Health Services

The Livingston Public Schools are proactive in communicating important health information to parents/guardians. The district employs 10 nurses to support the wellness of all students. Questions pertaining to your child's health should first be addressed with your school nurse. Parents/Guardians are reminded to complete all forms relating to student health each year and update that information as warranted throughout the school year.

Ms. Enkelejda Dauti
Burnet Hill Elementary School
edauti@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x6925

Ms. Ashley Messer 
Collins Elementary School
amesser@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x8122

Ms. Dena Goldberg
Harrison Elementary School
dgoldberg@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x8113
 
Ms. Lisa Garamella
Hillside Elementary School
lgaramella@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x8152

Ms. Heather Ruesch
Mt. Pleasant Elementary School
hruesch@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x8142

Ms. Kathleen Giordano 
Riker Hill Elementary School
kgiordano@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x8132

Mrs. Irina Gueva
Mt. Pleasant Middle School
igueva@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x8079

Ms. Diane Miranda
Heritage Middle School
dmiranda@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x8145

Ms. Katie Baach
Livingston High School
kbaach@livingston.org
973-535-8000, X8063

Ms. Pietrina Daly
Livingston High School
pdaly@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x6928

Mrs. Carolyn Ross
District Nurse
cross@livingston.org 
973-535-8000, x7215

LPS schools do the following health screenings:

• Blood pressure: K-12 annually
• Visual tests: pre-K, kindergarten, grades 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
• Hearing tests: pre-K, K-4, grades 6, 7 and 11
• Height and weight: K-12 annually
• Scoliosis: ages 10 and up every other year

Policy 5300 - Use of Defibrillators (AEDS) (M)

Policy 5306 - Health Services to Non-Public Schools (M)

Policy 5307 - Nursing Services Plan (M)

Policy 5320 - Immunization

Policy 5330 - Administration of Medication (M)

Policy 5331 - Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools (M)

Policy 5332 - Do Not Resuscitate Orders (M)

Policy 5335 - Treatment of Asthma (M)

Policy 5350 - Student Suicide Prevention (M)

Policy 5530 - Substance Abuse (M)

Policy 5533 - Student Smoking (M)

Policy 5535 - Passive Breath Alcohol Sensor Device

Policy 7420 - Hygienic Management (M)

Policy 7421 - Indoor Air Quality Standards

Policy 7432 - Eye Protection (M)

Policy 7433 - Hazardous Substances

Policy 7434 - Smoking in School Buildings and on School Grounds (M)

Policy 7435 - Alcoholic Beverages on School Premises

Policy 7436 - Drug-Free Workplace (M)

Policy 8505 - Local Wellness Policy/Nutrient Standards for Meals and Other Foods (M)

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

"Committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults."

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
AAHPERD’s mission is to promote and support leadership, research, education, and best practices in the professions that support creative, healthy, and active lifestyles.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is one of the major operating components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)

FAAN's vision:  "To be a world leader in food allergy and anaphylaxis awareness and the issues surrounding this disease."

KidsHealth (http://kidshealth.org)

Information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years for parents, kids and teens.

The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey (PACNJ)

Statewide resources for asthma programs and services.

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS)

The mission of this State department is "to foster accessible and high-quality health and senior services to help all people in New Jersey achieve optimal health, dignity and independence. We work to prevent disease, promote and protect well-being at all life stages and encourage informed choices that enrich quality of life for individuals and communities..."

New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES)

NJPIES is a non-profit organization that coordinates the treatment and distribution of information concerning poisons, drugs and targeted health issues through telephone management, consultation, education and research.  

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

Resources from the United State Department of Health and Human Services.

World Health Organization (WHO)

"The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations’ system.  WHO experts produce health guidelines and standards, and help countries to address public health issues.  WHO also supports and promotes health research.  Through WHO, governments can jointly tackle global health problems and improve people’s well-being."

In 2008, P.L. 2008, Chapter 38 was signed into law and mandates that all children age 18 and under have health insurance. All relevant state agencies continue to engage in outreach strategies to help families meet this requirement. 

NJFamily Care: Visit the NJFamilyCare website to see if your family qualifies for this low cost or no cost health insurance program. NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state funded health insurance program created to help New Jersey's uninsured children and certain low-income parents and guardians to have affordable health coverage. It is not a welfare program. NJ FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance, and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance.

