
OCSD recognizes that good student health is vital to successful learning and realizes its responsibility, along with that of the parents, to protect and foster a safe and healthy environment for the students. The district provides continuous monitoring of the health needs of each student. Emergency care and environmental safety are provided for each student and school personnel.
It can be hard to know when to send children to school if they tell you that they do not feel well. Usually, the best place for them is in school, but there are some times when keeping them home to rest or call for an appointment with your health care provider is recommended.
Table of Contents
When to Keep A Child Home With Illness
Please keep your child home and/or contact your child’s doctor for:
- Fever greater than 100.4° (taken by mouth).
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
- Severe sore throat along with fever and feeling ill for more than 48 hours, or after exposure to Strep throat infection.
- Honey-crusted sores around the nose or mouth or rash on other body parts.
- Large amounts of mucous (liquid) from their nose, with face pain or headache.
- Severe ear pain or fluid coming from the ear.
- Severe headache, especially with a fever.
If your child has a fever, it is not a good idea to give them medicine like Tylenol or Advil and send them to school because as soon as the medicine wears off, the fever may return and you will be called to come and pick up your child. Please keep children home for 24 hours after the fever ends or they have completed 24 hours of medication if prescribed by your health care provider.
If you find your child is frequently asking to stay home from school, if they are falling behind or appear anxious about school, or if there does not appear to be any physical symptoms, contact your school nurse, school counselors, and your health care provider to discuss your concerns.
Health Services Policies
The district has policies on required health screenings, immunization protocols, nursing services, medication administration, chronic health care plans, emergency procedures, and health record confidentiality in accordance with New York State requirements.
Learn more and access the Health Service Policy Manual.
Immunizations Information
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) offers guidelines and information about state required immunizations. View required immunizations information on the State Education Department website.
Health Screening Information
- View the required NYS School Health Examination Form that is to be completed by private healthcare provider or school medical director.
- View the Dental Health Certificate on which parents/guardians complete Section 1 and then take the form to your dentist/dental hygienist for an assessment. Request the dentist/dental hygienist to fill out Section 2 and then return the completed form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
Medications in School
With a healthcare provider’s order and written parental consent, schools may administer medication to students. An adult must deliver the medication in its original packaging to the school, with specific exceptions for middle and high school students who require inhalers. View more information about medications in school and our emergency medication procedures in our Health Services Policy Manual.
Allergies and Snacks in School
Due to a dramatic increase in possible life threatening food allergies, there has been an update to our snack/food procedures at the elementary school level. View approved snack and celebration options that are safe to bring into elementary schools.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
View information on NYS required BMI screenings on our Plans, Policies & Required Notifications page.
Wellness Policy
The District Wellness Policy establishes goals for nutrition and physical education, sets nutrition guidelines for school foods, and provides opportunities for community involvement. Access the Wellness Policy.
Departments & Services Links
District Health Services
Kristin Lamay, School District Medical Director
1100 State St.
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-0900
Madill Elementary School Nurse
Grace Montana, BSN, RN
800 Jefferson Avenue
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-7729
JFK Elementary School Nurses
Paige Thornhill, RN
Adriana Whitmarsh, RN
801-809 Park St.
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-4264
OFA School Nurses
Kristin Ashley, RN
Colleen Blevins, BSN, RN
1100 State St.
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-0900
additional Resources
- View the New York State Department of Health’s webpage about Flu (Influenza).
- Report Child Abuse and Neglect by Phone:
1 (800) 342-3720- If Deaf or Hard of Hearing Report by TDD/TTY:
1 (800) 638-5163 - Or Video Relay System:
1 (800) 342-3720
- If Deaf or Hard of Hearing Report by TDD/TTY:
- Visit the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports webpage to reduce or prevent problem gambling, alcohol and/or drug use in youth and young adults.
