Welcome to the Kingston Intermediate School Health Web Page 

School Entry Requirements

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all children be immunized.  The only exception that can be made to this requirement is for religious or medical reasons.  If a religious or medical exemption is required the school needs written documentation from parent/guardian regarding exemption for religious reasons and a note from a physician regarding medical exemptions.
        An annual Physical examination is recommended for every student.  All students in fourth grade must have a current physical examination on file in the nurse’s office.

State Mandated Annual Screenings

In Compliance with The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, vision screening will be done on all students in grade 3-5.  Hearing will be tested on students in grade three. Height, weight, and BMI are obtained on all students in grade 4.  Postural screening will be obtained on students in grades 5 and 6.  Privacy and confidentiality is always ensured with health screenings.  You must notify the School Nurse in writing if you do not want your child to participate.

Medications

        Students may receive first aid and medication, within the restrictions imposed by the standing orders authorized by the school physician, for injury or illness occurring during school hours.  As always, I am cautious in giving out medications and will try other natural remedies first.  A parent inventory health form is sent out at the beginning of each school year.  On this form you will find medications including; Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol, and cough/throat lozenges.  A parent/guardian signature on this form will indicate if your child is eligible to receive any of these medications.
        If your child needs any prescription medication (long-term, short-term, or on an as needed basis), the nurse must have a doctor’s order.  This form is available in the health office or your child’s physician may use his/her own form.  If your child is currently taking medication that should be taken at school, please bring in the medication and a picture of your child as soon as possible.  This is especially important if your child uses an inhaler or has emergency medication such as an Epipen.  An adult must deliver all medications to the school nurse in a pharmacy labeled bottle.  Children should not carry medication.

Sick Days

The following guidelines should be used in determining attendance at school. 
Keep your child home if:

• Has been vomiting during the night
• Has diarrhea
• Has a full-blown cold with sneezing, coughing, persistent runny nose
• Has an oral temperature of 100 degrees or higher
• Has pink bloodshot eyes with yellow or green discharge
• Has just begun antibiotics.  Any child with a contagious condition, such as strep throat, must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before they return to school.
• Your child has a contagious illness such as Strep Throat, Flu or Chicken Pox.

Please, as always feel free to contact me with any health related matters or questions.  The number of the nurse’s office is 781-585-0673.

Best regards,

Nicole Dickinson, RN, BSN