• Welcome to the Smith School Health Office

    News as of 7/29/2021

    I have some happy but bittersweet news to share.  After 22 years as the Ann Blanche Smith School Nurse, I have decided to retire, effective 6/30/2021.  It has been an honor and a privilege to care for thousands of children in our wonderful town of Hillsdale! 

    The Hillsdale Public Schools are like a second home to me and I will miss being a part of the daily happenings at Smith.  Like other retirees, I plan to spend more time with my family, nurture hobbies and pursue new interests.  Also, I will continue in my school nurse leadership roles throughout the county and state.  I look forward to staying connected to Smith in a different but meaningful way.

    Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for the privilege of caring for your children and the trust you placed in me.  My 22 years in Hillsdale were the happiest of my 42 year career as a pediatric nurse.  As Dr. Suess once said, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  Smith School made me smile everyday and I am grateful.  I am certain that our new school nurse will be a dedicated and hard-working member of our Smith School family.  Your children will continue to be in the best of hands.  Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful school year.  I will stay in touch!

    In preparation for the new school year and until further notice, please direct all health-related concerns to Mrs. Iskenderian or Mrs. D'Ambrosio in the Main Office at 201-664-1188.

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    Kindergarten and New Students: All physical examination forms and immunization records are due PRIOR to the first day of school.  These forms should be mailed, dropped off or sent electronically to the School Nurse.  

    Students with Life-Threatening Allergies: If your child has a life threatening allergy and requires access to an epinephrine auto-injector during the school day, please download the forms from the Health Office website and submit them PRIOR to the first day of school.  Additionally, all medication listed in the plan must be provided to the Health Office. 

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    Medical Updates and Communicable Issues

    Please notify the nurse if your child has any communicable illness/issue (COVID-19, strep throat, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, MRSA skin infections, impetigo, pink eye, flu, head lice, etc.). Sharing this information is critical since it promotes the ability to keep you informed as to health-related concerns in our school community.  As always, such information is kept in strictest confidence.  PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT STUDENTS MUST BE FEVER-FREE (and not taking fever-reducing medications) FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

     Do You Need a Medical or Dental Home? 

    If so, please see this link for free or affordable medical and/or dental care for your whole family.

    http://nhcac.org/ 

          Healthy School Snacks and Lunches

    Please see this link from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding nutritious school snacks and lunches.

     
    Handwashing
     
    Handwashing, Handwashing, Handwashing! You can help us limit the spread of illnesses by encouraging your family members to wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is ideal. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Remember to keep hands away from the face and avoid touching the mouth, nose, and eyes. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or cough into the inside of the elbow. Stay home when sick.
     
    Please remember to review handwashing with your children.  Specifically, be sure that they know HOW to wash, rinse, and dry; WHEN to wash, and WHY washing is important.  Sending a hand wipe or hand sanitizer for use prior to snack and lunch should be considered and serves as an adjunct to washing with soap and water.  Please know that the school will reinforce this practice with your children.  As we all know, handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
     
    Parents of Kindergarten, New, and 3rd Grade Students
     
    Please remember to submit all physicals and immunization forms per district policy. For Kindergarten and new students, a physical examination is required.  For 3rd grade students, a physical examination is strongly recommended.   Please keep this in mind as you schedule your child's medical appointments.
     
    Medication Administration
     
    Please remember that all medication administration forms must be updated annually and signed by both the physician and a parent.  This applies to prescription and OTC medications.
     
    Health Insurance
     
    If you are interested in obtaining information about NJ Family Care, New Jersey's affordable health insurance plan, please visit  njfamilycare.org