Nurse & Health
Nurse Building Directory
A Message from the Nurse and Health Office
Welcome to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Nurse and Health Office departmental web page! Our mission is to promote the health and well-being of all students so they can thrive academically and personally. Our team is here to provide medical care, support, and health education to students and staff, ensuring a safe and healthy school environment. Whether it’s a routine health check-up, managing an illness, or providing guidance on wellness, we are dedicated to the health of our school community.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any health-related questions or concerns.
Nurse Building Staff Directory
JFK High School
Ms. Mikelle Kirschner, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3210
Email:
JFK High School
Ms. Linda DiMisa, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3210
Email:
Mattlin Middle School
Ms. Avigail Vohs, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3253
Email:
POB Middle School
Ms. Maureen Sher, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3318
Email:
JJP Elementary School
Ms. Margaret Coakley, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3362
Email:
OB Elementary School
Ms. Christine Ricca, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3428
Email:
Pasadena Elementary School
Ms. Jennifer Hutzel, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3459
Email:
Stratford Elementary School
Ms. Melanie Jo Earl, RN
Phone: (516) 434-3397
Email:
Float Nurse Building Staff Directory
Ms. Avigail Vohs, RN
District Nurse Coordinator
Phone: (516) 434-3253
Email:
- Health Forms , Health Letters, and Health Information
- Health Office Guidelines and Procedures
- Inter Scholastic Athletic Participation Contract
- Medication Administration
- New York State Guidelines and Requirements
- NYS Medical Exemptions from School Vaccinations
- Sport Registration
Health Forms , Health Letters, and Health Information
- Dental Health Form
- Medication Self-Carry Form
- NYS Health Examination Form
- Pre-School Vision Examination Form
- BMI OPT Out Letter
- Concussion Information Sheet
- Flu Information
- Head Lice Information
Dental Health Form
Welcome to the POB Dental Health Form download page!
We’re pleased to provide you with easy access to the required dental health form for your child. This form is an important part of maintaining your child’s overall health and ensuring they meet the necessary requirements for school attendance.
To begin, simply download the POB Dental Health Form below. The form should be completed by your child’s dentist and submitted to the school in accordance with district guidelines.
If you have any questions or need assistance with completing the form, please feel free to contact your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us keep your child’s health a priority!
Medication Self-Carry Form
Welcome to the POB Medication Self-Carry Form download page!
We understand the importance of supporting your child’s independence while ensuring their safety at school. This form allows your child to carry and self-administer their prescribed medication during school hours, provided they meet the necessary guidelines.
To get started, simply download the POB Medication Self-Carry Form below. The form must be completed by your child’s healthcare provider and submitted to the school as per the district’s requirements.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us prioritize your child's health and well-being!
NYS Health Examination Form
Welcome to the New York State School Health Examination Form download page!
We are glad to provide you with easy access to the required health examination form for your child’s school enrollment or participation in school activities. This form is an essential part of ensuring your child's health and well-being while attending school.
To get started, simply download the form below. The health examination form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider and submitted to your child’s school according to the district's guidelines.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy school environment for all students!
Pre-School Vision Examination Form
Welcome to the POB Pre-School Vision Examination Form download page!
We are pleased to provide you with the necessary form to ensure your child’s vision is properly examined before starting preschool. A vision examination is an important part of your child’s overall health and helps ensure they are ready for a successful learning experience.
To get started, simply download the POB Pre-School Vision Examination Form below. The form should be completed by a licensed eye care professional and submitted to the school according to the district’s guidelines.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us support your child’s health and readiness for preschool!
BMI OPT Out Letter
Welcome to the POB BMI Opt-Out Form download page!
We understand that your child’s privacy is important, and we are committed to ensuring you have full control over their participation in the Body Mass Index (BMI) screening process. This form allows you to opt-out of your child’s inclusion in the BMI screening conducted by the school.
To get started, simply download the POB BMI Opt-Out Form below, complete it, and submit it to the school as per the district’s guidelines.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please don't hesitate to contact your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us maintain your family's privacy while supporting your child's health needs!
Concussion Information Sheet
Welcome to the POB Concussion Information Sheet download page!
