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Health Services

 
GLCPS school nurses are important and valued members of the GLCPS Educational Student Support Team. They are specially trained in health promotion and assessment, and respond skillfully to the ever-changing health care needs of today’s students. They provide health care to students and staff, perform health screenings and coordinate appropriate referrals. A student’s health status is directly related to his or her ability to learn. Children with unmet health needs have a difficult time engaging in the educational process. School nurses serve as a liaison between school personnel, family, community and health care providers to ensure that students’ health care needs are met.
 
This section provides important information on a variety of topics pertaining to your child's health: 
 
  • GLCPS Wellness Policy 
  • Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements
  • Baked Good Guideline
  • 5th Grade Health Science
  • Prevention of Opioid Use
  • Body Mass Index Screening
  • Postural Screenings
 
Important Health Documents can be found on the  Health Forms & Resources page. 
 

Wellness Policy

 
The Global Learning Charter Public School recognizes the important relationship between wellness and academic success for students, staff and the entire school community. The intent of this policy is to outline the district’s on-going commitment in support of wellness in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and other school-based activities that promote health and wellness. Using section 204 of Public Law 108-265 – June 30, 2004: Child Nutrition and WIC Re-authorization Act of 2004, Healthy, Hunger – Free Kids Act of 2010 and recommendations by the Massachusetts Departments of Education and Public Health, the following beliefs guide our efforts:
 
  • We will seek opportunities to educate the school community on trends and information related to health and wellness. We encourage community partnerships that assist the district in this effort.
  • Consistent with current federal and state nutrition regulations, the Global Learning Charter Public School will continue to increase the availability and sale of nutritious selections.
  • Opportunities for physical fitness both structured (5-12 physical education curriculum) and activity (Tang-Soo-Do, YMCA Partnership, and extracurricular activities) will be supported and strongly encouraged. The Global Learning Charter Public School encourages community partnerships that assist the district to support an active, healthy community of learners.
  • Opportunities for staff in-service education to share best practices which incorporate activity and wellness across the curriculum will be offered. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle for school employees further supports the overall objective of a healthy school community.
 
It is the policy of the school district to adhere to the revised Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods and Beverages in Public School regulations (105 CMR 225.000) effective August 1, 2012.
 
Legal References:
The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Section 204, P.L. 108 -265
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 - 1769h
The Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 - 1789

Physical Exam & Immunization Requirements

Global Learning Charter Public School must remain in compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s regulations regarding documentation of physical exams and updated immunization records on all of our students. According to Massachusetts General Law, physical exams should be performed on students “within one year prior to entrance into school, or within 30 days after school entry, and at intervals of either three of four years thereafter.” Therefore, Global Learning Public Charter School requires a copy of a recent physical exam on your child upon entry into the school system.
 
Global Learning Public Charter School requires physical exams in grades 5, 7 and 10.
Under Massachusetts General Law, chapter 71, section 57, school nurses may require a physical exam for:
  1. Children referred because of frequent absences due to unexplained illness
  2. Children referred because of known physical defects that require repeated appraisal
  3. Children referred from a teacher-nurse conference because the child is not making expected progress in school or because of signs of illness noted by the teacher or nurse
  4. Children planning to participate in competitive athletics annually, previous to such participation.
Immunization Requirements
No child may attend school without documentation of immunizations in accordance with current Department of Public Health recommended schedules. Lack of appropriate documentation of immunizations is a basis for exclusion from school.
 
Massachusetts School Immunization Requirements
If a child is not immunized due to medical indications or religious beliefs, they must present written documentation to the school nurse, on a yearly basis, which meets the standards for medical or religious exemption as set forth in Massachusetts General Law chapter 76, section 15.
 
In the case of measles, mumps, rubella and Hepatitis B, laboratory proof of immunity is acceptable if proof of immunization is not available. In the case of varicella (i.e. chickenpox), laboratory evidence of immunity, or a statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant stating that the student has had chickenpox disease is acceptable in place of the required immunization.
 
It is important for parents/guardians to send all immunization documentation to the school nurse as soon as it is available which will avoid unnecessary school absenteeism. If you need help obtaining immunizations for your child, please contact your school nurse. They are able to assist you with obtaining immunizations in a timely fashion at a either a clinic run by the local board of health, or through your child’s pediatrician’s office.

Baked Goods Guideline

The Global Learning Charter Public School staff appreciates our families and their willingness to contribute to the classroom setting by contributing food and other supplies.
 
Due to the increase in food allergies, diabetes, and other health conditions present in our school population, we have guidelines to ensure the students’ health and safety.
 
