Student Health and School Nurse

Our school nurse, Nurse Claudia Debrosse, works with students to promote the health and well being of the Hill community. She provides emergency care, assessment and intervention with health issues, and medication administration. Certain health screenings are provided throughout the school year by grade level as well (i.e. vision screening, etc).

Parents should be sure to notify the school of any serious, chronic health problems, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc., so that appropriate attention may be given to a student.

Nurse Claudia is always available to discuss any health concerns you may have regarding your child so please do not hesitate to contact her at any time. Please be assured that your child's privacy is of our utmost concern.

Required Medical Form Due August 14, 2026

Please find the enclosed school medical forms that must be completed for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

The NYC Child and Adolescent Health Medical Examination Form must be completed and submitted to St. Joseph Hill Academy by August 14, 2026. Please contact your child's pediatrician to ensure this form is updated in a timely manner. Completed medical forms should be emailed to Nurse Claudia by August 14th at: [email protected]

In accordance with New York State law and our school handbook, all students must have current immunizations that comply with the most recent New York State Immunization Chart. Students who are not in compliance will be excluded from school attendance. No student will be permitted to attend the first day of school without up-to-date immunization records.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these important health and safety requirements.

Flu Vaccine Requirements for Pre-K

New York City requires the influenza (flu) vaccine for children ages 6 months through 59 months (almost 5 years old) who are enrolled in NYC-regulated childcare programs, which includes SJHA's Pre-K. These children must receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, unless they have a valid medical exemption.

For additional information on the immunization requirements, the Annual School Immunization Survey, and other school immunization resources, please visit the NYS Department of Health website at health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools.

Medications

If a student needs any kind of medication during the school day, the medication is to be brought to the school nurse and kept there. A written statement from the parent or guardian requesting administration of the medication in school as ordered by the licensed prescriber is required.

Medication must be presented in a properly labeled container. Prescription medication must be in the original container.

Medication should not be transported daily to and from school. Parents are advised to ask the pharmacist for two containers – one for home and one for school. The school may receive a written request from a parent or physician to permit a student to carry and self-administer his or her own medication. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to do so. Such a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis and will reflect the age and maturity of the child.

Guidelines for Students who are Sick or have the Flu

Please be vigilant and if a student feels sick keep them home and get them tested.

If a student tests positive for the flu, children are not to return to school until they are at least fever free for 48-72 hours, as they are still considered to be contagious for about a week.

If your child is diagnosed with the flu, they must not come to school until they are cleared by a doctor. Any student who comes to school sick or with a fever will be sent home to insure the health and well being of everyone.

All tests can be made up upon return. No student with pending flu tests may attend school until the results come back negative. They will require clearance from a doctor.

This also applies to students absent for 3 or more days. No student absent for 3 days (unless for bereavement) may return to school without a note from a doctor.

If your child does not have the flu, but has had a fever, they should not return to school until they are fever free for at least 24 hours (without fever reducing medication).

The same applies to vomiting and or/ “sensitive” stomach and bowel issues. Keep them home until you are certain they are fully recovered.

If they return to school and we are made aware that they are not within these guidelines, they will be sent home.

Take all precautions to prevent the spread of germs both at home and in school. Talk to your children and reinforce the idea that they must constantly wash their hands throughout the day, especially after they use the restrooms, both at school and at home.

We here at school will remind them as well. Upon return from school each day, their uniforms should be aired out and/or washed.

Additionally, we encourage them to use hand sanitizer between hand washings, within reason.