Renee Ditzenberger - Nurse
COVID Protocol

*If a child has a fever (oral temperature over 100) or had a fever yesterday or last night, the child must stay home. Often a temperature will be normal in the morning, but as the day progresses, the temperature rises. Fever reducing medication might lower the temperature temporarily but will not eliminate the underlying cause and so it will go back up. A child should remain home until the child is fever free for 24 hours. 

*If a child has vomited or vomited yesterday or last night, the child must stay home. Again, 24 hours without vomiting is the time frame to use. 

*If a child has diarrhea or diarrhea yesterday or last night, the child must stay home. When a child is free of diarrhea for 24 hours and shows no other signs or symptoms, the child may return to school. 

*If a child has a very runny nose or a persistent cough, the child should stay home until symptoms have lessened for 24 hours. 

*If a child has any sores, “weeping” skin areas or rash, a healthcare provider’s note stating that the child is not contagious is to be given to the nurse upon returning to school. 

*If a child has been placed on antibiotics for any infection, they must stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after the start of the medicine or until there are no other symptoms (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, etc.) for 24 hours.

**In the close environment of the classroom, other students and teachers are susceptible to the illness of a sick child. Also, a child’s resistance is lowered as the child’s body is fighting a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, mucus drainage, cough, or broken skin. Therefore, the child may develop additional signs of illness.

These guidelines are in place in accordance with New Jersey Statutes, which allows for the exclusion of pupils who are ill. They have been approved by the School Physician

We would like to welcome all new and returning students and their families to Sampson G. Smith School. The nurses work closely with all of your children in an effort to care for them and their health care needs. Health Office procedures are in accordance with NJ State Law, Franklin Township Board of Education requirements as outlined by our district medical inspector and NJ State Board of Nursing. We are looking forward to working with you this year.

Health Screenings are conducted annually as mandated by the NJ Administrative Code. The screenings performed depend upon grade level and are height, weight, hearing, vision, scoliosis and blood pressure. If you do not wish to have your child screened for any of the above, please notify the health office in writing about the first week of school. The nurse will also call if your child has a significant injury or illness and needs to go home. It is important to keep your contacts and phone numbers up to date for this purpose.

Your cooperation with the following would be greatly appreciated.

Breakfast: Please be sure your child gets the energy they need to start the day.

Absence: Call 732-873-2800 extension 200.

Injury/Illness: The nurse will contact family when a student meets the criteria for exclusion. Students must be picked up by a parent/guardian or parent designee. The nurse's office can only contact people listed on the emergency card.

PE Excuses: If your child has an injury and is unable to participate in PE/Dance, a note signed by the treating physician must be brought to the nurses' office. An excuse will be sent to the student's PE/Dance teacher. If your child requires the use of crutches, cane, an elevator, or needs to wear an immobilizer, that information must be noted on the physician's note. Students must provide their own equipment. 

Medications: If medication is required, either prescription or over-the-counter, during school hours, the appropriate forms will be provided by the health office or can be obtained in the Nurse's and district website. The forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and the ordering physician and returned to the nurse's office. The medication must be in the original container. The only medications that a student may carry in school are inhalers and epinephrine with the appropriate doctor forms.

Please notify the Nurses' Office directly at 732-873-2383 or 732 873 2800 x108  if your child is diagnosed with a contagious disease such as Chicken Pox or Strep throat, COVID.   If your child develops a new medical condition, if they are involved in an accident or have been hospitalized. When your child receives immunizations, please send a copy to the nurse to keep the student's health records up to date.