We’re here to provide you with essential information regarding concussion awareness and safety. The Concussion Information Sheet is designed to help you understand the signs, symptoms, and proper management of concussions, ensuring that both students and parents are informed about the steps to take in case of a concussion.
To get started, simply download the POB Concussion Information Sheet below. This important resource will guide you through the necessary steps for protecting your child’s health and ensuring their safe return to school activities after an injury.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s health office. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and informed school environment!
Flu Information
The following is an informational guide from the New York State Department of Health. As always our goal is to keep our children safe and healthy. The New York State Department of Health gives sound advice to help in achieving this goal and protecting our children from the seasonal flu.
Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents
Keep your kids safe. Get their seasonal flu vaccines every fall or winter.
Is seasonal flu more serious for kids?
Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from the flu. That's why the New York State Department of Health recommends that all children 6 months and older get the seasonal flu vaccine.
Flu vaccine may save your child's life.
Most people with seasonal flu are sick for about a week, and then they feel better. But, some people, especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems can get very sick. Some can even die. It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
A flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from seasonal flu.
What is seasonal flu?
The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can spread from person to person.
Flu shot or nasal-spray vaccine?
- Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older.
- A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older.
- Children younger than 5 years who have experienced wheezing in the past year – or any child with chronic health problems – should get the flu shot, not the nasal-spray vaccine.
- Children younger than 9 years old who get a vaccine for the first time need two doses.
How else can I protect my child?
- Get the seasonal flu vaccine for yourself.
- Encourage your child's close contacts to get seasonal flu vaccine, too. This is very important if your child is younger than 5 or if he or she has a chronic health problem such as asthma (breathing disease) or diabetes (high blood sugar levels). Children under 6 months can't be vaccinated and so need to rely on those around them being vaccinated.
- Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. Its best to use a tissue and quickly throw it away. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. This will prevent the spread of germs.
- Tell your children to:
- Stay away from people who are sick;
- Clean their hands often;
- Keep their hands away from their face, and
- Cover coughs and sneezes to protect others.
What are signs of the flu?
The flu comes on suddenly. Most people with the flu feel very tired and have a high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems and diarrhea. The cough can last two or more weeks.
How does the flu spread?
People who have the flu usually cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose. The droplets in a cough, sneeze or runny nose contain the flu virus. Other people can get the flu by breathing in these droplets or by getting them in their nose or mouth.
How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?
Most healthy adults may be able to spread the flu from one day before getting sick to up to 5 days after getting sick. This can be longer in children and in people who don't fight disease as well (people with weaker immune systems).
What should I use to clean hands?
Wash your children's hands with soap and water. Wash them for as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. If soap and water are not handy, use wipes or gels with alcohol in them unless they are visibly soiled. The gels should be rubbed into hands until the hands are dry.
What can I do if my child gets sick?
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids. Talk with your child's doctor before giving your child over-the-counter medicine. If your children or teenagers may have the flu, never give them aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it. It could cause serious problems.
Can my child go to school/day care with the flu?
No. If your child has the flu, he or she should stay home to rest. This helps avoid giving the flu to other children.
When can my child go back to school/day care after having the flu?
Children with the flu should be isolated from other people in the home. They should also stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours (that is, until they have no fever without the use of fever-control medicines and they feel well for 24 hours.) Remind your child to protect others by covering his or her mouth when coughing or sneezing. You may want to send your child to school with some tissues, wipes or gels with alcohol in them if the school allows gels.
Head Lice Information
HEAD LICE.....YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the general reaction by most people when the topic of lice is raised. In reality, while lice is not something that we want to have to deal with, the biggest issue is that it is difficult to effectively treat and eradicate it without vigilance and patience.
Head Lice Facts
Head lice are small insects that can live on the scalp and neck of a human host. They do not live on animals. They need the human host to survive and will not live for any length of time off of the scalp.
They hatch from small eggs (nits) that are attached with a cement-like substance to the shaft of individual hairs.
They must have the warmth of the human body and blood on the scalp to survive.
They are NOT a health hazard, a sign of uncleanliness nor do they spread disease.
They do not fly or jump. They want to STAY on the hair near the scalp.
