Head Lice

Head lice can be transmitted from one person to another wherever people are gathered together. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don’t cause illness or carry diseases.

Early detection and treatment of head lice makes the task of management much easier and can help in preventing the spread of head lice in the community.  

When a child has been discovered to have an active infestation, prompt treatment (with an American Academy of Pediatrics approved treatment) is recommended.

In the school setting, the school nurse will examine symptomatic children and /or children that have been noted to have live lice or evidence of nits. If an infestation is noted, the nurse will attempt to notify the parent by phone and recommend that the child be picked up from school to begin treatment. 

Please consult with your child’s pediatrician or pharmacist for further information and treatment options.

The school nurse is available to assist you in examining your child’s scalp for effectiveness of treatment.

NYS Mandated Health Screening

The district’s School Health Services program supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York.
Please click on the link above to see a complete chart of the required screenings and physical exam requirements by grade level.

KCSD Physical Exam Form

 The New York State law requires that all new entrants (whether Pre-K or K), 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th graders, and all students entering a school district for the first time have a health examination by a New York State licensed provider.  This examination must be provided to school within 30 days of entry into school or the grade levels indicated above.  In addition, students participating in interscholastic sports are required to have a physical exam annually, prior to the beginning of the athletic season. Acceptable health certificates may be dated anytime within the 12 months prior to the start of the school year. 

We recommend that this examination be made by your family health care provider who knows your child best.  For your convenience, the Physical Exam Form may be used by your physician. If a copy of the health examination is not on file by October 1st, the student will be scheduled to see the school physician. Please return this form to your child’s health office.

It is also recommended you provide your school nurse with a health history to best serve your child's medical needs. In addition, athletes are required to provide a health history annually. The Health History for Registration, Athletes, and Grades 5-12 can be found here. The Health History Update for Elementary Students can be found here.

Medications in Schools

Children are permitted to take medication during school hours only when certain New York State requirements have been met. Click on the link above for further information.

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

 Students come to school with diverse medical conditions that can impact their health and learning. Some conditions may be serious and even life threatening, such as Anaphylaxis. When a student who is highly allergic is exposed to an allergen (such as food, medication, or insect bites), they can face life-threatening anaphylaxis within moments.

KCSD Dental Health

New York State law (Chapter 281) permits schools to request a dental examination in the following grades: school entry, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11.  The form is linked above.

Field Trips

Students may have the opportunity to attend off campus activities for educational enhancement.  To help keep your child healthy while away from the school building some requirements must be met. 

Crutches, Wheelchairs, and other Appliances

Sometimes it is necessary for a student to come to school with assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs or walkers as they are recovering from injuries.  Medical equipment and assistive devices require a written doctor’s order to be used at school. The note should include the duration of time that the assistive equipment should be used at school.

Home Instruction 

Home instruction is a service provided to students who are unable to attend school because of a temporary medical or emotional impairment as determined by their medical doctor.

• If this situation arises, parents should immediately contact their school nurse to obtain the necessary forms and initiate the process for this service to take place. 

• Students are required to attend all classes until home teaching is approved unless they are hospitalized. 

• The approval process can take 2 – 3 weeks after the necessary paperwork has been completed and returned to the school.

• The school medical director has the final determination of approval of home teaching as well as the length of time of home teaching. 

Additional information may be required from your medical doctor.

Working Papers

Students may obtain working paper applications in the Health Offices at Kingston High School, J. Watson Bailey, M. Clifford Miller and John A. Coleman Schools, or by clicking on the link below.  Part 1 of the application must be completed by the student and signed by his/her parent or guardian.  The student must also have proof of a physical exam within the past year.  This form can be obtained at the students’ health office or by clicking on the link below.  Working papers need to be issued for all students under the age of 18.  Students do not need to have a job in order to get their working papers.  Working papers are only issued at Kingston High School and the student must be present to sign the document in front of the issuing officer.  Please call the high school medical office at 943-3738 if you have any questions.

New York State Department of Education Employment Certificate Application, click here. 

New York State Department of Education Proof of Physical Exam, click here.