HIllcrest Elementary
30 Griswold Street
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413.863.9526
Fax: 413.863.3284

Hillcrest Elementary School is staffed with a school nurse who also serves our district's other elementary schools.  In addition to providing care to children who are sick or injured, the school nurse teaches our heath curriculum to our students.   The curriculum, known as the Great Body Shop, focuses on nutrition, hygiene, dental health and , in general, all aspects of growth and development for young children in kindergarten through grade 2.

Here are some important things you will need to know about our medical and health policies:

Medical Files

• Up to date immunizations
• Birth certificate
• Evidence of Lead Screening & results
• A recent physical examination
• Information on any known medical problem or condition

Immunization

Massachusetts state law requires that no child be allowed to enter school without the required immunizations.  Parents will be notified if the students' records are not in proper order.  If parents fail to immunize the child, the child will not be allowed to come to school until immunized as required.

Medication Policy

From time to time children may need to take medicines at school.  For some conditions, children must receive medications on a daily basis.  The Gill-Montague Regional School District requires that the following forms be completed before medications can be administered by the school nurse:

1. A signed consent by the parent or legal guardian allowing the school personnel or school nurse to give the medication.
2. A written medication order signed by your child's physician.

Both forms must be brought to the school, along with the medication, by the parent.  All medicines need to be in a manufactured or pharmacy labeled container.  Some parents find it convenient to have the pharmacy give them 2 bottles, one for home and one for school.  Medications sent in "baggies", plastic "Tupperware" type containers or otherwise will NOT be administered.  Medication is not given on early release (1/2 days) days.

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

There are occasions when a child or several children will contract a case of head lice.  Our school district policy #5141.1 states that children must immediately be removed from the classroom, parent notified and sent home.  The child will be resadmitted to school following treatment, provided there are no nits remaining on the child's hair.  As a general school policy, all classmates are then checked.  If several cases are found, a letter notifying parents of students in the affected classroom is sent home.

Other Conditions Requiring Immediate Action:

"Pink eye", scabies and impetigo are other contagious conditions requiring the child be sent home from school.  The child may return to school when evidence that the condition has been treated and is no longer contagious is presented to the school nurse.

Fluoride Program

Our school is fortunate to be able to offer students a weekly fluoride mouthrinse program.  Parents will receive a permission form to sign and return.  Only children with signed permission forms may participate in the fluoride mouthrinse program.

When Your Child Isn't Feeling Well...

Children are sent to the nurse by their classroom teachers for symptoms such as complaint of headache, stomach ache, feeling feverish, vomiting and diarrhea.  The nurse or other responisble adult will assess the child's condition, ask the child to remain on the nurse's couch until a parent or other family member can be reached.  For this reason, it is very important that parents complete the emergency card at the beginning of the school year.