Welcome to Susie Gibson Science and Technology Center 2020-21 School Year
Attention Rising 12 th Graders:
Parents of rising 7th and 12th Grade Students:
Important Changes to School Health Entrance Requirements:
Each parent or guardian is responsible for providing written proof from a healthcare provider that documents their child's age-appropriate immunizations(s). This will include the prescribed number of doses of vaccine(s) and administration dates. All students enrolled in Bedford County Public Schools must provide this information, regardless of whether participating in person or with remote learning. Vaccines must be administered as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and must be administered within time and age requirements (VDH School Requirements: Immunization).
Children vaccinated in accordance with either the current harmonized schedule or the harmonized catch-up schedules (including meeting all minimum age and interval requirements) are considered to be appropriately immunized for school attendance.
To align with current recommendations, the General Assembly passed HB 2215 that changes the grade in which students receive tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine from the sixth to the seventh grade. A routine adolescent booster dose of Tdap should not be administered to students younger than 11 years of age. However, students who received a Tdap immunization at age ten will not need another Tdap vaccine to enter seventh grade.
This legislation amends the Code of Virginia § 32.1-46.A.4 so that it will require:
“A minimum of three or more properly spaced doses of acellular pertussis vaccine. One dose shall be administered on or after the fourth birthday. A booster dose shall be administered prior to entry into the seventh grade.”
Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.
If your child has NOT had these booster vaccines you must provide the proper documentation prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year for these immunizations. Phone calls or notes from parents are not acceptable forms of meeting this requirement. To avoid delay in getting your child’s schedule please make every effort to meet this requirement by providing the school with one of the following by July 15, 2021:
- Proof of having the booster vaccines.
- A notarized religious exemption form with a raised seal or registration number.
- Medical exemption form signed by your physician indicating temporary or permanent exemption on the Virginia School Entrance Health Form.
The school division may exclude your child from school attendance if this requirement is not met. Teacher assignment or class schedules will not be released until this health information is provided to the school and verified. If you need a copy of your child’s current school immunization record, please request a copy from the nurse and one will be provided within three business days. It is strongly suggested you discuss these changes with your health care provider in order to schedule your child soon to meet this school health requirement. Thank you for your prompt attention to this requirement.
Meningococcal_Quick_Facts_2.docx
We look forward to seeing everyone and having a healthy school year. We can only achieve this by attending school when we are well and staying home when we are sick.
Please use the infographic below to assess whether your child should attend classes.
Health Documents, Forms and Information Click Here
Ever wonder if you have seasonal allergies, cold, flu or Covid-19? Maybe this can help you decide:
Spring is here! This is a gentle reminder the clinic does not provide antihistamine for seasonal allergies.
Scoliosis Information for Parents
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SCHOOL NURSE HEALTH NEWS
HEALTHY TEENS MAKE GREAT STUDENTS!!!
NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
If you need a medication permission form or health care plan for your child for next school year, you can get them now. You must have new permission forms signed each year. Please make every effort to take care of any needs your child may have BEFORE the first day of school. Parents of diabetic students should meet with School Nurse and provide medications, physician orders and supplies during the week prior to school start date. Permission to dispense medication forms and other health information are available on the BCPS web page under School Nursing Services or contact your school nurse.
Important clinic information
Medical and Emergency Concerns
If your child has a history of asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, food or bee sting allergy, or any other health issue, please contact the school nurse. It is important that you fill out the required permission forms/health care plans so that we can assist your child with any medical needs that may arise during the school year.
Medication - Rules and Procedures
Please note the procedure regarding the administration of medication during the school day. This policy has been set forth by Bedford County Schools for the safety of your child:
· Acetaminophen pain reliever and emergency use antihistamine are available in the clinic for occasional student use. The appropriate Bedford county form must be signed. A parent will be notified if Acetaminophen is given more than twice in one week.
· Any over the counter medication must be accompanied with the appropriate Bedford County form. In addition, it must be in the original container. Dosage instructions on the label will be followed.
· Hand written notes and/or phone requests by a parent regarding medication cannot be honored.
· Prescription medication requires a signed permission form from the physician as well as parent. These must be on the appropriate Bedford county form. Medication must be in the original pharmacy container (ask the pharmacist for a small labeled container for the school). Any changes in prescription medication dosage must have a physician order. Each medication requires its own medication form.
· Asthmatics may carry and self-administer inhalers if the proper paperwork is filled out along with a doctor’s signature. All inhalers must be properly labeled. *NEW* ALL INHALERS NEED TO HAVE A SPACER. IN ADDITION, NO NEBULIZER TREATMENTS WILL BE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL AT THIS TIME.
· Please do not send medication to school with your child. It is preferred that a parent or guardian bring medication to school.
· Medication must be picked up at the end of the school year; any medication not picked up will be discarded.
Immunizations
Review of all health records will be completed to verify that all students are properly immunized. Parents/Guardians will be notified if any documentation is missing.
Medical Insurance
If your child needs medical insurance, the children’s health insurance called FAMIS may be available to assist you and your family. Please contact school nurse for more information.
Sickness
A fever is a temperature of 100 degrees or more. Your child needs to be fever free without medication or administered antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.
Student Wellness Policy
Bedford County Public Schools recognizes the link between student health and learning. The division desires to provide a school health policy promoting good nutrition, physical activity and wellness. A revision of the Student Wellness policy was completed in May 2018. You can visit the BCPS website to review the goals that have been established to promote student wellness. (Please note changes of particular importance regarding the goals for Curriculum and Instruction. See Healthy Snack Food list under forms and information at top of this page.)
Important Miscellaneous info
The clinic is a safe Zone for discussion of any health concerns a student may have. Students are asked to NOT USE CELL PHONES to call parent if not feeling well or feel the need to go home. Students should ask a teacher to come to the clinic. The nurse will call parent as needed.
Caredox
Don't forget to enroll your child in Caredox which is Bedford County's electronic medical documentation program. This will allow you to receive notification of your child's clinic visit electronically by email. (See Health Documents, Forms and information at top of page. Click on Caredox link for information regarding how to sign up.)
I am happy to assist with your child's educational experience! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health needs, please contact me at 540-586-3933 or 540-586-1270. You may also refer to the Family Handbook