Health Services

Pleasant Avenue
Ashley Valik, Licensed Practical Nurse
Phone: (518) 762-8216

Warren Street
Deborah Ruggeri, Licensed Practical Nurse
Phone: (518) 762-3715

Knox Middle School
Bobbi Jo Senzio, Licensed Practical Nurse
Phone: (518) 762-3711

Johnstown High School
Stephanie Ellsworth, Registered Professional Nurse
Phone: (518) 762-4663

COVID Resources

Medications

The school’s nursing personnel may administer medication to a student during school hours under certain conditions. (For the purpose of this policy “medication” includes prescription and non-prescription). Per New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements, the school must receive the following before medication is given to a student:

  1. The original written order from the student’s physician stating the name of the medication, precise dosage, frequency and time of administration;
  2. A written, signed consent from the student’s parent or legal guardian requesting the administration of the medication, as prescribed by the physician, to the student in school; and
  3. The medication, properly labeled in its original container, must be delivered to the School Health Office by the student’s parent or legal guardian. (The term “properly labeled” in the context of this policy means that the container must include the following information: the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, frequency and prescribing physician).

A student is not permitted to carry any medication on his/her person in school, or on the school bus, or keep any medication in his/her school locker(s). An exception to this policy may apply for a student’s asthma inhaler or epi-pen which a student may carry and use under certain conditions. Please contact the School Health Office for more information.

Physicals

New York State law requires that all new entrants and all students entering grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 have a satisfactory health examination conducted by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner within 12 months prior to the commencement of the school year. Documentation must be provided to the school within 30 days of entry or commencing the grade levels indicated above. In addition, a certificate of physical fitness is required for all athletes prior to their first sport of the school year and for all students who need work permits. The physical examination record form your health care provider must complete is available through the  New York State Center for School Health (NYSCSH) website.

Vaccinations

Please visit the New York State Department of Health website for immunization requirements.

Vision, Hearing & Scoliosis Screenings

  • Vision screening is required within 6 months of admission to school and in grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Hearing screening is required within 6 months of admission to school and in grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Scoliosis screening is required for girls in grades 5 and 7 and for boys in grade 9.

Influenza Information

New York State Public Health Law Section 613 requires that schools post influenza educational material. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to refer to guidelines from our school district nurses below; read the NYSDOH Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents (PDF); or visit the NYS Dept of Health website.

Flu Guidelines

As important as regular attendance is for your child’s  education, his/her health and the health of our school community remain the priority. Please be sure to keep sick children home until they are well. Children should not come to school if:

  • They are vomiting
  • They have diarrhea
  • They have a fever – please wait until they have been fever free with no medication for 24 hours before sending them back to school.

REMEMBER:

  • Wash hands with soap and water to get rid of germs
  • Blow your nose with a tissue, then throw it away and immediately wash your hands
  • Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Try not to rub your eyes or your nose

Concussions & Heat Related Illnesses

Please visit our Concussions & Heat Related Illnesses page for pertinent information.

Health Department Survey – BMI/Weight Status

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or “BMI.” The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of this survey, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help Health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please complete this opt-out letter and return it to the main office at your child’s school building.