The health, safety and wellness of our students is a priority of the South Orangetown Central School District.

Keep students home if they are experiencing fever of 100.0 or higher, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

For information regarding COVID-19, please visit the CDC or New York State Department of Health websites.

Questions? Call your child’s School Nurse. 

Food Allergies and Medications

Families of students with health concerns, such as food allergies, medications and Individualized Education Plans, are encouraged to notify their school nurse or principal prior to the beginning of the school year or immediately following a diagnosis. Forms are posted on the For Parents page.

School Health Examination Requirement

New York State law requires a health examination for all students entering the school district for the first time AND when entering pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. Physicals completed within 365 days prior to the first day of school are acceptable.

• The examination must be completed by a NY/NJ state licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
• An Annual Dental Examination Form which indicates your child has been seen by a dentist or dental hygienist is requested at the same time.
• A copy of the NYSED Student Health Examination Form must be provided to the school within 30 days from when your child first starts school and when your child starts kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. If a copy is not given to the school within 30 days, the school will contact you. New York State requires that all physical examinations be documented on the NYSED Student Health Examination Form or its electronic health record equivalent. No other forms are acceptable.
• If your child has an appointment for an exam during the school year that is after the first 30 days of school, please notify the School Nurse’s Office of the exam date.

Immunization Requirements

Proof of up-to-date immunizations must be submitted prior to the start of school; this includes kindergartners, new students, and students already enrolled, for continued attendance.

View information regarding New York State Vaccination Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance: English | Español.

The Rockland County Department of Health offers immunization and medical clinics for children ages 5-18 and adults, including those who are uninsured, underinsured or on Medicaid. For information or to make an appointment, call (845) 364-2497. Details are posted on the NYS Department of Health website.

School Health Screenings

The district’s School Health Services program supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York. During the school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school:

• Vision: Distance and near acuity for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  Color perception screening for all newly entering students.
• Hearing: Hearing screening for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all girls in grades 5 and 7, and boys in grade 9.

A letter will be sent home if your student needs follow-up with your health care provider.

Head Lice Management

Head lice are a common, contagious problem in schools year-round. It can spread easily and quickly through head-to-head or hand-to head contact with an infested person through direct contact or through sharing of personal items, such as hats, brushes and any head gear (e.g., batting/riding helmets). Head lice may be contracted any place where children interact in close contact, such as school, camp and sleepovers.

A student who is found to have head lice will be sent home for treatment. It is extremely important that parents are vigilant in treating their children with head lice and removing the eggs (nits):

• Get Tough: Treat the head
• Get Picky: Remove head lice and nits
• Be on Guard: Every week, take a peek

Once the student has been treated, he/she may return to school. Please feel free to call your child’s School Nurse for assistance.

Homebound Instruction

Homebound instruction will be provided on a temporary basis to students expected to be absent from school for at least 10 consecutive school days upon receipt of a signed statement from a physician. View the Homebound Instruction page.

Wellness Policy

View the District’s Wellness Policy on BoardDocs.