Health and Safety

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Student Data Forms and Emergency Closures

Student data and emergency closure forms are sent home in September and must be completed by parents and caregivers.  These forms contain important medical and contact information for students, and are used by school personnel to contact parents and caregivers.  Parents and caregivers are asked to contact the office if any of the information on these forms changes throughout the year, and information will be updated at the office.

In the event of an early school closure due to weather or other reasons, an announcement is made on local radio stations and is usually posted on the district website at www.esdnl.ca.  Buses are dispatched to the school to make their regular runs.  Classroom teachers reference the information on data and emergency closure forms and follow instructions from parents and caregivers for student dismissal.

On stormy days, it is recommended that parents and caregivers periodically check the radio or district website to see whether our school is open, closed, or closing early.  It is important that our telephone lines are free for outgoing calls on days when school closes before 3:00 p.m.

Informing the School of Changes in Your Child's Routine

Staff members follow the written instructions from parents and caregivers on data and emergency closing forms regarding who is permitted to pick up students.  Students are, therefore, not permitted to leave the building with unauthorized persons.  For the safety of students, it is important that parents and caregivers advise teachers of any changes in their child's daily routine; a note should be written to the child's teacher if a different arrangement is being made.

Visitors to the School

For security reasons, it is important that school personnel know who is in the building at all times.  Therefore, anyone who comes into the building during the school day or after school must check in at the office for assistance.  Checking at the office is not necessary between 8:20 and 8:45, at the start and end of the lunch period, or after school.  After 8:45 a.m., only the main entrance is unlocked

Parking Lot Safety

It is important that parents and caregivers make anyone who may be transporting students to Newtown Elementary aware of the rules for the parking lot.

Traffic Flow

The flow of traffic and designated parking spaces are marked with arrows.  Please respect these areas and do not park in unmarked areas since traffic flow could be interrupted and serious safety risks could ensue.  Drivers should not parallel park, however briefly, behind the first row of parked vehicles.  Parking in this area creates significant safety risks for children and others.

The designated bus area is located immediately along the side of the school and is clearly marked.  Vehicles are not permitted to park in this area.

Please note that a right turn only is permitted at the exit.

Stop, Drop, and Go!
 

This area is located just to the right of the main entrance.  The intent of this area is for drivers of vehicles to remain in one line and when they reach the area in front of the main entrance, students should quickly exit the vehicle onto the sidewalk.  By doing this in an efficient manner, traffic is able to move on and off the parking lot in a manner that prevents congestion.  In cases where it is necessary to assist or walk a student to the door, please park your vehicle in a parking space rather than proceed into the "Stop, Drop, and Go" area.

When possible, students play outside at recess and lunch times.  Anyone entering the parking lot at these times should proceed with extreme caution, avoiding areas in which orange pylons have been placed.

Public Health Program

The public health nurse provides health care services to the school and will notify parents and caregivers when testing is being done or vaccinations given.  Teachers, parents, and caregivers may request services for students.  Messages for the public health nurse may be left at the office or you may telephone 752-4868.

Allergies

Allergies pose serious health risks for some students.  It is important for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about their own allergies and those of other children.  At the beginning of each school year, a memo is sent home about precautions to be taken in school.  If you have any questions, please speak to the classroom teacher or contact the office.  It is important that you make yourself aware of allergens not allowed in school and that you follow through on these alerts daily.  Parents and caregivers of children with allergies are asked to contact the school office as soon as the child begins school.   District policy is followed in putting an ISSP in place for each student with allergies.

Policy for the Administration of Medication

District policy indicates that educators, student assistants, other school staff, and volunteers should not be responsible for administering medication.  It is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to make arrangements that will eliminate the need for school personnel to be involved.  However, an exception may be made if, in the opinion of a physician, a student requires medication during the school day in order to remain in attendance.  In this case, forms must be completed by the physician, parents, and caregivers, and returned to the school office.  In addition, all medication must be brought in its original container to the office and students must go there to take it.  School personnel are not permitted to administer any over-the-counter drugs unless a physician prescribes them.

Accident Insurance

Students in the Eastern School District are insured through the mandatory student accident insurance plan covered by government funding.  A brochure is sent home describing the policy in detail.  Claims usually have to be made within ninety days of an accident.  Forms are available at the office.