ISAAC is committed to providing a healthy learning environment. Student health is a cooperative effort of home and school. No child should be sent to school if he/she has a severe cold, fever, sore throat, vomiting, rash, or any symptoms of a contagious disease. If a child is well enough to return to school, he/she should be able to participate in all activities. If a child is permitted to come to school on a doctor's recommendation with crutches, cast, etc., there should be a letter from the parent and/or doctor giving limitations, if any.

School Nurse: ISAAC provides a nurse for part of each day. The nurse works with families and staff by assessing and treating symptoms, screening, care planning, giving medications, training staff and maintaining current student health records and current health policies. The nurse is available to discuss any health concerns.

What parents/caregivers can do: Families can promote health by providing for adequate rest and nutrition following up on symptoms and screening referrals and keeping student health records and contact information correct. Providing water bottles and snacks and authorizing school to give nonprescription pain relief medication can also support performance. Families can help assure a health school environment by keeping their children home with contagious symptoms and by encouraging hygiene and hand washing.

Emergency Contact Information: It is esential to keep names and phone numbers current for parent/guardians and emergency contacts in case a child becomes ill or injured and needs to leave school. A child returning to school should be able to participate in all activities. Any doctor's instructions regarding participation or accommodations must accompany the child.

Health Assessments and Immunizations: ISAAC complies with all state health laws. All students entering the school system are required to have immunizations for polio, rubella, measles, DPT, and mumps, as well as a hematocrit and a TB test. A physical examination is required prior to admitting new students from out of state with the appropriate State of Connecticut Health form filled out. With limited exceptions, Connecticut denies school enrollment to students not meeting the following grade requirements:

• Grade 6 entry - proof of health assessment submitted on state health assessment record. ISAAC requires assessment performed after completion of grade 5 and before beginning grade 7. Disease immunity criteria for initial school enrollment must also be met.
• Grade 7 entry - proof of immunity to measles (by prior infection or second vaccination) and proof of prior infection with hepatitis B or first of three vaccinations. Grade 6 health assessment is also required.
• Grade 8 entry - three doses of hepatitis B vaccine or proof of prior infection.

ISAAC offers screenings for vision, hearing and scoliosis in accordance with Connecticut health regulations:

• Grade 6 - vision, scoliosis
• Grade 7 - scoliosis
• Grade 8 - hearing, scoliosis

Scoliosis screening requires written caregiver permission. All screenings are available to all students by request. Referrals will be sent to caregivers for any children needing further evaluation.

Special note for children wearing glasses: It is very important that each child take the responsibility of seeing that his/her glasses are brought to school every day. A day of learning is missed without those glasses. Safety glasses are encouraged for sports activities.

Medication: Connecticut requires that all student medications for use during school must have a medical order from an approved practictioner and signed parent/guardian permission. This applies to non-prescription medications as well. Contact the nurse for forms. A parent/guardian must deliver medication and signed order to the nurse or principal. Only a 45-day supply can be stored at school. Medication cannot be stored over the summer and will be destroyed id not claimed by a parent/guardian. Students may not transport or carry medication in school unless they meet state health regulation and ISAAC policy requirements for self-administration of medication.

Medication for field trip use beyond the usual school day needs a separate prescription and supply clearly marked for the child's use. Medications in school will only be administered by the nurse or a properly trained principal or teacher. In the absence of an ordered medication, a parent/guardian may come to school and give a dose of medicine.

If a child becomes ill and needs to go home, parents/caregivers will be notified. It is the parentís responsibility to come and get the child. If this is impossible, arrangements should be made with a neighbor or friend to do so.