Health
Health
Health Office
The Health Office promotes and protects the health of MCE students through a positive, constructive school heath program. Near the beginning of the school year, you will be asked to complete Emergency Contact cards and provide any pertinent medical information (e.g., allergies). It is imperative that school staff be able to reach you or your contact if necessary and that they be kept apprised of any pertinent medical information concerning your child. Please be sure to advise the Health Office of any changes in your child’s emergency contact/medical information that may occur during the school year.
Absences Due to Illness
Please call the 24 hr. attendance line at (585) 267-1409 before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.
- If you are not sure about sending your child to school please call the health office (585) 267-1440
*When To Keep your Child Home*
- A fever of 100.4F /38C or greater
- Has had a fever of 100.4 F /38C or greater in the last 24 hours
- Has vomited in the last 24 hours
- Has had diarrhea in the last 24 hours
- Has a runny nose/nasal congestion that is difficult for your child to manage
- Has a persistent cough that is difficult for your child to manage
- Has been on medication for an infection for less than 24 hours (exception is Strep Throat. This only requires 12 hours of antibiotics)
- Students must be free from diarrhea and/or vomiting and/or fever (temperature should less than 100.4F/38C ) without taking medication for a full 24 hours before returning.
Allergies
It is very important that you inform us about your child's allergies and reaction to the allergen. Students with Food /Insect /latex/ or any other allergy requiring the use of an Epi pen must have an emergency care plan/Doctor's orders provided to the Health Office. Documents are only valid for the current school year. The emergency care plan/Provider's orders must be updated every school year.
Animals
Due to safety concerns regarding the possibility of contracting salmonella or other infectious diseases from certain animals, the district has developed guidelines on the instructional use of animals in the schools (available in the Main Office). Parents will be notified in advance if students will be coming in contact with live animals during school hours (e.g., during science instruction, on a field trip, or by being exposed to classroom pets or animals that are being brought in to visit the school). In each case, your child’s classroom teacher will instruct the class on the appropriate handling of the animals and on the required hand-washing procedures. All animals that are brought into the school must have appropriate documentation of vaccinations and health certificates and must be approved by the Principal.
Because of their increased susceptibility to diseases, we recommend that children who are immunocompromised (e.g., children with cancer, HIV, organ transplants, or other diseases/conditions that suppress the immune system), or who are on immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., steroids or those used in chemotherapy) do not handle any animals in school.
If your child is immunocompromised, has an animal allergy, or has other issues relating to animals, please contact the classroom teacher or School Nurse Teacher.
Classroom Parties/VIP Days/Birthdays
Birthday Parties and VIP Days are celebrated within the classrooms in a variety of ways. We do not use food items to celebrate birthdays/VIP days. Please talk with your child’s teacher if you would like to recognize this special day in an alternative way. In accordance with our District Wellness Policy, teachers will work with parents in providing a balance of healthy foods for classroom parties. Foods provided for parties should be prepared in accordance with the District Food Policy. All food brought into school must be store- bought with ingredients label intact.
Illness while at School
We will contact you if your child becomes ill during school hours. Please assure that we have your most current contact information. If your information has changed please let us know. If you cannot be reached, we will notify your emergency contact person.
Immunizations
Immunizations must be up to date within 14 days of starting school. NYS required Immunization
Medications
Medication administered at school, Prescription and/or over-the-counter medications for example Ibuprofen, Tylenol, cough drops, topical ointment. require a signed note from the parent/guardian and your child's Doctor. The Doctor's note must have administration instructions. Doctor's orders/notes can be faxed to the Health Office at (585) 218-1441. Per New York State law, your child’s own supply of medication must be in the original container. All medication must be delivered to school by an adult. Students are not allowed to carry medication to school, be it prescription or over the counter.
Physicals and Screenings
Physicals completed by a doctor are required for new students and all students entering Kindergarten, 1,3,5 New York State requires they be on file in the Health Office within 30 days of the new school year or admittance to school for new students. Vision/Hearing and Height and Weight screenings are performed yearly in the school for grades K-5 on new students. Fifth grade girls are screened for scoliosis. You will be notified if there are any concerns about screening results.
Physical Education Excuses
All students are expected to participate in physical education classes. Gym excuses should be submitted in writing to the School Nurse. A physician’s statement is required if your child will miss two or more physical education classes, or will have limitations due to illness or injury. A student who has been excused from physical education will not be permitted to participate recess or after-school sport activities (e.g., roller skating) until they resume regular participation in the physical education program.