A physical examination is required for all new students entering school. It is important for each parent to followup with subsequent examinations at least once during each of the following developmental stages:

* Early Childhood (Preschool- Gr 3)

* Pre-adolescence (Grades 4 - 6)

* Adolescence (Grades 7-12)

This is a good opportunity to discuss with your doctor any concerns you might have about your child's health and learn more abouth the physical and developmental changes that are to be expected for your child's age. In addition, state law prohibits school districts from providing physical exams to students who have a medical home, therefore, physicals must be done by your private physician. Families who have financial hardships or no medical home can contact the school nurse for further assistance.

Students trying out for middle school sports must have a physical on file in the health office. The exam is valid if done within 365 days of the first day of tryouts. Forms are available in the main office or on the nurse's web site.

Health Screenings are done according to NJ State Law as follows:

Hearing: Grades k,1,2,3 & 7
Vision: Grades k,2,4,6 & 8
Scoliosis: Grades 4,5 & 7

A scoliosis screening program is provided to all students who are between the ages of 10 and 18. Fourth graders who are 10-years old by September 1, fifth-graders, seventh-graders, new students and students with a history of scoliosis will be screened by the student's private physician, school nurse or district school physician. Parents who prefer not to have their child screened must notify the health office in writing.

A school nurse can give medications in school only when your child's doctor has signed a medication dispensing form. All medications are kept in the health office unless otherwise approved by the school nurse. The following medication forms are available for download:

* ASTHMA ACTION PLAN
* DAILY OR AS NEEDED MEDICATION
* ANAPHYLAXIS ALLERGY (EPIPEN)
* DIABETES

Three forms must be completed before a student is eligible to start practice with a team.

*ATHLETIC PARENT CONSENT FORM
* HEALTH HISTORY QUESTIONAIRE
*NJDOE PHYSICAL EVALUATION FORM

All forms can be picked up in the nurse's office and/or main office. Forms may also be printed from the links provided.

The Parental Consent Form and the Health Questionaire are due in the nurse's office before first practice is to start for that particular sport. The Parental Consent Form and the Health Questionaire must be completed for each sport.

The New Jersey Dept. of Education Physical Evaluation Form must be completed by the examining provider and will be valid for 1 year from the date of the physical exam. This is the only form which will be accepted by the district to participate in sports.

If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse or the athletic director.

Children born on or after January 1, 1997 and enrolled in grade six, are now required to have a Meningococcal vaccine and Tdap vaccine (Adacel, Boostrix)  given no earlier than the 10th birthday.

Please check your child's vaccination status.  If you have a physician documented immunization record  or a scheduled appointment for either of these vaccines, please forward to the Belhaven school nurse. 
If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse, Ms Forshaw, at 926-6706.