Families are asked for their cooperation and NOT bring in baked goods prepared in the home. Food brought to school for special occasions must be in the original packaging, containing the ingredient and nutritional labels. This list of ingredients will be reviewed by appropriate school staff and will be on display during classroom activities to ensure safe consumption of food.
 
NO TREE NUTS OR PEANUT BUTTER PLEASE !!!!!
 
Please be aware that home baked goods will NOT be allowed at school events and will be returned to the student to take home.
 
We thank you in advance for your support; please feel free to contact the School Nurse with any specific questions, 508-991-4105 ext 515.

5th Grade Health Science

 
Throughout the school year, students will have an important lesson on the early stages of puberty, which many 5th graders are beginning to experience. The lessons will take place during their PE class at which time the students will be separated.
 
The girl's lesson will be taught by the School Nurse, Ms. Tomlinson, and will follow the curriculum and guidelines of the Always Changing Fifth-Grade Puberty Education Program. http://www.pgschoolprograms.com/parents.php
 
The program and video will help girls:
  • Understand the physical and emotional changes they experience during puberty, and acknowledge these changes as a normal part of growth and development
  • Learn the physiology of their bodies and correct terminology for parts of the reproductive system
  • Understand that personal hygiene is each individual's responsibility
  • Understand the menstrual cycle
  • Understand what to expect during a period
  • Learn how to manage periods while continuing with normal activities
 
The boy's lesson will be taught by the PE teacher, Mr. St Jean and will follow,
A Boy's Guide to Growing Up, Discovery Education
https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos
 
The program and video speaks in clear, simple language and will help boys:
  • Understand early development about puberty and personal safety
  • The program begins with an examination of the body’s external anatomy and a description of its functions
  • The presentation covers the physical and emotional changes that take place for boys during puberty and provides tips for staying healthy and keeping clean
  • Privacy and safety are emphasized through a discussion about respect, private parts, and societal expectations in public and private places
 
Please contact us if you have any questions about these important lessons at 508-991-4105.  Thank you for your support.

Prevention of Opioid Use

 

The 2016 legislation in Massachusetts requires that parents, guardians, and other adults in a middle and high school extracurricular athlete’s life such as School Nurses, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Athletic Trainers, receive educational materials on the dangers of opioid use and misuse.  Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has developed educational materials on opioid misuse prevention and is partnering with schools across the state to share this  information with students, parents and school personnel. Because of the risk of injury and the subsequent need for pain management, student athletes may be at risk for opioid misuse.

 

If you have any concerns regarding this matter, please contact the school.

Body Mass Index Screening

 
A Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure that is used to show a person's "weight for height for age." It is calculated using an individual’s height and weight and is a useful tool in identifying possible health risks, but it does not provide a diagnosis.
 
According to the state’s BMI screening regulations, schools must collect the heights and weights of students in grades 1,4,7 and 10. BMI data for all children in these grades will be gathered and reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a combined number.  No individual student BMI results will be shared.  
 
The school nurse will supervise your child's screening and will make sure your child’s privacy is respected at all times. The results of your child’s height, weight and BMI measurements are strictly confidential.  You will be contacted only if the results of your child’s BMI screening are of concern or per your request.
 
A BMI does not tell the whole story about your child's health status. You may wish to consult with your child's physician as they are in the best position to evaluate your child's overall health. Please feel free to call the school nurse with any question you may have about the BMI screening. Additional information about children’s wellness and fitness is available upon request or you may access the state’s resources at www.mass/gov/massinmotion/. 
Parents and/or legal guardians can OPT OUT of this screening by completing the form under on the Health Forms & Resources page.

Postural Screenings

Throughout the year, The GLCPS Nurses will be conducting Postural Screening. The purpose of this screening is to detect early signs of possible spinal problems in children, grades 5-9. It is not a diagnostic service but a program to identify young people who should have further medical evaluation.If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take your child to a physician for further evaluation. The majority of students exhibit no findings. These screenings will be tacking place over the next couple of weeks. Boys and girls will be screened separately, and in a confidential manner. If you do not want your child to participate in this program please provide the school nurse with a medical note documenting that he/she was screened for scoliosis by his/her physician this school year. Girls are asked to wear a 2 piece bathing suit top, sports bra, regular bra or any other half piece garment with thin straps to conduct the screenings.This type of clothing permits more accurate observation of the back. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nurse Tomlinson or Nurse Aguiar by phone or email.

Nurse Tomlinson
Rebecca Tomlinson, BS, RN
School Nurse
Phone: 508-991-4105 ext. 115
Confidential Fax: 774-328-8694
Nurse Aguiar
Samantha Aguiar, BS, RN
School Nurse
Phone: 508-991-4105 ext. 135