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Health Services
Screenings Required by Virginia Law
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Vision and hearing: Screenings are required for students in grades Kindergarten, 3, 7 and 10. First Step and out of state transfers
will be screened if no documentation is provided on physicals.
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Scoliosis: Parents can request screening from the school nurse for grades 5 - 10.
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Speech, Voice, and Language; and Fine and Gross Motor Functions: All new students through 3rd grade are screened to determine
if a referral for an evaluation for special education and related services is indicated.
All other screenings below are part of the Health Services program, but not required by Virginia Law
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Dental: Grades 3, 7, and 10. Kindergarten, if no documentation.
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Height and weight: Grades 3, 5, 7 & 10
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Blood pressures: Grades 5, 7, and 10
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If parents do not wish their child to participate in any part of the health screening programs, they must send a written request
to the principal of the child's school.
In accordance with Virginia State law, parents of students in grades five through ten must be provided facts about scoliosis.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature or turning of the spine. It affects 2-3% of the population or an estimated 600,000 people in the
United States. If left untreated, it can progress to a serious problem, causing back pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine. It may
lead to disk disease or sciatica. It can also threaten the psychological well-being of a young adult when there is an obvious deformity.
Although scoliosis may result from an injury, a birth defect, or a crippling disease, 90% of cases are from unknown causes. It may run
in families and affects girls seven times more often than boys. It most frequently develops during the growth spurt between ages 10
and 15 but can also develop or progress later in life. Early detection and intervention may prevent further structural deformity and
resulting secondary problems. Since the development of scoliosis is gradual and usually painless, scoliosis may develop without the
parent or child being aware. It is important for parents to monitor their child's development during these growing years. The signs of
scoliosis may include uneven shoulders, a shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, uneven waistline, one hip
higher than the other, and/or a leaning to one side. If you have concerns about your child's spinal health, contact your school nurse
or your doctor.
Medical Concerns: If your child has medical concerns please speak with the school nurse.
Emergency Contact Phone Numbers:
Children with illnesses, high fevers or injuries require Health Services to contact the parent or guardian. Please update phone numbers
for parents, guardians, and emergency contacts through ParentVue. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 may be called and your
student may be transported to an area hospital. We will attempt to notify parents/guardians before sending their child to the hospital. If
we are unable to contact parents/guardians before, they will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. In most cases, parents are
responsible for the costs incurred.
Medications
Parents should ask the doctor to schedule medication doses other than during school hours. When this is not possible, the school will
cooperate with parents to see the medication is given as prescribed. Below you will find the Newport News Schools policy that
must be followed if your child is to be given medication during school hours.
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All medication, prescription and non-prescription (over the counter) can only be administered at school, with a physician's order.
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Parents should not send over-the-counter medication to school and request it be dispensed.
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Students must not transport medications to and from school.
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Medications must be brought to school by parents or a guardian in properly labeled, original prescription bottle or container.
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Written orders from the physician must detail the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval medication is to be taken.
Orders are valid for one school year. Forms are available from the school nurse and online.
http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/healthservices/medications.html
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School nurses will contact prescribing physicians as necessary to clarify orders.
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Parents may request students carry their medication. Each case is reviewed separately and approval is necessary. Contact the
school nurse for required forms.
Public elementary and secondary school students; topical sunscreen. Permits any public elementary or secondary school student
to possess and use unscented topical sunscreen in its original packaging on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored
event without a note or prescription from a licensed health care professional if the topical sunscreen is approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration for nonprescription use for the purpose of limiting damage to skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.
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