Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  Can my child take medications while in school?

      Medications are drugs, in the State of New Jersey drug use is  not  permitted in school, or on school grounds.  If a child should require medication while in school written consent from the parents, along with written orders from a physician, are necessary. 

    Physician's orders MUST include: The name of the drug, why it is being prescribed , the dose, times to be administered, the route (the way it is to be given), and any possible side effects, along with the physician's name and contact number.  ALL medication is to be brought to the nurse's office by an adult in the ORIGINAL LABLED CONTAINER. 

     See the school nurse for consent forms, or you may write a note, and the physician may fax his/her orders: Attention School Nurse  to (973) 347-8368.  Please note: these rules also apply for ANY over the counter medications such as tylenol, advil, aleve, cough syrup, pepto bismol, or antacids as well.

2.  Is my child allowed to self administer medications while in school?

     If your chld has a CHRONIC health condition such as Asthma, or Allergic Reactions, he/she is able to self medicate while in school.  The same documentation is needed regarding parental permission, and physician consent.  The student must be independant in the PROPER administration of the medication.

3.  When should I keep my child home from school?

     Any child with a chronic bark like cough, fever of 100 degrees F. or more, vomiting, diarrhea should be kept home.  Children who have had any of the above symptoms, or who were sent home with similar symptoms should not retun to school until they have been symptom free for 24 hours.

4.  Who do I notify if I am keeping my child home from school?

     If your child is ill you can call the absentee line at (973) 347- 0008 option 3 then option 1, follow the directions and leave your child/childrens name, grade, reason for absence, and duration of absence. The nurse will call your home if your child's name appears on the atendance list and the office has not been notified of the absence. If you would like your child's  homework sent home, please call the main office.

5.  Will too many absences affect promotion?

     Any pupil who for any reason fails to attend 165 days of school (15 absences) within any academic year may be subject to administrative review by the Principal, before the student may be considered for course credit or promotion. (Valley Road School Student-Parent Handbook 2006-2007 pg.6) 

     Whenever posssible parents should try to make medical, dental, and other appointments at times other than when school is in session.

6.  Is my child's absence excused if he/she is sent home by the nurse?

     No, the State of New Jersey defines the amount of time the child must be in the building for the day not to count as an absence.  Your child must be  present until 12:15 PM to gain credit for the day.

7.  Do I have to sent in any documentation after my child has been absent even after I have called      the school, or my child was sent home the previous day?

     Yes, we require a note from the parent/guardian stating the day and nature of the illness.  For an absence to be considered as excused ,a physician's note is required.  All notes are kept in the child's health file

8.  Are there certain immunizations (vaccinations) needed to enter and remain in school?

Parents must present the following immunization records:

DPT: For those chldren born on or after January 1, 1986 a minimum od 4 doses of DPT are required one dose must have been administered onor after the fourth birthday.  A child with any 5 doses of DPT will also be in compliance with this regulation.

POLIO: For those children born on or after January 1986 a minimum of 3 doses of Oral polio Vaccine (OPV). ir (IPV) is required provided at least one dose is given on or after the fourth birthday, or any 4 doses.

RUBELLA: Immunization needed must be administered on or after the first birthday.

MEASLES: Two doses of a measles containing vaccine given after the first birthday, preferably MMR, will be required of children born on or after January 1, 1990 and entering Kindergarten, Grade 1, or a similar age and entry special education class after September 1, 1995.

The two doses of measles containing vaccine MUST be separated by an interval of at least one month.

Children entering Kindergarten or Grade 1 with no documented dose of a measles containing vaccine will be given provisional status after receiving one dose.  These children shall be required to receive the second dose of measles vaccine preferably as MMR, no sooner that one month, and no later than the routine interval of two months following the first dose.  Children who have not received the second dose on schedule during the second month will be subject to exclusion from school.

Hib: All children 15-59 months of age attending a childcare center or pre-school after September 1, 1995 not previously vaccinated with any Hib vaccine must document reciept of at least one dose of any Hib conjugate vaccine. A dose of DTP/Hib vaccine is considered a valid Hib dose.

MUMPS: Immunization must be administered on or after the first birthday or documented laboratory evidence of mumps immunity must be submitted.

Hepatitis B:  as of September 2001 the CDC requirement for this vaccine was three prior to enterig kindergarten.

Varicella: One dose of varicella vacine on or after the first birthday, or proof of disease immunity, for those entering kindergarten born after January 1, 1998.

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