At Minnewaska Area Schools, the Health Services department is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student health and reduces barriers to learning. By working closely with the MAS educational team, we aim to protect and promote student well-being, encourage optimal development, and advance academic success. The approach is grounded in ethical and evidence-based practices, serving as a crucial link between healthcare and education.

The Health Services department provides a range of essential services to support the health and well-being of our students. “We offer care for common illnesses and injuries that occur during the school day, ensuring that students receive timely assistance when needed. Additionally, we manage the safe and accurate administration of medications for students who require them during school hours. Health education is another important component of our work, as we provide programs designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices among students. Regular hearing and vision screenings help us identify any issues that could impact a student’s ability to learn, while our diligent collection and monitoring of immunization data ensure compliance with state requirements and contribute to maintaining a healthy school environment,” it was stated in a recent MAS news release.  

Deciding whether to keep your child home from school when they’re not feeling well can be challenging. Here are some guidelines to assist you. If your child has a fever of 100°F or higher, they should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. In cases of vomiting or diarrhea, it is important to keep your child home until 24 hours have passed since the last episode. If your child has an unidentified rash, we recommend consulting with your primary care provider before sending them to school. Please remember to inform the school whenever you plan to keep your child at home.

Maintaining up-to-date immunization records is essential for your child’s health and the safety of our school community. The Minnesota Department of Health provides an Immunization Form that parents can use to document their child’s immunization history. We strongly encourage all parents to utilize this resource to ensure their child remains on schedule with required vaccinations.

Finally, we want to remind parents of 7th and 12th graders about the importance of the meningococcal booster vaccine. When your child turns 16, they should receive this booster. Most students receive their initial meningococcal vaccine upon entering 7th grade, with a second dose administered when they enter 12th grade. Teenagers and young adults are at a higher risk for meningococcal disease, making this booster dose crucial to ensure they remain fully protected during these critical years.

For more information about services or guidelines, visit the school website or contact the Minnewaska Area Schools Health Services department directly. “Together, we can ensure a healthy and successful school year for all our students.”