Health & Wellness

Welcome to the Health and Wellness department of MICS. As the school Health Officer, one of my responsibilities is to maintain wellness among students and staff here at MICS. Please review this area of our website often and check back for updates and new information.

The single best way to prevent the spread of illnesses is hand washing. Please remind your children to wash their hands often and well! 

Students must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy! Wishing you all a healthy 2023-24 school year! - Gina Hudak, RN

 To report an absence: 

For Elementary (grades k-5) email [email protected] 

For MS/HS (grades 6-12) email [email protected] 

Please report what type of illness your child has and symptoms so we can track any trends or viral spread.

*If these symptoms appear during the school day, we will send the student home. Please have a backup plan for times when you will not be available for pickup. Students must be picked up within 1 hour of parent/guardians being called. Be sure to update the school if your contact information changes, including phone numbers and addresses.

For more information on when your child can safely return to school after illness, please email [email protected] or call the health office (704)827-8840 ext. 3999.

Health Assessment and Immunization Requirements
Each child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time must submit proof of a health assessment to the school’s principal within 30 calendar days of the child’s first day of attendance. All children entering kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year must have a health physical completed on or after August 15, 2022. The assessment must be submitted to the principal on kindergarten assessment forms provided by the N.C. Department of Human Resources and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Kindergarten health assessment forms are available at
elementary schools, the Gaston County Health Department and all pediatrician offices. Students who do not meet the state requirements for immunizations and a health assessment will not be allowed to remain in school.

Link to North Carolina Health assessment form:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/health-assessmentpdf/open

Immunization information for grades k-12
https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/schools/k-12.htm

 

Kindergarten vaccination requirements:

7th grade immunization requirements:

12th grade immunization requirements:

 

For Medical or Religious exemptions:
https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/schools/ncexemptions.htm

 

To claim a religious exemption, the parent or person requesting the exemption must write a statement of their religious objection to immunization, including the name and date of birth of the person for whom the exemption is being requested. Along with this statement, please sign and return this form.
MICS Religious Exemption Form

 

Garrett’s Law
Garrett’s law was enacted in 2004. It mandates schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal meningitis and influenza and the vaccines that protect against these diseases. The law was expanded in 2007 to mandate that information also be provided about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccines available to protect against HPV.

Further information on NC’s K-12 school vaccine requirements and recommendations can be found here. Additional materials and resources on meningococcal meningitis, influenza, and HPV can be found below:

Meningococcal Meningitis and Vaccinations

■ CDC’s Meningococcal Disease Website
■ Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens Factsheet
■ Meningococcal Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know

Influenza and Influenza Vaccinations

■ CDC’s Influenza Website
■ Influenza Resources for Schools and Child Care Providers
■ Flu: A Guide for Parents

■ CDC: About Flu
■ CDC’s Seasonal Influenza Resource Center

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

■ CDC’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
■ When Should My Child Get the HPV Vaccine?
■ HPV Vaccine Is the Best Protection Against Certain Cancers: Infographic

 

Administering Medicine to Students
MICS recognizes that students may need to take medication during school hours. School personnel may administer medication prescribed by a doctor upon written request of the parents. To minimize disruptions to the school day, medicine should be taken at home rather than at school whenever possible. All medications (including over the counter medications) are required to have a Medication Authorization form on file signed by the child’s doctor to be able to receive medication during school hours.

Medication Authorization Form

ACTION PLAN FORMS: If your student has any of these medical conditions, please fill out the form with their doctor and return them to our Health Officer, Gina Hudak.

Seizure Action Plan

 

Diabetes Action Plan

 

Asthma Action Plan

 

Severe Allergic Reaction Action Plan:

Sickle Cell Action Plan:

 

Concussion
Notify our Health Officer, Gina Hudak (grades K-5) or Malinda Cobb (grades 6-12) immediately for any concussion sustained during the school year (in school or away from school) so that we can ensure proper accommodations during the healing of the concussion.

Return to Learn paperwork to be completed by physician:
Return to Learn

Local Wellness Policy

Click HERE to view the school’s Local Wellness Policy. 

Triennial Assessment

Click HERE to view the Triennial Assessment

Health and Safety Information provided in accordance with NCGS 115C-218.75. (a)