Bonnie Walsh RN, NCSN
Hours: 8AM - 3:15PM | Monday-Friday
[email protected]
Telephone: 617.349.6577 x7944218
Fax: 617.349.3173
School Health Requirements:
Physical Examinations
A complete physical examination (done within one year of school entry) is required of all children new to the Cambridge Public Schools as well as those children entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 4th, 7th, and 9th grade.
For Pre-K or Kindergarten Entry: Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines (105 CMR 460.050) requires documentation of a blood lead level test and result. A previous result will be accepted so please be sure to ask your child’s provider to include this on the most recent health record.
School Immunizations
Immunization requirements are outlined by the School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts. This law also allows for the school district to exclude any child from school whose immunizations are not up to date. Immunizations are reviewed by the School Nurse. In the event of missing or incorrect information, it is important to address the error/omission so that your child may attend school.
Immunization requirements for Massachusetts Public Schools: Health Requirements
Medication at school
Whenever possible, it is preferred that medications be administered at home. If a medication must be administered at school, either daily or as needed, the medication must be brought to school in its original container with a pharmacy slip attached. In addition, permission from a guardian and the student’s doctor is required.
Download the Medicine Consent Form >>
Illnesses/Injuries
If your child has any health issues including asthma, allergies, chronic illness, or any medical condition that may impact learning or require school intervention please update the nurse. Similarly, update the nurse if your student has any orthopedic injuries that will require accommodations at school.
Illness guidelines
It is a delicate balance between keeping your child home due to illness and combating learning loss due to increased absences. Please reach out to the school nurse if you have questions or concerns or would like guidance on your decisions to keep a student home from school.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she has the following:
- Diarrhea (frequent loose stool), or vomiting (throwing up) due to stomach bugs. In this case, students must be 24 hour vomit free before returning to school.
- A temperature of 100 F (37.7 C) or above. Keep your child home from school until her/his temperature has been normal for 24 hours without taking medication.
- Any uncontrolled health issue (pain, cough, etc) that keeps your child from learning and taking part in school activities
Screenings
Health screenings will be done throughout the school year. These screenings are mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Health. If you do not want your child to participate, please notify the nurse in writing.
Vision & Hearing
Vision is tested in the year of school entry, grades Kindergarten - 5th, grade 7 and grade 9. Hearing is tested in the year of school entry, grades Kindergarten - 3rd, grade 7 and grade 9. In the event that hearing or vision needs are detected, notices are sent to parents or guardians.
Postural Screening
The State of Massachusetts mandates that all students in grades 5 through 9 be screened for scoliosis, or curved spine.
Height & Weight
Height and weight are measured in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. Height and weight measurements are used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Information is kept confidential.