They need very close head-to-head contact to spread from one person to another. Homes and camps are the most common mode of transmission.
Indirect transmission is uncommon but may occur via shared combs, brushes, hats and hair accessories that have been in contact with lice. RARELY are they spread through shared helmets or headsets.
Itching occurs when they inject a bit of saliva into the scalp, but itching can persist even after treatment and is not a reliable sign of lice.
Due to the life cycle of the louse, when lice are discovered, they have usually been there about a month. Checking the scalp within a few days of exposure will more than likely NOT result in finding any evidence of lice.
An infected individual may complain of itching as well as a tickling sensation of something moving in the hair.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The gold standard of diagnosis for head lice is the presence of a live bug. Finding a live louse can be difficult as they crawl very rapidly and are generally very tiny. Nits attached to the hair shaft are much easier to identify. Nits are the egg casings of the lice eggs and are generally about 1 mm long and shaped like a teardrop. Nits are often confused with such things as hair casts, residue from hair products, or dandruff. Classically, nits are cemented to the hair shaft and are difficult to remove as opposed to the other substances. Scientific evidence has shown that nits that are further than approximately 6 mm from the scalp are probably not viable. Nits can be examined under a microscope for definitive determination of viability, but this is most often unreasonable and not done. According to experts, if the nit is further from the scalp and there is no evidence of live bugs, the nits may be left from a previous infestation. Nits may remain on the hair well after the infestation and vigilant rechecking of the head may be warranted to determine that there is not a viable case of lice.
The Issues and the Evidence
Previously school policies and best practices have been based on misinformation, myths and stigmas regarding lice. In recent years research has been released from organizations such as Harvard School of Public Medicine, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The Center for Disease Control, and the National Association of School Nurses that address the issues of treatment of lice, school absences, and embarrassment and confidentiality issues that have in the past created undue anxiety on the part of parents and school staff. School nurses are available to provide accurate information and work with parents and school staff to minimize the uproar that can occur when a child is identified as having lice. Your school nurse can instruct you on how to check your child’s head and are available to answer any questions or give advice in the event that your child has lice.
If your child has lice there are many treatment options. You may wish to discuss your choices with your pediatrician. No treatment is 100% effective; however, using a pediculicide is generally more effective than home remedies. Removal of nits can be helpful in decreasing the risk of self-reinfestation (especially the nits close to the scalp), decreasing diagnostic confusion or the possibility of unnecessary re-treatment. No matter what treatment is used, rechecking the child’s head is a necessary step to decrease the possibility of reinfection. Basic vacuuming of your home and car seats and cleaning of your child’s linens and any objects that are in contact with their heads are recommended to avoid reinfection.
The scientific evidence has shown that head lice screening programs have not had a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in the school setting. It is important to remember that a child who is identified with lice has been infected for 3-4 weeks and poses very little risk of transmission to others. It is more important to maintain that child’s privacy and minimize the loss of classroom time than to exclude or separate that child. Research data does not support immediate exclusion upon identification as an effective means of controlling lice infestation.
Lice is not a public health issue – they do not carry disease nor have any negative implications about the child or family who has been infected. Removing the stigma and having an understanding of the issue, and passing this understanding to our children should be the first step in addressing lice. Below are several resources where you can get more accurate and scientific information:
identify.us.com – Identify US –formerly Harvard School of Public Health information on lice
http://www.cdc.gov– The Centers for Disease Control
http://www.aap.org– American Academy of Pediatrics
(Information in this article was obtained from the above websites.)
Health Office Guidelines and Procedures
Health Office Guidelines
1. Each of our district schools has a licensed registered professional nurse available throughout the school day. The nurses are available to administer first aid and attend to ill children as outlined by the Nurse Practice Act in New York State. As such they may assess a child and determine their needs; however they may not diagnosis or dispense medication without a written order from a physician.
2. Medication may not be administered in the school setting without written permission from a parent/guardian and a written order from a licensed physician or any health professional licensed to prescribe. NO medication should be kept in a classroom nor should any student be carrying medication on their person. This includes all prescription medication and over-the-counter medications, including topical creams and ointments and eye drops. Medication must be brought to school by an adult unless a prior agreement is made with the school nurse. All prescription medications need to be in a pharmacy labeled vial (ask your pharmacist for two labeled vials!) or in the case of over-the-medications, in an unopened bottle. Medication orders need to be renewed for each school year and unused medication needs to be picked up by an adult at the end of each school year or it will be discarded. Asthma inhalers and epi-pens only may be carried by self-directed students with advanced written permission by a physician, a parent, and the nurse.
