Health and Safety

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Students being transported by car are to be dropped off or picked up on South Plainfield Avenue or on Randolph Avenue. Please do not drop off or pick up your children in front of the school or at the Parish Center parking lot at arrival and dismissal times. Please help us provide a safe environment for your children.

Student who take the bus are dropped off on Sacred Heart Drive in front of the school. Only authorized students are allowed to ride the bus. The public school district handles bus authorization and passes. Applications for these passes must be filled out each year before May 1. Applications filled out after that date should be brought to the South Plainfield or Plainfield Board of Education.

Students who walk to and from the school are required to cross the street where there is a crossing guard. They are encouraged to walk in groups.

Students are not permitted to enter the classroom before school hours or after dismissal.

If a student is going home a way other than the normal routine, a written note or a phone call to school by 1:45 pm is required. This is for the safety of your child. Only students with bus passes may ride the bus and they may only ride the bus for which they have a pass.

If a child needs to be dismissed early, and a note has not been sent to school, a phone call from the parent must be made to the office before any child is released.

Fire Drills

According to the South Plainfield Fire Prevention Code, Article 7, Section F-702.2, there shall be at least two fire exit drills the first two weeks of a school term and eight additional fire drills per year. When the weather is severe during the winter months, at least six drills shall be held at the beginning of the school term and four after the winter months to complete the ten required fire drills.

In compliance with this regulation, fire drills are held ten times a year at Sacred Heart School. Our students are trained to move quietly and quickly to their designated locations during fire drills.

Health Services

The South Plainfield Board of Education has contracted with the Middlesex County Educational Services Commission to implement the Non-Public School Nursing Services, Chapter 226 funded by the State of New Jersey. A registered nurse performs health services at Sacred Heart School from Monday through Friday.

Policy on Administration of Medication

Sacred Heart strongly discourages the administration of either prescription or non-prescription medication in school or on school-sponsored activities. However, if it is absolutely essential that a student receive medication while under school supervision, the following procedures apply:

• A parent/guardian should come to the school and personally administer the medication.

• If this arrangement is not possible, the school nurse or the principal (or his/her designee) will administer the medication under the following conditions:

  • The medication must be given to the school nurse or principal by the parent/guardian.

  • The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container.

  • The parent/guardian and the student's physician must complete and sign an Authorization to Administer Medication in School form. This form is available from the school.

Students will be permitted to self-administer medication only for life-threatening illnesses or conditions. The parent/guardian must schedule a conference with the school nurse to discuss in detail the need for the medication. The parent/guardian and the student's physician must complete and sign an Authorization for Self-Administration of Medication in School form. This form is available from the school.

How Parents Can Help in our Health Program

• In addition to a pre-entry appraisal, all students must have an updated physical examination each year. It is the parent's responsibility to provide for such an exam and return a doctor's certificate to Sacred Heart School. This exam will also cover requirements for those participating in our school sports programs.

• Hearing tests are given to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Any pupil referred to the nurse for a hearing problem will be given attention.

• Vision tests are given to all students. Notices are sent home only to those who need attention.

• Scoliosis screening is done on every pupil between the ages of ten and eighteen. Any pupil shall be exempt from the examination upon written request of a parent or guardian. Parents may be present for the examination.

• See to it that your child has regular baths and uses proper personal grooming aids.

• First aid, if needed, is given by the school nurse during the school day. The usual antiseptics used are hydrogen peroxide, anti-bacterial ointment, and soap. If your child is allergic to these or to adhesive tape, please let our school nurse know so that we can avoid unnecessary problems. When an ace bandage is used, please return it to the nurse after use.

• Parents/guardians will be notified if a child becomes ill at school. It is their responsibility to provide transportation home. If a parent cannot drive, he/she must look for a relative or friend to pick up the sick child as soon as possible.

• School insurance, provided by the school for each student, is mandated by the Diocese of Metuchen. This insurance covers injuries in school and those incurred during school-related activities. It is in addition to the family's insurance. Please take note of this information.

• If your child contracts a communicable disease, please do not send him/her to school until your physician gives permission. Notify the school immediately. State law requires a doctor's certificate if a communicable disease is the cause of an absence.

• After an illness, children will be allowed to remain in the building at lunchtime only if they have a written request from home.

Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

New Jersey state law requires that any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been subjected to abuse or neglect, must make a report to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.