Watervliet’s school nurses remind parents/guardians who are registering students in district schools of the following information:
Physicals: Physicals are mandated for all students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, and any student who is new to the school district. Any physical done within one year of the start of the school is accepted. If your child does not have a current physical, the school doctor will provide one unless you opt out in writing.
February 2021 UPDATE: Education Law requires all New York State (NYS) public school students (including remote students) to have a health exam when they are a new student in a school district and when they enter pre-k or kindergarten, and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
Effective Feb. 1, 2021, all health examinations performed for school must be documented on the NYS Required Health Examination Form or an electronic health record equivalent form – pursuant to Education Law. ONLY the approved form or an electronic health record equivalent form will be accepted by schools for health examinations conducted on or after Jan. 31, 2021. Download the NYS Required Health Examination Form
Please share the new form during your child’s visit for a health exam with the health care provider (HCP). This is typically your doctor but may be a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Instructions for Completion of the New York State School Health Examination EHR Compatible Form are available online
More information is available on the NYS Center for School Health website
Medications: If your child needs to have medication administered during the school day – a written note from your child’s physician must be in place. This note must state the name of the medication, dosage and time of administration. The medication must be brought in by an adult in a clearly labelled pharmacy container with the child’s name, the name and dosage of the medication. Notes may be faxed to the Elementary Nurse at 518-629-3250 or the High School Nurse at 518-629-3330.
Whitney Young School-Based Health Center: The staff from the Whitney Young Center is available during the school day to perform yearly physicals, administer any mandated immunizations and assess for any illness or injuries your child may have with no charge to you. If needed they may also assess the need for any medication your child may need to take during the school year. Currently their office is located in the Watervliet High School Health Office. Elementary students can be transported by bus, and a parent does not have to be present. If you are interested, please call 518-629-3270 for further information.
If you have any questions, please contact school health offices:
- WES: 518-629-3402
- WJSHS: 518-629-3304