A student’s personal sense of well-being and level of achievement depends upon their health and wellness. Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School is fortunate to have a clinic staffed at all times during school hours. The nurse is available should your child become ill during the school day and will also work with you to develop and implement a plan for children with ongoing health issues.
We are also blessed with a wellness program, which provides nutritious foods through our lunch program, as well as opportunities for all students to learn and practice healthy habits and disease prevention.
Clinic
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School has one Registered School Nurse on duty during school hours as well as several Medication Administration Trained (MAT) staff and teachers in case of emergency.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the medical requirements necessary for admission?
Every student must have a recent physical on file from the Virginia State physical Virginia Department of Health MCH-213G Form. This link to the physical examinations and immunizations will allow you to download the form. This form is also available from the school office or the clinic. The immunization requirements for admission are available here.
Can my child take medication at school?
Yes, your child may be given over the counter medication and prescription medication only if the following requirements are met:
- Must have a signed medication administration form completed by your physician and signed by the parent.
- The medication must be brought to the clinic in the original box by the parent or an adult. The medication MAY NOT be brought to school by the child.
What if my child has severe allergies such as peanuts?
Students with food allergies must provide their own snacks for snack time or special parties to be stored in a covered container and kept in the classroom. We have an allergy form that needs to be filled out by the parent and the physician. If it is necessary, an epi-pen can be kept in the cafeteria, clinic, and/or the classroom. Also, we provide allergy reaction information to the class and the teachers. We have allergy education videos available in the clinic. We provide a peanut-free lunch table in the cafeteria for students 4th grade and younger and for others at parent request. If your child is 10 years or older (5th grade) and does not want to sit at the peanut-free table, we must have a signed note from the doctor and parent exempting your child from sitting at the table.
My child has asthma; can he or she carry their inhaler?
We prefer that children in elementary school (JK-5th grade) keep their inhalers in the clinic, so we may ensure the proper usage and monitoring of your child. However, if your child is so severe that a doctor has filled out the Asthma Action Plan Form, stating that he or she must carry an inhaler at all times, it will be permitted.
Middle School students are encouraged to carry their inhalers and are permitted to do so with a signed Asthma Action Plan from their physician, approving self carry as well as signed consent from their parent/legal guardian.
Is your child too sick for school?
- Chickenpox: school exclusion for seven days or until vesicles become dry.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Students may not attend if discharge is present and must be treated with medication. A note from the doctor is required to return to school.
- Head Lice: Must be nit and louse-free. Prior to returning to school, the child must be checked by the school nurse.
- Bacterial infections: May return once the child has been on antibiotics for twenty-four hours and is fever free for twenty-four hours.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and /or fever: May not return to school unless the student has not vomited for twenty-four hours, has not had diarrhea for twenty-four hours, and has not had a fever for twenty-four hours.
Forms:
● Immunization Requirements for Entry into Child Care and School
● Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form, MCH-213G
● Medication Administration Form
● Asthma Health Care Action Plan
● Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP)
● Field Trip Medical Form
Helpful Links:
● Scoliosis
● Health Insurance for Children
● Health Insurance for Children-Spanish
● Virginia Department of Health
● MRSA Infections
● Concussion Signs and Symptoms
● Information about Eating Disorders
Emergency contact information is online through the parent portal, FACTS SIS, and can be updated at any time. Please list at least three emergency contacts. This information is used to contact you if an emergency arises in school with your child. Please indicate on the form if your child has any medical conditions of which we should be aware. We ask that you please update this information throughout the year if necessary. Together, you, your child, and the school nurse can build a relationship to benefit your child.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child for the nurse, please feel free to e-mail, call, or stop by the clinic anytime during regular school hours (8:00 AM-3:00 PM).
School phone number: 757- 497-1811 ext. 319
Fax number: 757-497-7005
Wellness Program
Saint Gregory the Great School participates in the National School Lunch Program and has been designated a Team Nutrition School. As such, the school is required to develop a local wellness policy that promotes the health of students and addresses the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Nutrition Goals:
Healthy food choices support student physical growth, resistance to disease, emotional stability, and the ability to learn. As a Team Nutrition School, we are committed to providing healthy and nutritious lunches that provide one-third of the daily nutrients required by the USDA.
SGGS will strive to provide students well-balanced meals that are high in fiber, and low in added fats, sugar, and sodium. Lunch menus will offer a wide variety of home-style meals and kid popular fast foods that have earned the USDA “Child Nutrition” label. A choice of 1% (total fat content) white or chocolate milk will be offered with lunch.
Students will not have access to vending machines at Saint Gregory’s.
SGGS has established guidelines for classroom snacks and treats. Please refer to the School Handbook for more information.
For additional information regarding Team Nutrition, please visit the following website: http://www.fns.usda.gov and follow the link to Team Nutrition.
Physical Education Goals:
Physical Education Goals: The Physical Education Program offers lessons that encourage the students to stay active, not just in the classroom setting, but for a lifetime. A variety of lessons are designed to incorporate nutrition, physical fitness, sports, and positive well-being. The students participate in the Presidential Challenge twice a year and run the mile run once a month. The Athletic Program provides opportunities for the students to stay active and fit through extracurricular sports such as cross country, track and field, soccer, basketball, field hockey, and golf.
Health Clinic Goals:
Health/Clinic Goals: The nursing staff at SGGS Health Clinic provide a variety of services for the welfare of the school community. During the school year, vision and hearing testing will be conducted on students in K, 3 and 7. Information on scoliosis (grades 4-8) and eating disorders (grades 5-8) will be sent home to parents. All students, JK-8th, attend an educational presentation on dental health. For more information about health care services refer to the Clinic.
Health, Education, and Life Skill Goals:
Healthy living skills are taught as part of the regular instructional program and provide the opportunity for all students to understand and practice concepts and skills related to health promotion and disease prevention. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond provides a Consensus Curriculum that includes the goals and objectives for Health Education throughout the grades. Students are taught communication, goal setting, and decision making skills that enhance personal, family, and community health. The nurses at SGGS, along with the Physical Education Department, teach the children in the 5th and 7th grades about puberty. Individual conferences with students, teachers, and parents are also available.
Healthy and Safe Environment Goals:
Saint Gregory the Great School maintains a smoke-free environment in all its buildings. School buildings, grounds, and equipment meet all current health and safety standards, and the faculty and staff receive OSHA safety training on a yearly basis. Finally, SGGS strives to promote a violence and harassment-free environment. Yearly in-service training is provided to faculty/staff on bullying and harassment. Instructional materials and books on the subject are available in the school library for students, parents, and teachers.
