REPORTING AN ABSENCE
            Parents may report to the school their child’s absence in three ways: 1) call the school and inform Mrs. MacFarland through the school’s auto attendant system option number 2.  2) send a note in with your child upon returning to school, or 3) e-mail Mrs. MacFarland at the school: macfarland@brooklynschools.org. Otherwise absences are counted as unexcused and monitored for truancy. (Please read the school’s attendance policy in the student agenda.)

EXTENDED ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
            All extended absences from school must have the approval of the school administration.  If you have spoken with your child’s teacher, please also contact the main office regarding an extended absence, with the necessary details.  Extended absences without prior notice will be considered unexcused absences and will fall under the truancy policy. No exceptions!

MEDICATIONS
            Medications of any kind cannot be given in school without a physician’s written order and parental permission.  This includes Tylenol, ibuprofen, antibiotics, Tums and inhalers just to name a few.  As a reminder, a new form is needed for each school year.  Do not send medication to school with the student; it must be delivered by an adult with proper authorization.

SCREENINGS
            *During the month of September, middle school students in grades 5 and 6 will have their vision screened. If they fail, those students will be re-tested. If they fail a second time, a letter will be sent home advising parents of the failures.
            *In October & November, hearing screenings will take place for students in grades 5, 6, and 8.  The same procedure will be followed as above, where a letter will be sent home notifying parents of failures after the second screening.
            *During the months of January & February, all students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 will be screened for scoliosis (curvature of the spine).  However if there is a physical on file for this __________ school year, he/she will not be screened.  Screenings will take place in the nurse’s office. A bare back is necessary for a full view of the spine. Notices will be sent home with students informing parents when scoliosis screenings are taking place.

GRADE 6 STUDENTS
            The Brooklyn Middle School requires a Health Assessment (the CT. blue form) for all students before entering grade 7.  Health Assessments can be offered, free of charge, to families with financial need. Please contact the school principal in this regard.   

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS – GRADE 7
             The Connecticut Department of Education requires all students entering grade 7 show proof of immunity to Varicella (chicken pox), or immunization against Varicella. If the Varicella vaccine was given after the students thirteenth birthday, a second vaccine is required at least 28 days later.

****STUDENTS FAILING TO MEET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND SCHOOL!

SPORTS
            Just a reminder: students cannot tryout for sports unless there is a physical on

file in the nurse’s office dated after May 1st ___________.

THE ILL CHILD
            A child who shows signs of illness should remain at home. Symptoms of fever, rash, conjunctivitis (pink-eye), and persistent sore throat, should be considered reason for keeping a child at home.  This allows them to recover, seek medical advice and protects the other students from illness.  Any child with a temperature of 100.0 degrees or higher will be sent home.  Your family physician should be consulted for illnesses and injuries that occur at home.      

If at anytime during the school year you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact me at 774-9153 (option # 2) between 8:00 am and 2:30 pm or use my e-mail address here at school, macfarland@brooklynschools.org. 

SINCERELY,
SHERRY MACFARLAND, RN
BROOKLYN MIDDLE SCHOOL NURSE