As mandated by New Jersey Law, no pupil will be admitted to any school in our district without evidence of having been immunized by the following agents and a Certification of Immunization History completed and signed by a licensed health care provider:

• Diphtheria Toxoid

• Pertussis Vaccine

• Tetanus Toxoid
• Live Poliomyelitis Vaccine – Trivalent
• Live attenuated Measles Virus Vaccine and Measles Booster Vaccine
• Live Rubella Virus Vaccine
• Live Mumps Vaccine
• HIB Vaccine (incoming kindergarten and pre-school students)
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Varicella Vaccine
• Influenza Vaccine (Pre-K students only)
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• Meningococcal Vaccine (incoming 6th grade students)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, acellular Pertussis (incoming 6th grade students)

In addition, some new students may need Mantoux Tuberculin Testing.  In accordance with the rules of the State Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services' most recent mandate of July 2005, as well as procedures followed by the Livingston School District: All students entering New Jersey schools require tuberculin skin testing when entering the school system for the first time, if BORN in, or TRANSFERRING FROM, a high TB incidence country NOT listed below. 

A further exemption exists "if the student has a documented Mantoux Tuberculin skin test result within the previous six (6) months of school entry."

As mandated by state law, the method of screening to be used is the Mantoux Intradermal Skin Test. Within 48 - 72 hours, the site of the test must be checked and the results documented.

Students will not be allowed to attend school until this testing has been completed. 

New entry or transfer students from the following countries are exempt from Mantoux Tuberculin skin testing:

Antigua and Barbuda	Australia	Austria	Barbados
Belgium	Bermuda	Canada	Cayman Islands
Cuba	Cyprus	Czech Republic	Denmark
Finland	France	Germany	Greenland
Grenada	Iceland	Ireland	Israel
Italy	Jamaica	Jordan	Lebanon
Luxembourg	Malta	Monaco	Montserrat
Netherlands	Netherlands Antilles	New Zealand	Norway
Oman	Puerto Rico	Saint Kitts & Nevis	San Marino
Sweden	Switzerland	Trinidad & Tobago	United Kingdom of Great Britain
USA	USA Virgin Islands		Northern Ireland

• 6th Grade Medical Records Form: Prior to students entering 6th grade at Mt. Pleasant Middle School, a medical records form must be completed and returned to the school nurse.

• Asthma Treatment Plan: If a student has asthma, an Asthma Treatment Plan must be on file in the student's health records. Please return the completed form to the school nurse.

• Athletics - Preparticipation Physical Evaluation: For those students wishing to participate in an interscholastic/intramural sport or club program (requiring a physical, i.e. dance club).

• Confidential Medical Information Update Form

• Dispensing of Medication on One-Session Days

• Field/Walking Trip Medication Suspension

• New Student Health Packet

• Physical Education Modification

• Physician's Orders for Allergy Emergency Treatment (Epipen)

• Request for Medication to be Administered by School Nurse

• Self-Medication Law 1-2600 Form: For Asthma and Life-Threatening Conditions.

• Student Medical Certificate

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

For students participating in an interscholastic sport, intramural sport and/or club program at Heritage Middle School or Mt. Pleasant Middle School, complete the appropriate forms on the Genesis Parent Access portal and complete the following forms for each season. The Health History Update Questionnaire must be completed as well. 

• HMS/YMCA Athletic or MPM Intramurals Permission Form
• Intramurals/Dance Club Permission Form
• Athletic Emergency Card  
• Athletic Policies and Information Form
• Random Steroid Testing Consent (HMS students only)
• Acknowledgment of reading the Concussion Policy
• Acknowledgment of reading the “Sudden Cardiac Death in Youth Athletes” brochure
• Acknowledgment of reading the LSC Sportsmanship Pledge

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Sports Physicals

A Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form is required by the State of New Jersey for students in grades 6-12 participating on a school-sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletic team or squad and must be completed prior to a student’s participation as per N.J.A.C. 6A:16 Programs to Support Student Development. 

Included in the State of New Jersey mandate regarding participation in sports, physicals are valid for one calendar year only. All physicals MUST be documented on the official State of New Jersey physical forms, which can be accessed here: ATHLETIC PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL FORMS

A valid athletic physical must be on file with the school nurse prior to the start of each athletic season.

If the athletic physical has not expired by the first day that practice begins for the selected sport, that physical will take the student athlete throughout the entire season, even if the physical may expire during the season. 

If the athletic physical expires prior to the first day of practice for the selected sport, a new athletic physical must be completed by your pediatrician or qualified medical professional to participate.   

We recommend that the parent keep copies of these forms prior to submitting them to the school nurse. 

Important Note Regarding Asthma/Allergies: If a student has asthma or life-threatening allergies, it is strongly recommended to have the Asthma Treatment Plan and Allergy Emergency Treatment Plan on file. Please submit these forms to the Health Office when completed.

Parents are asked to have their own family physician conduct the athletic physical, however; if the family has no personal physician or if the family cannot afford to obtain an athletic physical on their own, they may take advantage of the free athletic physicals given at the school. These physicals are performed during the month of June each year in the Health Office at Livingston High School.

If your personal physician is administering the physical examination, his/her findings must be recorded on the official Preparticipation Physical Evaluation form. Please be sure to complete all appropriate sections and have a parent/guardian sign the form prior to visiting your physician. 

