Welcome back to our SICS families 

9/23/26


The SICS Nursing Team is excited to welcome our students back to school. The goal of our dedicated nursing staff is to promote well-being and academic achievement by reducing health related barriers to learning. As the school year begins, we would like to remind parents of important health information that will promote overall good health.

 

It’s that time to think about your annual flu vaccine. The best way to protect yourself and your family against influenza ( flu) is to get a flu vaccine. Flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness or hospitalization. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine. Your vaccine will protect the more fragile members of your family including infants and the elderly. 


Our nursing staff will begin our annual immunization surveys that are mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). You may receive a call if the information present on your child’s immunizations is incomplete. Anytime your child has a physical exam or vaccine please send us a copy so we can update their school health record. MDPH requires students in 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th grade to obtain a physical. 


SICS has a medication administration protocol for all children who need  prescribed medication during the school day. The school nurse is responsible for medication plans and should be contacted if this applies to your child. For children  Grades 6-12 only we have a standing order for OTC (over the counter ) medication. This includes Tylenol ( Acetaminophen), antacid and cough drops. This is an annual form handed to students that requires parent signature prior to such medication being administered by the school nurse. For your convenience, our medication forms and protocol are  posted on our website in the Health Services section. 


Please keep your ill children home to prevent the spread of germs and allow them to rest and recover. Your child should stay home if they have a fever of 100°or higher, are vomiting, have diarrhea, or are unable to participate in activities. You should also keep them home for illnesses that a health care provider deems contagious.  A child can typically return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours and once they are back to their usual eating, drinking, and activities. Please contact the school nurse if you have any questions before your child returns to school.


Wishing you best health, The SICS Nursing Team



Immunization 

School immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates. The link below outlines the required vaccines for childcare/preschool, grades K-6, grades 7-12, and college. Throughout the school year, members of the SICS nursing team contact parents to confirm their child’s vaccine history. Parents in our community have voiced concern that some local pediatric offices have closed, and they are having difficulty finding a new pediatric practice. There are resources in the community that can help parents complete their child’s school immunization requirements. Currently, many Big Y and CVS locations provide a variety of pediatric vaccines. They report that most insurances are accepted. Call your local store to gather more information on their services. 


https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-1/download 

School Allergy Awareness

Springfield International Charter School is committed to providing a safe and healthy

school environment for all students. Food allergies can be life threatening for both

individuals with known allergies and those having an allergic reaction for the first time.

SICS does not allow homemade food to be brought into school during the regular

school hours. If your child has any allergy concern, please contact your school nurse.