 1994, must be immunized for varicella unless parents can present proof of vaccination or a doctor's note verifying the date the child had the chicken pox disease. Students entering sixth grade, who are 11 years or older, must receive the Tdap vaccine.

Free immunizations available
All required shots are available from family doctors or at the free Orange County immunization clinic.
  150 Pike Street, Port Jervis  
  First Wednesday of every month
  9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  Appointments are required, 845-291-2369

DENTAL HEALTH
New York State requires that a Dental Health Certificate be distributed to students in grades K, 2, 4, 7, 10 and all new entrants. Parents are requested to return the completed form to the school nurse. 
Click here for a list of dentists who may provide free or reduced cost examinations.

SPORTS PHYSICALS
Students who do not have a physical will be considered ineligible for sports until they are cleared by the nursing staff. Athletes need to bring the required sports forms, signed by their parents, with them to the physical.

The sports forms can be downloaded below or obtained in advance from the Middle School or High School Health Offices. Questions can be directed to the PJHS Health Office, 858-3100, Ext. 11700, or the Athletic Office, 845-858-3100, Ext. 11880.

• District Health Form  (PDF)

• Athletic Interval Health Form (PDF)

• Athletic Health History Form  (PDF)

• Medical Insurance Form (PDF)

• Information Sheet for parents & athletes: Concussions-The Invisible Injury

 District Attendance Policy

 Excused vs
Unexcused Absences

 Build Habit of
Good Attendance
 

MORE INFORMATION
District Dignity Act Webpage
 
District Code of Conduct

District Policy: Dignity Act

NYSED Dignity Act Website

Fact Sheet:
Dignity for All Act

NYSED Brochure

RESOURCES
StopBullying.gov

Bullyingstatistics.org

Teensagainstbullying.org
 

• Dental Health Certificate

• District Health History Form

• District Health & Sports Physical Form

• Athletic Health History Form

• Medication
Release Form

• Medical
Insurance Form

• School Health Screenings

• District Wellness Policy

• Orange County
Health Department

• Community Health Outreach

• NY State  Department
of Health 

• Alcohol & Drug
Information