Thursday, March 28, 2024

Student Health Services


Healthy children learn better. We all know this on a common sense level, but scientific data backs it up. Research suggests that students' health and learning are inextricably linked. Studies also have shown that school health programs can boost students' academic performance and improve behavior and attendance. So, efforts to increase student achievement should include a focus on health.


The Pennsylvania Public School Code provides that all children attending public, private, and parochial schools receive school health services. These services include medical and dental examinations and five different health screenings (growth, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and tuberculosis) at specified intervals; nursing services, including the treatment of acute and chronic conditions, first aid, and emergency care; medication administration; health counseling and health promotion; maintenance of student health records; and assessment for school immunizations.


Download the Parents Guide to School Health Services.

Bear Creek Community Charter School employs a full-time Registered Nurse to support the health and welfare of our students while at school. Our School Nurse is:

Mrs. Tina Vojtko, RN
Phone: (570) 820-4070, Extension 6106
E-mail: tina.vojtko@bearcreekschool.com


Reminders for Parents


Parents must bring medications to school along with doctor's order. Please do not send in medication with students.


It is important that you notify the School Nurse of any changes in your child's health or a change in emergency contact information.



Influenza


Bear Creek Community Charter School will be adhering to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention as we monitor the health and safety of our students, staff and families. We request that you help us in our efforts by keeping your child home from school and school related activities if he or she is ill, notifying the school when your child is ill, and promptly reporting to the school to pick up your child should they become ill while in school.


  • Stay Home When Sick. Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.

  • Separate Ill Students & Staff. Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home. CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask.

  • Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette. The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).

  • Routine cleaning School. Staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.

  • Early Treatment of High Risk Students & Staff. People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.


For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention