Health Services and Requirements

• The nurse is available daily to see any student for illness, injury, medical concern, or medication administration. 

• Physical exam packets including all medication administration forms must be renewed every year. All students are encouraged to complete the medication form for the administration of over the counter medications such as tylenol or ibuprofen if applicable.  No medications can be administered without these forms. For more information, refer to the medication policy. 

• Students are not permitted to carry or dispense medication unless it is for life-threatening conditions (asthma or severe allergies).

• If a student feels ill during the school day, she should report to the Health Office. 

If the student is too ill to remain in school, the parent or guardian will be contacted by the nurse, and she will be dismissed from the Health Office. Please note: Students may not call, text, or email for pickup. These are considered unexcused absences.

• If a student is sick, she should remain at home. The student must be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to school. Please provide a doctor’s note to the nurse upon return. Only absences with a valid doctor’s note are considered excused. (See the Attendance Policy in the student handbook for more details.)

• If a student will be absent for an extended period due to illness, injury, or surgery, please contact the nurse for further instructions. Any student hospitalized or out for surgery must provide appropriate documentation to return to school.

• Every student must submit a physical exam between May 1 and Labor Day each year. 

• If a student is in need of a physical exam between those dates they are able to schedule a low cost exam with the school physician J.C. Mendler at the Holy Name Hospital Fitness Center in Oradell. Please call 201-833-3909 and identify your daughter as an IHA student in need of a physical exam for more information.

• See here for Frequently Asked Questions.

• We are dedicated to keeping students with food allergies safe by promoting awareness and taking proactive measures. Many of our staff members are trained to administer EpiPens in case of emergencies. While our school is not allergen-free, we work collaboratively to minimize risks and maintain a safe environment for all students.

• Please notify the nurse of any allergies and submit a completed Allergy Action Plan. 

• For detailed information about cafeteria food, please refer directly to Cater to You.

• Students with allergies who are participating in school events — whether during or after school hours — should always reach out to the event moderator or the school nurse for information on specific accommodations.

Immaculate Heart Academy is required by the state of New Jersey to maintain accurate and up-to-date immunization records for each student. All students must be current on all New Jersey mandated immunizations.

As of August 2021, the Archdiocese of Newark no longer accepts religious exemptions for any New Jersey-required immunizations. This applies to all Newark Archdiocesan schools, including Immaculate Heart Academy.

The health office provides all state-mandated health screenings including scoliosis screening, vision screening, and hearing screening.

• New Jersey Parent Link

• Suicide and Crisis Hotline

• NJ Family Care