Emergency Cards
An emergency information card is sent home with each student at the start of the school year. Families are requested to complete and return the card to school as soon as possible. This card is used to collect information to contact families in the event of an accident, illness or emergency at school. It also asks for information on medical conditions that the school should be aware of. Please contact the school nurse office at any time during the school year if your address, phone numbers or emergency contact information changes.
Medications at School
All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be kept in the school nurse office and must be presented in their original containers. Parent/guardian consent must be completed for each medication to be administered. A heath care provider must complete a written Medication Order for any medication prescribed for use over a 10-day period. Self-administration and consent to carry medication can be arranged between the school nurse, parent/guardian and health care provider for inhalers, epinephrine and diabetes care supplies. See the school district’s Medication Protocol for additional information.
Student Dismissal for Illness or Accident
Any student requesting early dismissal from school due to illness or accident must be seen in the school nurse office. The nurse will contact the parent or guardian to make arrangements for dismissal.
Guidelines About When to Keep Your Child Home
Information About Influenza
Influenza (flu) is a disease of the body’s respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is caused by a virus and it can be very serious. Additional information about the flu can be found at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or at the Center for Disease Control.
Allergy Aware Schools
The Amherst Pelham Regional Schools (ARPS) are dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff at school. Students identified with life-threatening allergies will be provided for as medically necessary in the school environment. We will work to help reduce exposure to allergens to the best of our ability. We are allergy-aware and have established protocols to treat allergic reactions. For additional information, please contact the school nurse.
Screenings at School
School nurses conduct screenings at school as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These screenings include hearing (grades K – 6 and 10) , vision (grades PK – 6 and 10), heights and weights with BMI calculation (grades 1, 4, 7, 10), postural screening (grades 5-9) and SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment) (grades 7 & 9). You can find additional information on SBIRT. Please contact the school nurse if additional screenings may be needed.
Physical Examinations
Physical examinations are required of all students entering the district and students entering grades K, 4, 7, and 10. Health care providers must complete a Standard Physical Exam Form and provide Proof of Immunization. Additional physical exams may be required for students who wish to participate in the extracurricular athletic program. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) sets regulations for students participating in school sports in the Amherst Pelham Regional Schools. Please contact the school nurse if you have additional questions.
Immunizations
In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, students are to be immunized as specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Requests for religious or medical exemption for immunizations will be reviewed by the school nurse. See details about Immunizations. Please contact the school nurse if you have additional questions about your child’s immunizations.
List of School Nurses
ARHS: Sonia Jaworski – or (413) 362-1743
ARMS: Celia Maysles – or (413) 362-1975
Summit Academy: Sonia Jaworski – or (413) 362-1743
Crocker Farm: Eva Bilderbeck – or (413) 362-1601
Fort River: Briana Shea-O’Connell – or (413) 362-1221