Upper Bern Elementary is served by two school nurses, part-time medical examiners, and part-time dental examiners. It is their duty to see that the requirements, as outlined in the school health laws, are enforced. 

All children attending school must receive the following examinations:

Medical

1.  On admission to school
2.  In grade six
3.  In grade eleven

Dental

1.  On admission to school
2.  In grade three
3.  In grade seven

Your family doctor or dentist may do these examinations. You will be asked your preference, at the beginning of the school year, in which your child is to be examined. If you wish to have the examination done by your family physician or dentist; the necessary forms will be forwarded to you. The private examination is done at the parent’s expense.

If you wish to have the examination done at school, you will be notified as to the time and place. Even though the parents’ presence is not compulsory, we urge parents to be present so that they may discuss any problems with the doctor or dentist.

Medication Policy
The Hamburg Area School District is willing to cooperate with physicians and parents if a child needs to take medication during school hours. However, this must be done in accordance with the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “NO MEDICATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED IN SCHOOL EXCEPT BY THE DIRECT ORDER OF A PHYSICIAN”.

Medications to be administered in school shall be given to the nurse, building clerk, or building aide, who will administer them upon request of a parent and order of a physician.  All medication must be labeled with:

1.      Name of Student
2.      Name of Medication
3.      Dosage to be Given
4.      Time to be Given
5.      Name of Prescribing Physician

All aspirin, antihistamines, ointments, etc. will be removed from the child’s possession and will not be administered by the school staff, unless the above procedure has been followed. If you have questions concerning this policy, please feel free to contact the nurse in the building where your son/daughter attends class.

In addition to the scheduled medical and dental examinations, the school child receives:

1.      Height and weight measurement yearly
2.      Eye test on an illuminated eye chart yearly
3.      Individual audiometric (hearing) test in kindergarten, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grade
4.      Screening exam for scoliosis (curvature of spine) in sixth and seventh grade.

Parents will be notified of any condition that will need correction or care. Your school nurse will interpret the findings for you.

Illness
Children should not be in school if they have a temperature of 100+ or if they are vomiting. Children should remain home until their temperature remains normal for 24 hours.

Immunization
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Regulations require that all children entering or enrolled in school receive immunizations for polio, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and chicken pox.  Parents should check with their family physician to be sure immunizations are up-to-date. Parents should know that most health insurance plans will pay for children’s immunizations.

First Aid
The schools are equipped to handle emergency illness or accidents. Any care given at school is temporary, and no care beyond the first aid will be provided by school personnel. An ambulance may be called if deemed necessary by school officials. You will be notified in the event of an emergency, since we firmly believe that responsibility for any medical care belongs to the parent.