The Oneonta City School District provides health services to all its students through the Health Offices at each school building. The Health Office is responsible for managing student medical records and medications and caring for students who are ill or injured while at school. The Health Office also helps manage information about student absences or tardiness related to illness or injury.
Student Entrance Requirements
Immunizations
State education laws require students to provide proof of vaccination before enrolling in the school district. Additional information about required immunizations is available from the New York State Department of Health.
As of June 2019, families may no longer receive a religious exemption for vaccinations and will be required to provide proof of vaccination to enroll students in our school district.
All incoming 6th Graders must have a Tdap vaccine.
All incoming 7th & 12th Graders must have a Meningitis Vaccine. Please check with your doctor to see if your child is up to date. You will need to provide the heath office with proof of these vaccines before school begins.
Physical Examinations
Proof of a physical examination is also required for all new students enrolling in the district for the first time, as well as children entering Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Parents/guardians will also be asked to provide a Health History Form for incoming students.
Current students may have the option of having a physical examination performed at their school Health Office with their parent's permission. Otherwise, students may be examined by their physician/medical provider.
Other Screenings
Vision and hearing screenings are required within 6 months of admission to school, as well as in Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11. Scoliosis screenings will be required for girls in grades 5 and 7 and boys in grade 9.
Medications
If your child takes medication regularly or even periodically — whether it is over-the-counter (such as Tylenol, allergy medicine, etc.) or prescription (such as an inhaler or antibiotics) — the school must have permission to administer the medication. The nurse's office cannot give out any medication that is not specified and provided, and the school nurse does not keep medication on hand.
If your child needs to take medication in school, please provide:
A signed doctor's order -AND-
A note from the parent/guardian
-OR-
Parents may authorize permission by completing the OCSD Medication Form. This form will require a provider's signature.
All medication must be brought to school in the original labeled medication bottle by a parent/guardian. DO NOT send medication in with your child. All medication must be given through the health office. Children are not allowed to carry and take their own medication. This keeps everyone safe.