Health

For attendance in all grades, students need the following:

• Four doses of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) with one dose on/after age four
• Four doses of Polio, with the fourth dose after age four and at least six months after previous dose
• Two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Three doses of Hepatitis B 
• Two doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) or evidence of immunity (history of disease)

For attendance in Seventh Grade, students also need:

• One dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis)
• One dose of Meningitis (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine)

For attendance in 12th Grade, students also need:

• One additional dose of Meningitis (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine), given on/after age 16 

Pennsylvania requires the following health screenings for all students as outlined in the School Board Policy on Health Examinations and Screenings (No. 209).

Physical Exams

A medical examination is required for all students entering school for the first time and in grades six and eleven. It is preferable to have your family doctor examine your student, since they can provide immunizations, treatment and follow-up as needed. Return the Physical Form in English or Spanish or a print-out from your doctor to the school nurse. If your student does not have a physical examination performed by your doctor, physical examinations by a nurse practitioner will be offered at school. Written parent consent is required. 

Dental Exams

A dental examination is required for all children entering school for the first time and in grades three and seven. If you do not want your student evaluated by the dental hygienist at school and at no cost to you, please send a letter to your school nurse. You will then be responsible for having your family dentist complete the evaluations and returning the Dental Form to the school nurse.

Scoliosis Exams

A scoliosis examination is required for all students entering school for the first time and in grades six and seven. If you do not want your student evaluated for scoliosis at school, please send a letter to the school nurse. You will then be responsible for having your family doctor complete these evaluations. 

Other Health Screenings 

Other specific health screenings are also required as part of the mandated Public School Code. KCSD Nurses must provide parents/guardians with printed results of these screenings, as well as referrals for further evaluation by a medical professional as indicated:

• Growth Screening (Height, Weight, BMI) every year in grades K-12
• Hearing Screening in Grades K, one, two, three, seven & eleven
• Vision Screening every year in Grades K-12

Medications should be given at home whenever possible. Most medications can be given before or after school hours. 

However, written parent consent is required for nurses to administer all prescription and over-the-counter medication. Prescription medication also requires a written order from a licensed prescriber to be returned to the school nurse. 

Federally controlled medication such as ADHD prescriptions and narcotics must be transported to school by a parent or responsible adult and delivered directly to the nurse. All medication must be provided in the original packaging and locked in the nurse’s office. With the exception of emergency medications such as Insulin, Asthma Inhalers, and EpiPens, students are not permitted to carry any medication in school. 

For further information, refer to KCSD School Board Policies on the Use of Medication and Possession of Asthma Inhalers/Epinephrine Auto Injectors (No. 210 and No. 210.1) regarding the administration of medication in school.

An Individualized Health Plan (IHP) is a plan of care written by the Certified School Nurse for students whose mental and physical healthcare needs require more complex nursing services. The IHP outlines safety measures and interventions. A copy of the IHP is given to the child’s bus driver, cafeteria staff, teacher, counselor and principal. The IHP is revised each year and follows students through graduation, unless their medical condition resolves.

As a reminder, to ensure the wellbeing of all students, please contact your school nurse and keep your child home in case of illness or injury. Your school nurse will advise on their safe return.