Below are some frequently asked questions that we receive in the Health Office.
WHEN TO STAY HOME
Q: When should I keep my child at home?
A: The New Jersey Department of Health recommends that students with at least two of the following symptoms or combination of symptoms be isolated:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rigors (Shivering)
- Myalgia (Muscle Aches)
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Congestion
- Runny Nose
The New Jersey Department of Health recommends that students with at least one of the following symptoms be isolated:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- New olfactory (smelling) disorder
- New taste disorder
COVID-19
Q: What is your policy if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
A: Please notify the health office if your child tests positive for COVID-19. Your child may return ‘6’ days after first testing positive, with the first day counting as day ‘0’ (7 days in total).
PHYSICALS
Q: Does my child need a physical?
A: According to the Board Policy, all freshman and transfer students require a physical to be completed by your private physician within 30 days upon entry. Additionally, all student athletes require an annual physical. This is the state required physical form. The NHVSD district utilizes the same form for all students, non-athletes, and athletes alike. The first two pages are completed and signed by both parent and student, and then reviewed by the physician. The last two pages are to be completed by the physician, and signed, stamped and dated. Incomplete forms will be returned to the student.
Q: How long is a physical valid?
A: According to the State of New Jersey, physicals are valid for 365 days (one year from the date of the actual exam).
Q: Does my child require a new physical for each season?
A: No, but the health history questionnaire on Aspen must be completed each season. Physicals are valid one year from exam date. Should your child’s physical expire during the season, it is strongly suggested that an updated physical is submitted to the nurse’s office. Once a current physical is on file, you do not need to have your physician complete the form for each season your child participates in.
Q: My doctor’s office is busy right now. I can’t get an appointment until… Can’t the doctor just write a note? Can’t my child just participate until then?
A: Unfortunately, no. Your physician must complete an annual physical and complete the NHVSD forms in full. This is a mandatory, universal state form.
Q: My doctor provides us with a computer printout. All the information is on this form. Is this sufficient?
A: The State of New Jersey mandates that the universal forms be utilized. Computer printouts will only be accepted as documentation of immunization records.
Q: Can the Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer or the Coach clear my child for athletics?
A: No. In order to prevent any delay in your child’s athletic participation, all documentation must be submitted to the School Nurse. The School Nurse and School Physician will in turn review documentation and update your child’s eligibility on Aspen.
HEALTH HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE/PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM
Q: My child participates in more than one sport during the school year. Can I just include all sports in one form?
A: The State requires that the form be completed, signed and dated, within 90 days of beginning each season.
Q: My child is a freshman or transfer student and is not participating in athletics. Do I still need to complete the health history questionnaire?
A: Yes. This completed form provides the nurse with important baseline information pertinent to your child’s health management.
SCREENINGS
Q: What screenings are done by the Certified School Nurse?
A: The State has provided guidelines as to which screenings target each age group. Screenings will be completed by the Certified School Nurse, unless your child has submitted physician documentation or parental exemption of the recommended screenings. Written referrals will be sent home, as warranted.
For your reference, the Certified School Nurse at Voorhees High School has provided the following screening timeline:
9th grade: Recommended screenings include blood pressure and scoliosis. Complete physicals are required and performed by your private physicians. Screenings are rarely rendered by Certified School Nurse.
10th grade: If a student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure and Vision. If students deny screening(s), written exemption is required.
11th grade: If a student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Hearing, and Scoliosis. If students deny screening(s), written exemption is required.
12th grade: If a student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight and Blood Pressure. If students deny screening, written exemption is required.
Q: When are screenings done?
A: Screenings are usually done during directed study time. Passes may be sent to students to report to the nurse’s office.
PE EXCUSE / STUDY HALL ASSIGNMENT
Q: What happens if my child cannot participate in PE?
A: Your child needs to see the School Nurse and will be assigned to a study hall.
NO PE = NO ATHLETICS FOR THAT TIMEFRAME
If your child has a doctor’s note, they will be excused from PE and assigned to a study hall. The student must contact their PE teacher to obtain written assignments.
Q: What if my child is returning to PE / athletics after an extended excuse?
A: Please provide to the School Nurse medical documentation allowing your child to return to PE / athletics listing any restrictions and/or special accommodations.
WORKING PAPERS
Q: Can the School Nurse sign my child’s working papers?
A: The School Nurse can no longer sign the physician section of your child’s working papers. Please visit this website for more information.
