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All school events, parent workshops, PTA meeting dates for the 2023-24 school year are posted on the SOMS Google Calendar.

FREE & REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS APPLICATION
Parents and caregivers who believe that their children may be eligible for free and reduced-price school breakfast and lunch are encouraged to complete the 2023-24 application and email it to Maureen Clancy (mclancy2@socsd.org) as soon as possible. The downloadable application is posted in English and Spanish on the Food Service webpage.

GENERAL
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view forms posted below in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and may be downloaded free from the Adobe website. Unable to access the forms? Please call the SOMS Main Office at (845) 680-1100 for assistance.

First Day of School Letter
School Supply Lists: Gr. 6 | Gr. 7 |Gr. 8
Technology Letter
Health Education Letter
Mobile Device Handbook (English | Español)
Progress Report and Report Card Dates
Student Handbook 2023-2024
Parent Involvement Policy and School-Student-Parent Compact
Program of Studies and Continuum of Services
School Communications
Annual Notifications

SCHOOL HEALTH
School Nurse: Margaret Keane, RN
Tel: 845-680-1130 | Fax: 845-680-1911

Student Health Examination Requirements

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.

Please contact your child’s healthcare provider to schedule your child’s health examination and required vaccinations. Remember to sign consent forms allowing your provider to speak with school health staff at the time of your child’s examination.

Please read the following requirements carefully:

• The examination must be completed by a NY/NJ state licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
• A dental certificate 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 after the start of school for new entrants and when your child starts kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. Please note that the NYSED Student Health Examination Form or its electronic health record equivalent MUST be used for all physicals; no other forms are acceptable.
• Links to the NYSED Student Health Examination Form and dental certificate forms  are posted on the For Parents page of our school district website, under Forms.

Parents are encouraged to make copies of the completed forms for their own records before sending them to the School Nurse’s Office. Forms may be sent to SOMS School Nurse Margaret Keane at mkeane2@socsd.org or via fax (845.680.1911).

Immunization Requirements for Incoming Students
Proof of up-to-date immunizations must be submitted prior to the start of school for all new students. View information regarding New York State Vaccination Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance: English | Español.

Tdap Vaccine: Students 11 years or older entering grades 6 through 12 are required to have one dose of Tdap. A dose received at 7 years or older will meet this requirement. Students who are 10 years old in grade 6 and who have not yet received a Tdap vaccine are in compliance until they turn 11 years old.

Meningococcal Vaccine: As of September 1, 2016, all public and private school students entering grades 7 and 12 in New York State must be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease in order to attend school. The meningococcal vaccine, which is administered as a shot, protects against serious and sometimes deadly diseases, such as meningitis and sepsis. Before school starts in September:

• One dose of meningococcal vaccine is required before 7th grade. If your child had the first dose as a sixth-grader, then another dose is not required until 12th grade.
• A total of two doses will be required before 12th grade. Most students entering 12th grade got their first dose when they were younger and are now due for their second dose, or booster. This booster is needed because protection from the vaccine decreases over time.
• The only teens who will not need a second dose before 12th grade are those who got their first dose on or after their 16th birthday.
• A small number of students who received two doses before their 16th birthday may need a third dose on or after their 16th birthday in order to enter 12th grade.

It’s best to check with your doctor to see whether or not your child needs the vaccine. Students who are not up-to-date will not be allowed to attend school until they are vaccinated.

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.

Head Lice Information
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.