Health Office
Dear Parents/Guardians,
New York State Education Law requires a health examination for all students when entering Pre-K or K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th , and 11th grade or entering the school district for the first time.
The examination must be completed by a New York State licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and on the approved NYSED Student Health Examination Form for School. Beginning on 1/31/21, schools cannot accept the health exam if it is not on the required form or the required health record equivalent. The required form is attached and can also be found on the school website.
A dental certificate which 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 K , 1st , 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, & 11th grades. 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 or emailed to the number/address below.
Due to Covid, many students have not seen a private medical provider in two years or more. The District Medical Director, William Maliha MD advises that it is important that a child/student has a relationship with a private medical provider as they best can help to assess and guide a child's health and emotional well being during these important formative years. Dr. Maliha recommends that you make a reasonable effort to get this important health assessment before the school year commences.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisajane Kappler
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Forms
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (SCA) IN YOUTH
The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act is a new law as of July 1, 2022.
This law requires schools, students, and parents/guardians have information on sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs, and symptoms. Please note that sudden cardiac arrest in children and youth is rare. The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) on the playing field is 0.61 in
100,000. 1 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops
working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately, and even with treatment death may occur. Immediate treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all school athletic events.
Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life 1 . Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help them
know if your child is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Ask your child if they are having any of the symptoms listed below and tell a healthcare provider. Know your family history and tell a
healthcare provider of any risk factors listed below.
The signs or symptoms are:
- Fainting or seizure, especially during or right after exercise or with excitement or startled
- Racing heart, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue with exercise
- Chest pain or discomfort with exercise
- Excessive shortness of breath during exercise
- Excessive, unexpected fatigue during or after exercise
Student’s Personal Risk Factors are:
- Use of diet pills, performance-enhancing supplements, energy drinks, or drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, or “recreational” drugs.
- Elevated blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of health care provider ordered test(s) for heart related issues
Student’s Family History Risk Factors are:
- Family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before 50 years of age
- Family members with unexplained fainting, seizures, drowning, near drowning or car accidents before 50 years of age
- Structural heart abnormality, repaired or unrepaired
- Any relative diagnosed with the following conditions:
- Enlarged Heart/ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy/Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Click here for more information on SCA