AHS Health Office

Medical update forms are required for each subsequent sport played following the initial submission of the sport physical.

School Nurse: Diana Ricciardi
Assistant: Diane Valentin ext. #1467
Location: Allentown High School - 1st Hall
Telephone: 609-259-7292 ext. #1425
Fax: 609 - 223 - 4355
Address: AHS Medical Suite
27 High Street
Allentown, New Jersey 08501
Hours: 7:05 am- 2 :20 pm


Medication Administration
Students are permitted to take medication in school provided a medication permission form has been completed by their parent/guardian and their MD . Any prescribed medication must be kept in the original container in the nurse's office with a medication form signed by the MD and parent.

The School nurse may provide Tylenol to students in need of an analgesic or a fever reducer. The nurse may administer Tylenol provided parental consent has been obtained via the electronic medication permission form found on this website under "forms".  Asthmatics may carry their personal inhaler during the school day provided they have an Asthma Action Plan completed and signed by their parent and MD on file in the Nurse's office.

 

Medication permission forms and Asthma Action Plans are available under Forms at this website.


Daily Student Visitation
Students are permitted to visit the nurse when a pass is requested by the student from their teacher. Commonly students present for any of the following reasons:

  • Cold
  • Fever
  • Stomach upset
  • Fatigue
  • Minor cut
  • Minor gym injury
  • Sore throat
  • Eye irritation
  • Contact solution
  • Pain
  • Discussion

Each student presenting is assessed by the school nurse.
The school nurse will then determine what interventions are needed. Parental involvement is incorporated into every plan for the best possible care of the student. Fever is always an indication for exclusion from school.


Health Counsel/Health Education
The nurse is available for health counseling/education for all students and their families. An individualized plan is developed for any student with special health needs. Examples of these services are:

  • Diet/Weight Loss
  • Nutrition
  • Tobacco Cessation
  • Personal problems
  • Drug/Alcohol
  • Family problems
  • Chronic Disease/medication
  • Stress management
  • Eating Disorders
  • Sleep Disorders

Maintaining confidentiality is always a priority. Referrals and recommendations will be determined based on the findings of the nurse.


Annual District Physical Examination Mandates
The state of New Jersey has set forth policy requiring every student entering Upper Freehold Regional School District from another district to have a complete physical health examination. The physical is to be performed by their private health care provider.

Annual Sophomore Hearing and Vision Screenings
The state of New Jersey has set forth policy requiring all sophomore students to have their hearing and vision screened by the health service department. Testing will be conducted throughout the school year in the nurse's office. 
Parents will receive notification via mail regarding any student who has demonstrated deficiencies during testing. In this situation, please follow up with your private MD and provide the school nurse with information about any diagnostic findings.


Sports Physical Mandates
Any student who chooses to participate in a sport is required to have a complete physical performed by their private healthcare provider. The physical covers any 365 day period.

Students must stop by the Nurse's office at least a month before the start of the season to see what paperwork is required.  Every athlete will need either a new sports physical or a Health History update form for each season.  Sports paperwork deadlines will be posted on the website at the start of the school year.  Students will be excluded from sports participation until all paperwork requirements have been met and processed.

Please pick up Sports forms in the nurse's office. Only documentation recorded on school physical forms will be accepted.

 


Annual Height, Weight & Blood Pressure Assessments
Annual height and weight measurements serve as indicators to significant health problems. Growth pattern deviations can result from various physical conditions. Every effort will be made to weigh and measure each student annually. Parents will be notified regarding any abnormal findings.


Immunization Mandates

  • Each student is required to provide evidence of compliance with state immunization requirements upon admission to Kindergarten.
  • Health History and Appraisal forms will be issued to all families during kindergarten registration Forms must be completed at private medical homes and returned to the school nurse prior to the initiation of Kindergarten.
  • Any student entering at a later level from any school in or out of the state or country must provide the school nurse with appropriate documentation supporting that immunization requirements have been met.
  • Please refer to Health History and Appraisal section under forms for the specific requirements of each immunization ie; DPT, OPV, HIB, Varicella, MMR, and Hepatitis B.

 


Gym Exclusions
Medical documentation is required for any student who is unable to participate in gym as medically indicated.
Documentation should state the reason and time frame for exclusion Students are to present the documentation to the school nurse. Appropriate accommodations will be provided based on medical note and need. The nurse will notify the appropriate departments regarding the exclusion. Students will be assigned to a study hall during the exclusion period.


Scoliosis Screenings
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine most commonly occurring during the adolescent growth period. Approximately 5-10% of school children have a curvature with about 2% of these having significance. Children with Scoliosis in their family have an increased risk of having scoliosis themselves.

  • Screenings will take place every other year, grades 9 & 11, usually during gym class.
  • Parents who do not wish for their child to be screened should notify the school nurse in writing.
  • Parents will be notified of any abnormal findings.

Referral Services

  • Students will be referred to their primary medical doctor when indicated for sudden illness, contagious rashes, positive scoliosis findings, hearing/vision deficits and for required physical examinations.
  • Students may be referred to other school professionals when indicated. Other professionals included the following:
    • Guidance Counselor
    • School Psychologist
    • Student Assistance Counselor
    • Child Study Team
    • Administrative Personnel