School Health Services

Medications

Please do not send medications of any kind to school with your child. No medications (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol, Motrin, vaseline, lotion, chapstick, anti-itch creams, and cough drops) may be given during school hours, unless you comply with the following regulations of the New York State Law:

• A written order from the health care provider, indicating the name, frequency, and dosage of the medication.
• Written permission from the parents, allowing the school nurse to administer the medication.
• A supply of prescription medication properly labeled in its original container from the pharmacist, or over-the-counter medication in its original packaging labeled with the child's name, must be brought to the health office by an adult. Do not send medication with a child.

The Concussion Management and Awareness Act

The Concussion Management and Awareness Act went into effect on July 1, 2012 for all public schools and charter schools.  Several items are required for school districts to be in compliance with the law.  Some of the items are specifically spelled out in the law and others have been recommended by the State Education Department and Department of Health and approved by the State Board of Regents.

Orchard Park Central believes in the importance of effective concussion prevention and post-concussion management.  All coaches, physical education teachers, and school nurses will complete a concussion prevention certification biannually.

When can my son/daughter return to regular activity?

• Once the Athlete is asymptomatic for 24 hours (and no longer using medication prescribed by a healthcare provider to manage signs and symptoms), and has medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider. 
• This documentation should include any modifications or restrictions to physical or academic activities.

The return to cognitive activities protocol is as follows:

Healthcare provider orders will be followed when available. If they are not available, the district medical director approves the following protocol. The protocol will be followed following a brief (24-48) period of rest. Each step will last at least 24 hours, with a return to the previous activity step if the student experiences an exacerbation:

• Phase 1: Daily activities that do not result in more than a mild exacerbation* of symptoms related to the current concussion
  • Example: Typical activities during the day (e.g. reading) while minimizing screen time.
  • Start with 5–15 min at a time and increase gradually
• Phase 2: School activities
  • Example: Homework, reading, or other cognitive activities outside of the classroom.
• Phase 3: Return to school part-time
  • Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start with a partial school day or with greater access to rest breaks during the day.
• Phase 4: Return to school full-time
  • Gradually progress in school activities until a full day can be tolerated without more than mild* symptom exacerbation.

When can my son/daughter return to sports?

• Once the Athlete is asymptomatic for 24 hours (and no longer using medication prescribed by a physician to manage signs and symptoms) and has medical clearance from a licensed physician.  PAs and NPs are not able to diagnose or provide clearance for athletic activities.
• Must complete return to play protocol with certified athletic trainer working with OPCSD.
• The return to play progression should be over 7-10 days, with a minimum of 7 days. The athlete must remain asymptomatic to progress to the next phase. In the event that symptoms return the athlete must stop activity and return to previous level 24 hours later if asymptomatic.
• Upon completing the return to play protocol the student-athlete must be cleared by the school medical director.

The return to play protocol is as follows:

• Phase 1: Light aerobic exercise- walking, swimming or stationary bike without resistance
• Phase 2: Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity. No resistance training.
• Phase 3: Sport specific non-contact activity. Low resistance weight training with a spotter.
• Phase 4: Sport specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter
• Phase 5: Full contact practice and intense aerobic activity.
• Phase 6: Return to play- full activities without restrictions.

Please find links and documents below for more information on what you can do to protect yourself and your child(ren).

Cumulative Health Record

A confidential health record is maintained on each child indicating his/her medical history and immunization dates. All findings from screening procedures are required on the student’s health record. Please help us keep the record up to date by notifying the Health Office if there is any change in your child’s health status, recent immunizations, surgery, etc.. This record is transferred onto each school your child will be attending.

Dental Health Screening

NYS law (Chapter 281) permits schools to request an oral health assessment in the following grades: all new students entering school, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 11. This sample dental assessment may be completed by a registered dentist or NYS registered dental hygienist.  Click here to access the Dental Health Certificate.

What is the role of our school nurses?

Our school nurses are licensed registered nurses who play a vital role in keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. They provide expert care for illnesses and injuries, manage chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, and administer medications according to medical and legal guidelines. School nurses also conduct health screenings, monitor immunizations, and respond to emergencies, ensuring swift and appropriate care when it’s needed most. Beyond the nurse’s office, they promote wellness, contribute to student support plans, and collaborate with families and staff to meet each student’s unique needs. Their work helps create a healthier school environment where all students can thrive.

High School Health Office

Middle School Health Office 

Mrs. Karen Niewczyk, RN
Phone: 716-209-6261
Fax: 716-209-6413
Email: kniewczyk@opschools.org

Eggert Elementary Health Office

Ellicott Elementary Health Office

South Davis Elementary Health Office

Windom Elementary Health Office

Mrs. Sarah Johnson, RN 
Phone: 716-209-6322 
Fax: 716-209-6490
Email: sjohnson@opschools.org

What Does the District Medical Director Do?

Kelsey Habermehl, MS, FNP-C, CLC, serves as the Orchard Park Central School District's Medical Director, providing expert guidance on all aspects of student and staff health. In this role, she leads the development of health policies, supports school nurses, conducts required student physicals, and helps coordinate our district's response to public health needs. Mrs. Habermehl works closely with families, educators, and administrators to ensure every student receives safe, inclusive, and medically appropriate care. Her leadership helps us create consistent, evidence-based practices across all schools. As a trusted health advisor, she plays a key role in keeping our school community healthy, informed, and ready to learn.

Orchard Park Central School District Medical Director

Physical Information

New York Education Law, effective July 1, 2018, requires a complete physical exam for all students entering grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.  We ask that you schedule an appointment with your child's health care provider if they will be in one of those grades in September.     

A standard Health Appraisal Form, to be completed by a New York State physician, is located by clicking here.

Health appraisal forms should be forwarded or faxed to the school nurse within 14 days of the child's first day of school and must be completed by a New York State licensed health care provider.   Please contact your child's school nurse with questions.

If the parent/guardian has not furnished a Health Appraisal to the school within the first 30 days of attendance, school officials must provide a written notification to the parent/guardian that if the parent/guardian does not provide the school with a Health Appraisal within 30 days from the date of the notice, that the school will conduct a health examination of their child at school by the district medical director pursuant to Education Law §903(3)(a) and Commissioner’s regulation §136.3 (c)(1)(iii).   

Click to view the Commissioners Regulation   

Per the screening requirements outlined in NYS Code, Rule, and Regulation 8 CRR-NY 136.3 students are screened as follows

• Scoliosis Screening will occur for students in grades 5 and 7 for female students and Grade 9 for male students.
• Distance Acuity and Near Vision Screening will occur for all new entrants and students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.
• Hearing Screening(pure tone)will occur for all new entrants and students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.

Following all screening procedures which include scoliosis, vision, hearing, and color perception testing and physical examinations, parents are notified by phone or letter of any problems detected and are counseled regarding medical follow-up.