If a student needs to see the nurse during the school day, they must have a pass from their teacher. If they are too ill to stay in school, the nurse will call the parent/guardian and arrange for them to go home. A student cannot be dismissed without the permission of the nurse. Students are not allowed to call their parents directly or text them to go home sick.
Medication in School
If a student requires a prescription or over the counter medication during school hours, the policy is as follows:
- A parent/guardian and physician must complete an Authorization for Medication at School form for each medication that a student requires
- This must be completed before the medication can be administered
- The medication must be brought to the school nurse in the original prescription bottle or over the counter package properly labeled with the physician's name, child's name, drug, and dosing
Consent for Advil, Tylenol, and Tums can be given electronically on Skyward at the beginning of each school year when updating health and family information. A district email will be sent at the beginning of each school year when it is time to do so. These three medications are stocked in the Health Office. Students do not need to bring in their own supply.
In the event the nurse is not available, medications, either prescription or OTC, can only be given by the parent/guardian. Medication authorization forms must be completed each school year and are available below.
Physical Examinations
Physical examinations are required for all new students entering Ridgewood Public Schools and all students participating in an interscholastic or intramural sport. Physicals are given by the family physician and must be completed each year.
Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) forms are available below and in the Health Office. Most area pediatricians use this required NJ form when completing annual exams.
Physical Education Passes
A student can be excused from Physical Education for up to one week by giving the nurse a note from the parent/guardian. A doctor's note is required to be excused for more than a week. If a student is excused from P.E., they cannot participate in recess or interscholastic sports. P.E. passes are issued in the Health Office before school.
Health Concerns
If a student has a health concern such as Food Allergies or Asthma, the policy is as follows:
- A parent/guardian must complete the top portion of the Authorization for Medication consent form and sign the appropriate emergency action plan
- The treating physician must complete the appropriate emergency action plan
- The medication, either an inhaler, Epi-pen and/or anti-histamine should be brought to the school nurse in the original package
These forms are required for each school year. Emergency medications can not be accepted in the Health Office without the completion of these forms. They are available below.
HPV
Please click here to read about HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
Meningococcal Invasive Disease
Please click here to read about Meningococcal Invasive Disease.
Resources for students with no Medical Home/Insurance
Valley Hospital Community Health Clinic - immunizations and basic physical exams
schedule an appointment by calling 201-291-6337
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard - monthly clinic
233 South Highwood Avenue
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Valley Hospital's Community Care (Comprehensive health care-must follow intake financial protocol)
Contact: Betty Buechnerhee-Coordinator of Community Care Program
1114 Goffle Road
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
973-427-7676
Health Coverage
NJ Family Care
P.O. Box 4818
Trenton, NJ 08650-8955
1-800-701-0710
http://www.njfamilycare.org