Frequently Asked Questions

There are no hard and fast rules about when you should keep your child home from school. We expect that parents will use their judgment and keep their children home when they’re not feeling well, not only to speed up their recovery time, but also to protect other students.

View the "When to Keep Your Child Home From School" Document

No. If you suspect that your child is ill, please take her/him to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Yes.  Please call your child’s school to report her/his absence:

Church Street School:  422-2400

George Washington School:  422-2380

Mamaroneck Avenue School:  422-2286

Post Road School:  422-2320

Ridgeway School:  422-2081

Middle School - Eastview Campus:  422-2223

Middle School - Highlands Campus:  422-2090/2120

High School:       North House:   422-2140      South House:  422-2171

Community School:  422-2420

When your child returns to school, s/he should bring the teacher a note from you explaining the absence. When your child is out for more than five days, it is advisable to submit a doctor’s note.

If your child’s absence was due to a contagious disease, such as chicken pox, please have her/him bring a doctor’s note directly to the school nurse before returning to the classroom.

At the high school, absences impact directly on credits received, as detailed in the school's Absence Policy. The high school sends parents information every year detailing the school’s absence policy. Any questions should be directed to your child’s guidance counselor.

No. A physical examination is required only in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh grades .

If there is no proof that your child has had a physical exam performed outside of school and s/he is in one of the grades listed above, s/he will be examined by the school physician at some point during the year. The exam done in school is brief and in no way is meant to take the place of a comprehensive exam done by a health professional who is familiar with your child.

Your child’s school nurse will be happy to tell you about resources in the area.  The phone numbers for all of the school nurses are listed at the bottom of this page.

The school nurse will assess the situation and call you if she feels it is necessary. Many times a short rest and some tender loving care work wonders for minor complaints. If you wish to be notified of all incidents, please let the school nurse know at the beginning of the year.

The school nurse, in the process of treating your child or another child’s cut, may notice blood- stained clothes. Since all staff have been instructed in universal precautions to prevent blood transmitted diseases, she will assess the situation and, if she thinks it is necessary, may ask you to bring in a change of clothes.

The school nurse will call the back-up person you listed on the Family Information Form.

It is very important to fill out a new FAMILY  INFORMATION FORM each year!

• Outdated phone numbers and incomplete information may result in your child facing a painful or frightening situation without you!!
• The information is vital in all situations – medical and other – when it is necessary for the school to reach you or your back-up person.
• In your absence, your child will not be allowed to leave school in case of illness or other situations with someone else unless you have specified that person on the card.

  The school will give you NEW Family Information Form at the beginning of each school year.

  We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to complete and return this form each year!!!

The nurse will first make sure the immediate needs of your child are met, will notify you and your physician immediately and, if necessary, will call an ambulance.

Your choice of hospitals within White Plains -- as indicated on the Family Information Form -- will be honored except in cases where paramedic personnel choose otherwise.

If your child is involved in an accident during school or school-related activities and requires medical intervention, the district’s insurance provides coverage. Insurance forms are available from the school nurse. If you have insurance, the district’s insurance is activated only after your insurance carrier has made the maximum payment.

When there are confirmed cases of a contagious disease in school, the principal and school nurse will notify the parents. Parents will receive printed information regarding the disease and advice as to whether additional intervention is suggested.

Yes. If your child has a condition such as allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, or any chronic/acute illness it is important that you tell the school nurse  She may need physcian's orders and/or supplies depending on the student's diagnosis. Please meet with the nurse to discuss your child's health needs at the beginning of the school year. She will do everything possible to keep the student safe and healthy.  If your child is injured during the school year,  the nurse should be notified of any restrictions that his/her doctor has ordered.

In some cases, yes. When it is important for your child’s well-being for others to be notified, the school nurse will share information with her/his teachers and other school staff members who have contact with her/him through a confidential Medical Alert list.  Contact the school nurse if you have any questions regarding privacy.

An Administration of Medication form must be completed and returned to the school nurse before any medication is administered, including over-the-counter preparations. If you have any additional questions, call your school nurse or call the School Nurse Coordinator at 422-2011.

All medications will be given by the school nurse or another adult, with the exception of two medication devices that may be carried by a child: an inhaler for asthmatics and an EPIPEN for children with severe allergies. An Administration of Medication form must be completed for these medications, too.

Students who have written permission and a doctor's order on file with the school nurse may receive an appropriate dose of a pain reliever or fever reducer after an assessment by the school. This medication must be supplied by the parent in the original container and, like other medications, must be delivered directly to the school nurse by an adult. Please write your child's name on the container.