The due date for submission of all LPS forms is the same date that the season's physicals are given.

• Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT FEVER-REDUCING MEDICATION before returning to school. 
• Your child cannot return for 24 hours after any episode of vomiting or diarrhea. 
• Do NOT send your sick child to school because there is a class trip or party, or test.  Imagine how much better he/she will perform on the test if taken when your child is well. 
• If you have any questions regarding your child's symptoms or questions concerning sending your child to school, please contact your school nurse.  Additionally, please notify the nurse of any communicable disease such as strep throat, flu, stomache virus, chicken pox, etc.

Is it a Cold, Flu, RSV, or Covid-19?

Cold: Cold symptoms tend to begin more gradually. Common symptoms of a cold include; stuffy/runny nose, sore throat, and sneezing. Rarely when people have a cold will they have a fever. Sometimes people with a cold feel fatigued.

Flu: Flu symptoms tend to begin more abruptly. Common symptoms of the flu include; fever, body aches (sometimes severe), chills, fatigue, sore throat, chest discomfort/coughing, and headache. Sometimes people with the flu will have vomiting and diarrhea, although children are more likely to experience these symptoms of the flu. The flu can cause severe symptoms in some cases, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and seizures. If anyone with the flu develops symptoms that are severe or concerning, seek medical attention right away.

RSV: Common symptoms of RSV include; runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and poor appetite. Infants who have RSV will likely show symptoms of irritability, breathing difficulties, and decreased activity. RSV can cause more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and dehydration, especially in infants and older adults. Anyone with severe symptoms or symptoms that are concerning should seek medical attention right away.

Covid-19: Anyone with covid-19 may experience a variety of symptoms that can be mild or more severe. Possible symptoms can include; fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Covid-19 can cause severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, confusion, and chest pressure. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek medical attention right away.

Anyone who has symptoms of Flu, RSV, or Covid-19 should get tested. Follow any guidance from health care providers, schools, childcare centers, and employers about returning and ending isolation after being sick. For more information on each of these illnesses visit the CDC website at cdc.gov

Prevention Tips: Wash your hands: make sure you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds when washing them or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. -Get Vaccinated: Get an annual flu vaccine and stay up to date with covid vaccination. -Avoid: Avoid close contact as much as possible with those who are sick. -Keep Surfaces Clean: Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. -Mask: Wear a mask when around others, especially indoor areas and if you have any health conditions that may increase your chances with severe illness.

*This information was developed by Livingston Health Department with Information from the CDC.

 

• REPORT AN ABSENCE IN GENESIS PARENT PORTAL
• HOW TO REPORT AN ABSENCE OR TARDY
• HOW TO REPORT AN EARLY DISMISSAL

With the increasing numbers of students requiring medications during the school year, the need for early preparation cannot be stressed enough.

Medications dispensed to manage chronic presentations such as diabetes, seizures, asthma, allergy, ADHD, mental health diagnoses, etc. MUST be presented to the school nurse PRIOR to the first day of school.  This allows for the appropriate steps to be taken to safely manage all medications on the first day of school. 

At the bottom of this letter you will find various medication administration forms.  Download the forms that are specific to your child's needs and have your son/daughter's physician/advanced practice nurse fill it out and sign it.  Your signature is also required in order for any medication to be given by the school nurse during the school year.  Remember, all medications must be delivered to the nurse in the original pharmacy labeled container, including over the counter medications, such as Tylenol or Advil.

You may also download these forms at any later time as the school year progresses by going to the district's website. Under District Departments, please select Health Services and then on the next screen select Health Forms.  Scroll down and find Request for Medication to be Administered by School Nurse.  Additionally, forms pertinent to asthma, emergency epinephrine, and self-medication for life-saving meds are available amongst the forms for download.

Please drop off your child's medication with the appropriate forms filled out and signed by your child's physician. Please contact your child's school directly to confirm the dates that the nurse will be available. Please drop off your child's medication with the appropriate forms filled out and signed by your child's physician. Please ask to see your school nurse to discuss the medication as prescribed by the physician/advanced practice nurse. If you wish to make an appointment to discuss your child's medication and care needs, contact your child's nurse directly. This is particularly important for students leaving 5th grade and entering Mt. Pleasant Middle School, leaving 6th grade and entering Heritage Middle School and leaving 8th grade to attend Livingston High School.

Thank you for your diligence and preparation as we prepare for each school year.

Students who return to school with stitches, casts, air casts, crutches, splints, wheelchairs, walkers, canes and immobilizers will be admitted to school with a doctor's note that includes restrictions for physicial education, sports participation and recess.

Parents - Please report to the school nurse with your child upon return to school to determine your child's ability to use assistive devices, such as crutches and boots, and to discuss a plan to be initiated for a safe and smooth return for your child.