Updated SBIRT Screening Notification

Dear Parent/Guardian of 6^th grade students,

Starting in May, our counseling staff will begin a MDPH (Massachusetts Department of Public Health) mandated screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. The goal of the screening is to reinforce healthy choices and provide resources for education. Teenagers have consistently reported that substance abuse is a topic of utmost concern.

Students in 6^th grade will take part in this health screening. Sessions will be kept brief and are conducted in private by our SBIRT trained staff. All sessions are confidential. Students will be asked about substance exposure or abuse over the past year. The students will have their safe choices reinforced by the screener. Staff will alert the students that they are available to provide substance use education and discuss healthy decisions. This program focuses on harm prevention and does not generate disciplinary action.

Non-identifying screening results are recorded for data purposes and are shared with MDPH. The results are only shared with other staff or parents in the case of immediate medical emergency or when required by state law.

As with any school health screening, you can opt your child out of this process. Students may also choose to not answer any or all the screening questions. If you do not want your child to participate in this screening contact Kathleen Dupuis, RN @ kdupuis@sics.org. A copy of the CRAFFT-N form that will be used during the interview will be posted shortly under the Health News section on our SICS website.

SICS has identified the risk of substance abuse as a priority for education and support with our students and families. Parents and guardians can help their children make healthy choices. One important way to prevent alcohol and drug use is to talk with your children and model safe behavior at home.

Kathleen Dupuis

BSN, RN, NCSN, Nurse Leader

160 Joan Street, Springfield MA 01129    Tel: 413-783-2600    Fax: 413-783-2555            www.sics.org

Springfield International Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, sexual orientation, homelessness, or gender identity.

New Wellness Section

April 11, 2023

Check our Wellness section for new health information and community resources

SBIRT Screening

March 3, 2023

Mandated screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: Click the link below for the letter.

SBIRT Screening  OUT OF DATE

Craft N  OUT OF DATE

Procedures

Food Allergies:

Food allergies can be an emergency for both individuals with known allergies and those having an allergic reaction for the first time. As always, our goal is to keep our students as safe as possible during the school day.

Being an “Allergy Aware” school, we have safeguards in place to promote food allergy awareness but continue to regularly update our plan. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping all our students safe and happy.

Health Screenings:

• Every year, regular state-mandated screenings are performed by health assistants
  

Illness Procedures

Please keep your child home from school for the following illnesses/symptoms:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Fever of 100 degrees or more
• Conjunctivitis
• Strep Infection
• Flu-like illness