The Conard High School Health Office is staffed by Mary Andrews  and Beth Vossler.  Please feel free to call them with any questions, concerns, or medical updates regarding your student. The number for the the Health Office is 231-5035.  The fax number is 521-6699.  

 GOALS OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PLAN

• Assure access to primary health care

• Provide a system for dealing with crisis medical situations

• Provide mandated health assessments and immunization monitoring

• Provide systems for identification and solution of students’ health and educational problems

• Provide comprehensive and appropriate health education

• Provide a healthful and safe school environment that facilitates learning

• Provide a system of evaluation of the effectiveness of the school health program
   

EXPANDING ON THE SCHOOL’S HEALTH PLAN

1. Primary Health Care

The school nurse in West Hartford has traditionally assured access to primary health care by developing and maintaining links with community agencies. The school nurse has information regarding the Husky Health Plan for families that do not have insurance.

*Click here to visit the State of Connecticut Husky website: www.huskyhealth.com

2. Crisis Medical Situations

The school nurse in West Hartford develops a system of efficient and expert handling of emergency and crisis medical situations. The nurses work with an Emergency Response Team within the school building to develop a plan of action for emergency medical situations.

3. Mandated Health Assessments and Immunizations

In accordance with Connecticut State Law and Town of West Hartford policy, a health assessment is required prior to public school enrollment, and in grades 3, 6, and 10. A physical examination includes hematocrit or hemoglobin tests, height, weight and blood pressure, and updating of immunizations as recommended, vision, hearing, speech and gross dental screenings. The assessment shall also include tests for tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia, Cooley’s anemia and tests for lead levels in the blood if such tests are necessary. The health assessment information must be on the State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record.

  Click here for blue State of CT Health Assessment Record form

Immunizations required:

• DTP: at least 4 doses with the last dose given after the 4th birthday

• A booster is recommended after 10 years

• Polio: at least 4 doses with the last dose given after the 4th birthday

• MR.: 2 doses 

• HepB: 3 doses

• Varicella vaccine :

• For students <13 years of age, 1 dose on or after 1st birthday
  For students 13 years of age or older, 2 doses given at least 4 weeks apart
                                                                  or

• Varicella Disease: Confirmation in writing by a MD that a child has previous history of the disease

  NEW STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Students entering West Hartford schools from another state or country must have a physical dated within 1 year of entry into West Hartford Schools and recorded on the blue state of CT. Health Assessment Record form. If the student is from another country, the physical and immunization information must be completed by a CT licensed health care provider.

Students entering West Hartford schools from another country must also have a PPD test for tuberculosis.

Information on clinics and the Health Department may be obtained from the school nurse.

4. Identification and solution of students’ health and education problems

The school nurse in West Hartford is considered a member of the child’s education team. She participates in Strategy meetings, PPT meetings, develops Nursing Care Plans for children with health needs, administers medications and performs specialized health care procedures as ordered by the child’s health care provider.

5. Comprehensive and appropriate health education

The school nurse in West Hartford acts as a resource person for the classroom staff who teach health topics. The nurse may be invited to present information to the class on health and wellness topics. The school nurse does individual health education for children with identified medical conditions. This may include the proper use of prescribed medications, and identification of signs and symptoms to report to their health care provider. The nurse consults as needed with classroom staff so they can be knowledgeable about a child’s specific needs.

6. Provides safe and healthful school environment

The school nurse in West Hartford provides care for children who may become ill or injured at school. The nurse monitors trends to identify areas that pose risk of injury or illness to students. The nurse maintains communication with the family of students to assure students maintain optimal health status. School nurses are members of the Health and Safety Committee.

7. Provide a system of evaluation of effectiveness of school health program

In West Hartford the school nurse maintains accurate records of care given. The nurse works on an on going system of evaluating the effectiveness of the health care program.

 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

        Medical Alert Notification

In order to best meet your child’s health and educational needs in school it is requested that a parent/ guardian inform the school nurse of any health related issues in school, change in medications, etc. The school staff working with your child will be notified in a confidential manner of only specific health issues that may affect them in class. Please also notify the school of any change in emergency contact numbers.

Medication Administration in School 

States law and regulations pertaining to administration of medications in school requires an Authorization Of Medication By School Personnel form be completed by a doctor, dentist, or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The form must also be signed by a parent/guardian. Medication must be brought to the nurse in the original labeled container with no more than a 45 day supply.
Click here for the Authorization of Medication by School Personnel form

High School students may carry their own asthma inhalers with the completed Authorization for Self Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication form on file in the nurse’s office. No other medication may be self-carried including Epipens.
Click here for the Authorization for Self Administration of Inhaled Asthma
Medication form

  ILL CHILD POLICY

Regular school attendance is necessary for optimal learning. However, a mere presence at school does not ensure effective learning. A child must be feeling well in order to maximize the learning experience. In addition, a child who is sick and comes to school may spread the illness to other students and staff. It is recommended that a child remain home if any of the following conditions are present:

Temperature of 100 degrees or higher
The need for medication i.e.; Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve to keep the temperature below 100 degrees.
Vomiting and /or diarrhea with a loss of appetite and /or fever.
A rash that is itchy and spreading and of unknown causes. The child may return to school after an evaluation  by the health care provider.
Acute pain that requires narcotic medication for relief.

  STATE MANDATED SCHOOL SCREENINGS for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The school nurse will perform vision and scoliosis screenings on all ninth graders. Referral forms will be mailed home for any student that does not pass the screenings.

SPORT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Every student athlete must submit an annual yellow West Hartford Public Schools Athletic Department Student-Athlete Form.  The form must be submitted to the school nurse who will medically clear the student for athletics.  NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS UNTIL MEDICALLY CLEARED BY THE SCHOOL NURSE.

Click here to link to the Athletic Home Page for the Athlete Physical Form
PLEASE NOTE: If your medical insurance does not cover a physical every year you may have your physician complete the yellow Athletic Physical form with the date of the last physical.  The physician needs to also complete the line above stating that the student is eligible to participate in sports for the current school year.

FREE SPORT PHYSICALS ARE CONDUCTED BY THE SCHOOL MEDICAL ADVISOR OR HIS ASSOCIATE BEFORE THE START OF EACH SEASON i.e.; summer, winter and spring.  The specific dates of the physicals are listed on the athletic department's web page or you may contact the school nurse for more information.

PLEASE NOTE:  A sports physical form does not meet the requirements of a 10th grade physical.  Tenth grade students are required to submit a State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record which includes immunizations.