3. Any student with an illness or injury which precludes them from participating in physical education and/or recess is required to present a written excuse from their physician to include the diagnosis, the duration of the exclusion, and the physician’s signature and stamp. Any student excluded from physical education must also be excluded from recess and all recreational activities requiring physical activity, to include intramurals, interscholastic sports, drama and class activities.
4. If your child is ill, please keep them home from school. Students who are not feeling well are not able to learn. Students should remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without any fever reducing medication. They should also remain home for 24 hours without vomiting or after beginning treatment for strep throat and pink eye.
5. Please keep your school nurses updated with any changes in your child’s medical history. The nurses are legally and ethically bound to maintain confidentiality but are not able to safely and thoroughly care for your children without knowledge of their medical and/or emotional issues. In addition, please notify the nurse with any changes in contact information so they may readily be in touch with you if necessary.
Health Office Procedures
Sick Day Guidelines
Welcome to the POB Sick Day Guidelines for Parents and Guardians download page!
We understand that keeping your child healthy and in school is a priority, and the Sick Day Guidelines are here to help ensure that you have the right information when your child is feeling unwell. This resource provides important details on when to keep your child home from school, how to manage illness, and when to seek medical attention.
To get started, simply download the POB Sick Day Guidelines below. It will help you make informed decisions about your child’s health and ensure a smooth return to school once they’re feeling better.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s health office. Thank you for supporting the health and well-being of all students!
Download the POB Sick Day Guidelines for Parents and Guardians
Inter Scholastic Athletic Participation Contract
Welcome to the POB Interscholastic Athletic Participation Contract download page!
We are excited to support your child’s participation in school sports and activities. This contract is an important part of ensuring that both students and parents are fully aware of the responsibilities, expectations, and safety guidelines for participating in interscholastic athletics.
To get started, simply download the POB Interscholastic Athletic Participation Contract below. The form must be completed and signed by both the student and a parent or guardian before participation in any athletic events.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please feel free to contact your school’s athletic department. Thank you for supporting your child’s athletic journey and promoting a positive and safe experience!
Download the Inter Scholastic Athletic Participation Contract
Medication Administration
New York State Guidelines and Requirements
New York State Guidelines and Requirements
1. Health Appraisals
Education Law and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education require physical examinations of children when they:
- Enter the school district for the first time
- Are in grades K,1,3,5,7,9,and 11
- Participate in interscholastic sports
- Need working papers
- Are referred by/to the Committee on Special Education
- Are deemed necessary by school authorities to determine a child’s education program.
The physical needs to be dated within one year from the beginning of the previous school year. All students who do not produce a record of a physical examination by their private physician will be scheduled for a health appraisal with the school physician. Dental examinations are requested at the same intervals.
2. Immunizations
In New York State immunization requirements are set forth in Public Health Law Section 2164. All students in New York State are required to have a physician’s certificate indicating that they have been immunized in accordance with the regulations defined within this law. All students must be vaccinated against Measles, Polio, Rubella, Mumps, Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Pertussis and Varicella. Other immunizations may be given by your physician as determined by present recommendations. A full schedule of immunizations is available at http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf.
Students who do not present proof of immunization after 14 days of school attendance may be excluded from school. This grace period can be extended to 30 days for students entering from out-of-state or out-of-country if a good faith effort is being shown to obtain the records.
3. Screenings
Screenings are mandated supplemental evaluations conducted by school nursing personnel. The results of the screenings are kept in the student’s cumulative health record. Any significant findings are reported to the parent/guardian in writing to facilitate further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment as needed. The areas that are screened are as follows:
- Vision – All students in grades PreK,K,1,3,5,7, and 11 will be screened for distance acuity and near vision. In addition, new entrants will be screened for color vision.
