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Health Office

School nurses and assistants are assigned to each building to implement the Health Services Program through teaching, counseling, and administering first aid. They also conduct state-required screenings for height, weight, vision, hearing, and scoliosis.

Nurses are available to students and families for health information, advice, and medical questions, as well as to implement student medication schedules during the school day. Nurses’ offices are open whenever school is in session, and students are always welcome.

Student Emergency Information

Each year students bring home a “Student Emergency Information” form. The purpose of this form is to update emergency contacts and student health information. If at any time, however, there is a change in a student’s medical status, it is imperative that the parent/guardian notify the school nurse to ensure the student’s safety and well-being.

Medications in School

The school nurse is not allowed to use any medical products, such as Calamine lotion, antibacterial creams, Tylenol, etc. Medication can only be taken in school when the parent/guardian submits the following information:

  1. A note from the family doctor containing the student’s name, the date and name of the medication, dosage and time to be administered, and a list of possible side effects; and
  2. A note from the parent or guardian giving the school nurse, teacher, principal, or other school staff permission to administer the medication; or
  3. A medication request form (which includes the family doctor and parent signatures) must be filed with the school nurse.

Students are not allowed to bring medication to school. This includes over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, or Claritin. If students are found to be in possession of any of these types of medication, severe disciplinary action may result.

Under certain circumstances, health care providers may request that a student carry and self-administer their own medication. This requires a specific request by the health care provider and must show that the student has been instructed in and understands the purpose and appropriate method of administration and frequency of use.

Safe Storage, Drug Disposal at Home

Supplies to help families safely store and dispose of medication at home are available, including:

  • Lock bags for secure storage and lock caps with combination
  • Destruction products (Dispose RX or Deterra) to safely dispose of unneeded prescriptions
  • Prescription Trackers to keep track of when medications were taken

These items are provided by Catholic Charities and Sullivan BOCES. To request these items, email Luisa Parker or call (845) 794-8080, ext. 2531.

Dental Health

In Sullivan County, two organizations provide free or low-cost dental care:

  • The PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program, a mobile clinic and school-based health center, visits local schools and provides dental health education and preventive and restorative dental services so parents don’t need to take time off from work or drive anywhere. PRASAD also has an office in Liberty and a Spanish/English bilingual staff. Learn more on PRASAD’s website.
  • Sun River Healthcare (Lakewood Avenue, Monticello) includes a dental clinic and serves people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay, and has a Spanish/English bilingual staff. Learn more on the Sun River website.

Immunizations Information

The Immunization Information webpage outlines the New York State (NYS) immunization requirements for student entrance and attendance across PreK through Grade 12 for the 2025–26 school year. It details the required dose schedules for vaccines such as DTaP, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Meningococcal, along with age-based compliance guidelines and NYS health department contact information.

Health Screenings

In accordance with law, the school will provide vision and hearing screenings for grades Pre-K-5, 7 and 10, and scoliosis screenings for those ages 8-16.

Medication in School

All medications administered during the school day—including prescription and over-the-counter drugs—require written authorization from both a licensed healthcare provider and a parent or guardian. They must be delivered directly to the school health office by an adult in their original, labeled packaging, though students with emergency medications like EpiPens or inhalers may self-carry with approved clearance.

Medical Information

Many students have medical diagnoses, take medications, or need nursing services. New York State (NYS) and our school have policies and regulations in place for these needs. Following the guidelines below will ensure a quicker response to your child’s needs and help us prepare a safe, healthy environment for them.

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE PROOF OF IMMUNIZATIONS within 14 days of the first day of school:

  • Proof of their child’s up-to-date vaccinations, OR
  • Provide a valid medical exemption from vaccination.

In order to attend or remain in school, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. They also must receive subsequent vaccines in the series within a 14-day period of when they are due to complete the immunization series.

Students in grades 9 through 12 must meet the requirements for all immunizations.

  • The Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster and MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines.

Requirements Per Grade Level

5th Grade

  • Health Exam completed by NYS provider; must be completed on NYS form. Must be received within the first 30 days of school.

6th Grade

  • Tdap immunization — must be provided to school within the first 14 days of school.

7th Grade

  • Meningococcal immunizations-must be provided to school within the first 14 days of school
  • Health Exam completed by NYS provider; must be completed on NYS form. Must be received within the first 30 days of school
  • Dental Certificate-completed by parent/guardian and dental hygienist.

8th Grade

  • If the student has not received the 1st dose yet, Meningococcal immunizations must be provided to school within the first 14 days of school
  • If your child wants to play a sport, a Health Exam must be completed by a NYS provider and must be completed on the NYS form.

Additional Forms/Information

Medication in School

My Child Needs to Take Medication in School

Medical Conditions Requiring Further Documentation

My Child Has Asthma and Needs an Inhaler

My Child has a Seizure Disorder

  • Please have the following completed

My Child has a life-threatening allergy

My Child has Diabetes

  • Please complete the following
    • Diabetes Medical Management Plan
    • Endocrinologist orders
  • If your child requires medication, please follow the approved guidelines for medication administration: Medication Form 2024-25

My Child has additional medical needs

  • Contact the Health Office to discuss if further documentation is needed

I hope this checklist will better help both you as the parent and me prepare for your child’s arrival next year. All medical forms must be completed each year, as each medical order is only good for that school year.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Reporting

New York requires schools to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations. Every year, the NYS Department of Health will survey some schools for the number of pupils in each of six possible weight status categories.

Department & Services Links

Health Office Contacts

Liberty Central School District
115 Buckley Street
Liberty, NY 12754

Rachael Davis
Elementary School Nurse
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2508

Melissa Funcheon Kolarik
Middle School Nurse
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2316

EmilIe Keesler
High School Nurse
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2016

Thomas Zehner
Substance Use Disorder Designee/Athletic Director
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2012

Child Abuse Hotline Notification

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online on the Office of Children and Family Services website.

Student Wellness

Student Wellness provides resources to promote mental, physical, and emotional health, helping you succeed academically and personally.

Forms

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