District nurse: upload immunizations, provide recent physical and follow 24-hour illness rule

Mary Fischer, the district's head nurse, told parents at the orientation that updated immunization records and a recent physical must be uploaded to the Genesis registration site and that those forms are required by the state of New Jersey.

"This is required by state of New Jersey," Fischer said, advising parents to download the district forms from Genesis and upload completed records during registration. Fischer noted the district will accept physical exams dated within the window the district sets for the coming school year and advised parents whose child's exam may lapse to upload the most recent exam and supply an updated form before school starts.

Fischer described medication procedures: physician-signed orders are required for prescription medicines and there are standard standing orders for certain over-the-counter items (including acetaminophen for fevers and ibuprofen). For children with documented allergies, asthma, diabetes or seizure disorders, Fischer said the district requires emergency action plans and that medications and forms be kept at school.

On illness and return-to-school timing, Fischer reiterated the district's 24-hour rule: students should be 24 hours free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea without use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. She also said the district tracks and reports communicable illnesses (strep throat, influenza, pneumonia and similar conditions) to the state and that vision and hearing screenings are conducted annually; the district sometimes partners with community groups for vision checks.

Fischer encouraged parents to contact their school nurse with questions and to upload required health documents into Genesis ahead of registration.