- Hearing – All students in grades PreK,K,1,3,5,7 and 11 will have threshold screening to identify any degree of hearing loss that may be interfering with communication and learning. Students who fail the test will be rescreened one time to rule out any interfering factors.
- Scoliosis – Scoliosis screening is done in their school building for grades 5 and grade 7 for girls and grade 9 for boys. The purpose of scoliosis screening is to identify students with developing spinal deformities early so intervention can be initiated to halt the progression of the disorder. Families will be notified prior to screening to allow the students to come to school dressed appropriately for the screening procedure.
In addition, every other year our school district is required to participate in a BMI (Body Mass Index) survey by New York State. The purpose is for the state to collect data on childhood obesity and risk factors associated with obesity in our school children. No identifying information is used when submitting this information to the state; however parents have the right to have their children’s data excluded from the survey.
NYS Medical Exemptions from School Vaccinations
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section about New York State's legislation removing non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements.
This section provides key information about the recent changes in state law and addresses common concerns surrounding vaccination policies for school-aged children. The legislation aims to protect public health by ensuring higher vaccination rates among students, promoting safer school environments, and preventing the spread of preventable diseases.
Here, you'll find answers to questions related to:
- The new vaccination requirements
- Medical and religious exemptions
- Steps for compliance with the law
- Impact on students and schools
- Resources for parents and guardians
We understand that you may have questions, and we're here to provide clear and helpful answers to guide you through the process. Your health and the well-being of your children are our priority, and we are committed to supporting you during this transition.
Sport Registration
Sports Participation - Join POB Sports and Get Active!
At POB, we believe that sports are more than just games—they are an opportunity to grow, connect, and challenge yourself. Our sports programs are designed for participants of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Whether you're looking to stay active, learn a new sport, or build teamwork skills, there's a place for you in our community.
Get involved today and be part of a community that values effort, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Ready to play? Sign up for our upcoming sports season!
Important Information
● Each sport requires a new AribterSports (aka FamilyID) application to be filled out by the Parent or Guardian. Click below to access all Sport Registration Links for JV/Varsity and Middle School Sports utilizing ArbiterSports (FamilyID).
ArbiterSports POB Athletics Access
● Applications must be submitted well before tryouts to ensure processing and clearance.
● A physical exam dated no more than one year before tryouts is required.
● If your child is out with an injury, their registration will not be approved until we have medical documentation that they are cleared to fully participate in all activities with no restrictions.
Physical Exam
Please ensure that the physical exam form includes two important sections checked off:
● Family cardiac history reviewed
● Student may participate in all activities with no restrictions
To facilitate a quick and seamless registration and approval process, please verify that these sections are completed.
Download the NYS Health Examination Form
EpiPen Info
An EpiPen is a brand of epinephrine auto-injector. It is a medical device used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be caused by things like food allergies, insect stings, or certain medications. The EpiPen contains a dose of epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that can quickly reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure.
When someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, the EpiPen is used by injecting the epinephrine into the thigh muscle. It provides immediate relief by constricting blood vessels, relaxing the muscles in the airways, and increasing heart rate, which helps to stabilize the person until they can get further medical treatment.
It’s important for people with severe allergies to always carry an EpiPen and know how to use it, as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
If Your Child Requires an EpiPen:
● EpiPen/Auvi-Q Self-Carry Form: If your child needs an EpiPen, please have their doctor complete the Self-Carry Form.
● The form must be dated after July 1st of current school year, and submitted to the school nurse.
● The EpiPen must be carried to all practices and games.
If you cannot access the QR code, the EpiPen Self-Carry Form can be found by accessing the link below.
Self-Cary Info
Asthma Self-Carry Form:
● If your child has asthma and requires an inhaler, please have their physician complete the Self-Carry Form.
● The form must be dated after July 1 of current school year, and submitted to the school nurse.
● The inhaler must be self-carried to all practices and games.
● Please email the form to the school nurse If you cannot access QR code, the Self-Carry Form can also be found on the POBCSD website under Health Office
Questions
For additional Information and Questions, please reach out to:
For Mattlin Middle School
For Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School
For Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School
- Linda DiMisa
- Mikelle Kirschner
- Staci Edmundson
- Departmental eMail
- Phone: (516) 434-3210