EXCLUSION AND DISMISSAL CRITERIA FOR HEALTH OFFICE

The following is a list of criteria used to determine dismissal and exclusion from school for medical issues. Dismissals and exclusions of a medical nature are decided by the school nurse based on nursing judgment and assessment; and in accordance with The Comprehensive School Health Manual, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts General Law governing School Health. Students are assessed on a case by case basis.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS

PHYSICAL EXAMS:

A periodic physical examination is critically important for all children and adolescents. Massachusetts General Law c. 71 s. 57 and related amendments and regulations (105 CMR 200.00-200.920) requires physical examinations of school children within six months before entry into school or during the first year after entrance.

• Atlantis Charter School requires physical examinations for Kindergarten entry as well as for third, seventh, and eleventh grades, as mandated by the state due to immunization requirements. Yearly physical examinations should be forwarded to school health offices for student health files.
• Physical examinations are required for students who participate in after school sports. Physicals are to be dated within 13 months of the start of sports season and have clear documentation the student is cleared for participation in sports.
• Students out of compliance with this policy will be excluded from school and/or sports at the discretion of the school nurse and Principal.

SPORTS EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

As noted above, physical examinations with clear documentation of student’s ability to participate in sports is required by Atlantis Charter School before a student can practice or play in a game. These must be dated within 13 months of the start of a particular sports season. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain and forward physical examination copies to the health office.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Massachusetts immunization regulations specify minimum immunization requirements for enrollment in school (105 CMR 220.00). These regulations are revised periodically to incorporate any changes in requirements. Some required immunizations may be added to, or eliminated accordingly. The law and regulations provide for exclusion of students from school if immunizations are not up to date, but do permit for exemptions for medical and religious reasons. Atlantis Charter School will follow the Massachusetts regulations as noted above, including excluding students from school. Required immunizations for entry to school may be found on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.

PHYSICIAN NOTES

ABSENCE AND TARDY EXCUSES:

In accordance with the Atlantis Charter School attendance policy, physician documentation is required to verify absences and/or tardiness. All documentation must be received within five (5) school days of the last day of the absence in order to excuse the absence.

Any student who is absent for five consecutive scheduled school days, is required to provide documentation from a physician, concerning an illness, before returning to school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

Medical excuses are required for those students who cannot participate in physical education classes. A note from the physician, with documentation specifying the diagnosis, length and extent of the excused absence must be submitted to the health office.

STUDENTS REQUIRING ASSISTIVE DEVICES AT SCHOOL

Any student arriving at school with an assistive or immobilizing device, such as crutches, slings, braces, air casts or any other assistive device, should have a doctor’s note accompanying them specifying diagnosis, activity restrictions and duration of need for the assistive device. The doctor’s note must be submitted to the health office. If the student does not have a doctor’s note, the parent/guardian will be contacted to obtain the doctor’s note or to pick up the student until the proper documentation is received. This is keeping with the health office’s prerogative to exclude a student for the safety of themselves and others. Atlantis Charter School needs to ensure student safety and limit liability in these cases and assure that students are being seen and properly treated.

ILLNESS AND INJURIES AT SCHOOL

In case of an injury, the school nurse will administer first aid. It is the parents’ responsibility to pick up their child at school and transport him/her to an appropriate facility, if medical attention is indicated. IF EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE is needed, every effort will be made to contact parent/guardian. Students are not to leave the school building for reasons of illness or injury unless dismissed by the nurse or by an administrator. Parents are responsible for providing accurate and up to date emergency information to the school. Emergency contact persons must be accessible and able to provide transportation for the student.

Students who leave school because of illness or injury without following this dismissal procedure, will be marked as unexcused from all missed classes. Parents should not remove students from school for reasons of illness or injury unless the nurse or his/her designee has dismissed the student. NO student should appear at the health office without a pass from his/her period teacher unless it is an EMERGENCY.

In the case of suspected or actual head injuries, the Atlantis Charter School Head Injury Policy will be followed.

MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOL

It is extremely important for parents to be aware that NO medication will be administered to any student unless both forms are completed – Parent/Guardian Authorization for Prescription Medication Administration and the Medication Order Form (completed by a licensed prescriber).

Students, who must receive medication during the school day, are required to have the following forms on file before the medication can be administered at school:

1. Signed consent by the parent or guardian.
2. Signed licensed provider medication form.

The parent/guardian or responsible designated adult must deliver the medications to the school’s nurse in a pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled container. Medication must be in a stapled pharmacy bag. Please ask your pharmacist to provide separate bottles for school and home. No more than a thirty-day supply of medication should be delivered to the school.

Students in violation of the medication policy are subject to disciplinary action.