Nursing and Health Services

A Back-to-School Health Checklist

Help your child get ready for a healthy and successful school year:

• Schedule a school physical or annual checkup.

• Make sure vaccinations are up to date, and get a copy of your child's vaccination record.

• Update emergency contact information for your school and keep this current with the school.

• Share important health and medication information with the school nurse and your child's teacher(s). 

• Make sure your primary care provider completes a management plan for any serious conditions; share it with the school, along with authorization forms for your child and/or school staff to administer medications.

• Help your child synchronize his/her sleep cycle with the school day several weeks before school begins.

• Choose backpacks that are lightweight, include wide padded shoulder straps and a waist belt, and adjust easily. Consider a rolling backpack for heavy books.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Dear Parents,

I am writing to provide information regarding getting your child ready to enter the 7^th grade next year.  Your child is required to have the following immunizations.  Students who do not have them will not start school in August, so please read the following information carefully. Please submit the documentation now to the school your child currently attends.

California law requires the following immunizations for students.  Students will not be able to begin 7^th grade without these.

• Proof of a pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot (Tdap) given after the age of 7

                                                AND

• Two varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations

In addition to these requirements, 7^th grade students should also have received two MMR (mumps-measles-rubella) as well as three hepatitis B vaccinations.

Students who do not show proof of receiving the Tdap and varicella immunizations prior to the first day of school will not be able to start school or receive a class schedule until proof is provided to the school.

We want to make sure your child starts 7^th grade on time. Every year we have to send 7^th graders home as they arrive on the first day.  This causes tears and frustration that can be avoided.

1.Get your child’s vaccinations now.

A large number of students need these shots between now and the start of school next year. Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider as soon as possible.   Avoid the back-to-school rush.

2.Bring proof of immunizations to your child’s current school now.

Your child will need to provide proof of immunization in order to start 7^th grade.  It is helpful to turn this documentation in to your child’s elementary school to help with the transition to 7^th grade. 

Under SB277, exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, are no longer an option for vaccines required for school in California. For more information go to www.shotsforschool.org. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Forrest

Assistant Superintendent