Health Office

Nurse: Judie Bristol


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SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN YOUNG ATHLETES

Absentee Verification

(973) 584-3994

In order to have a consistent approach to the district Absentee Verification Program, we ask you to adhere to the following procedure if your child will be absent from school:

  1. Call the School Nurse on the day of the impending absence between 9:00 - 9:30 AM, giving the reason for the absence. There is also, for your convenience, an answering machine that you may leave a message on if you wish to call anytime before 9:00 AM, or after school hours.
  2. Please call Mrs. Bristol at the following direct number to the Health Office: 973-584-3994. This will alleviate the general office phone traffic which is usually heavy at this time.
  3. When your child returns to school he/she must present a written explanation signed by the parent/guardian.  If the child was examined by his/her physician then documentation from the physician must be presented.

Medication Procedure

Occasionally, during the school year, your child might need medication during school hours. This medication can be administered by the School Nurse provided certain regulations are followed.  These include:

  1. The medication MUST BE IN A PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE with a note from the physician and parent giving the nurse permission to administer the medication. At most pharmacies you may request two bottles with prescription instructions listed on them - one for home and one for school.
  2. District policy REQUIRES_FOR MEDICATION TO BE DELIVERED BY PARENTS. Medication should NOT be sent to school for self-administration by students.
  3. If it is necessary for a long term medication, a note from the physician and the parent is required.   Special permission slips are available in the Health Office.
  4. Over the counter medication may NOT be dispensed by the School Nurse unless written permission is provided by a physician and the parent.Pill Bottle Spilling Animated Clipart

    The above policy has been set by our School Physician. 

     If you have any questions or difficulty in following the above procedure, please contact            me to make special arrangements.  Please call me direct at 973-584-3994.

Thank you for insuring your child’s health.

the nurse's nook  

Welcome Back!

FOOD…..Your Choice

      During this school year your child will be involved with an exciting new program of nutritional education.  As the school nurse I recognize the need for providing children with the knowledge needed to make wise food choices and throughout life.

 

     The morning announcements will include a short nutritional challenge for your child.  At times the children will be asked to include their families. For instance a week-end challenge asked the children to either at home or when they might be in the food store with a parent, to make a list of as many “fruits” as they could.  Fruits by definition are any seed-bearing food with pits. I encourage your involvement in these efforts.  This way information learned through “FOOD…Your Choice,” brought to you by Mrs. Bristol, can be practiced at home.

 

     I hope you take every opportunity to motivate your child to make healthful food choices.

 

                                                             October 2011

 

          Your children have been learning about how they grow.  Through experiments they became acquainted with the growth functions of the nutrient protein and how it is necessary for proper growth.  We actually tested food for proteins and came to realize some of the major food sources of protein.  We’ve also begun to examine the “food plate” which is an actual child’s plate divided into food groups as well as what is a child’s portion for each of these food groups. 

 

 

     During October I’ve extended the program by having the children become aware of other nutrients aside from protein.  Each morning there is a challenge for them to solve either as a class or as individuals.  For instance we are discovering nutrients and the foods that contain these nutrients which supply your child with energy. These same nutrients allow children to play, work, laugh, participate in sports, run, sing, perform their chores and carry out their day energetically.  Ask your children what these two nutrients are.  See if they have been listening and solving the challenge in their classes. Hints given to the children have been examples of foods containing these nutrients as well as the letters that begin the names of these nutrients: “C” and “F.”  We’re exploring each of these nutrients through experimentation and enjoying reinforcing the principles in the process.

 

    These hints should complement what your children are learning about healthy choices at home as well as in school.  Happy protein eating along with “C” and “F” choices for your family!

November 2011

 

     Recently your children have become acquainted with the growth functions of four classes of nutrients: protein, fats, carbohydrates and minerals.  All nutrients are necessary for proper growth.  Kennedy students have also learned some of the major food sources of these nutrients through experiments conducted by Mrs. Bristol in the Health Office. 

 

     In addition, the children have learned that the foods that supply the most protein for growth have been grouped together.  This group of protein rich foods is called the Meat Group which should take-up only one quarter of a food plate sized for children.  All animal products supply protein for growth such as beef, pork, veal, lamb, fish, poultry and eggs.  Foods not commonly thought of as “meat” such as dried beans, lentils, peanuts and peanut butter are included in this group because they are also good sources of protein.

 

     Carbohydrates and fats have been discovered to be contained in foods during our experimentation.  Check in with your children to see what these experiments were all about.  They are aware that carbohydrates provide the energy used for growing, but do not themselves build bones or teeth. Fats also supply energy.  Foods in the Milk Group also supply some fat.  Whole milk, cheeses, ice cream and milkshakes supply fat to be used for energy as well as minerals to be used for growth and health of bones and teeth.  Even foods in the Meat Group supply some fat as well as protein. Ask your children to name other foods that supply fat.

    

     Kennedy’s students are looking forward to each week’s “challenges” that I present and they have eagerly been responding with their answers. Each class earns points for their correct answers. When you visit, check out the graph entitled “Food…It’s Your Choice.”  It is on the wall just outside my office.