The mission of the Alexandria Township school health services is to strengthen and facilitate the educational process by improving and protecting the health status of the children and staff.

Fax Number: 908-996-7963

Christina Suydam  received a BS in Nursing from DeSales University, and School Nurse Certification from Rowan University. Prior to school nursing she worked as a visiting nurse with Hunterdon Medical Center Home Health. 

Contact Mrs. Suydam at suydam@alexandriaschools.org or (908)996-6811 extension 2121.

The Health Office in consultation with the school physician supports the continued  health and wellbeing of our students.

The following are reliable and authoritative sources of health information which can supplement discussions  with your child's primary care physician.

 Parent Reminder

Too Sick for School? 

When should you keep your child home from school?

Fever

If your child's temperature is 100.0 degrees or higher, stay home.  While at home, encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. Your child should be fever-free for 24 hours (without medicine) before returning to school. 

Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms

Children with bad coughs need to stay home, and possibly see a doctor. It could be a severe cold or possibly bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Keep your child home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without medicine).

Sore Throat

A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat even if there is no fever. Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache and stomach upset. Keep your child home from school, and contact a doctor. Your child needs a special test to determine if it is strep throat. He or she may be able to return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins. A physician’s note for return to school is needed. 

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Keep the child home until a doctor has given the OK to return to school. Pink eye is highly contagious and most cases are caused by a virus, which will not respond to an antibiotic. Bacterial conjunctivitis will require an antibiotic; your doctor will be able to determine if this is the case.

Rash

Children with a skin rash should see a doctor, as this could be one of several infectious diseases. One possibility is impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that is very contagious and requires antibiotic treatment. Also, fifth disease is a contagious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes; it's no longer contagious by the time rash appears.

You will be contacted by the school nurse to pick up your child if he or she returns to school before the 24 hour window. 

Pre K Flu Shot Letter 

Vaccine Requirements 

6th Grade Immunization Requirements (AMS)  

 Minimal Immunization Requirements for School Attendance - Entering 6th Grade - Parent Letter

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) requires the following   immunizations for students entering the sixth grade in September:

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine:

One dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis) given no earlier than the 10th birthday.  

Students who received a Td booster less than 5 years prior to September 1st shall not be required to receive a Tdap dose until 5 years have elapsed since the last DTP/Dtap or Td dose.

Meningococcal vaccine:

One dose of a meningococcal-containing vaccine, such as the medically-preferred meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Note: this applies to students when they turn 11 years of age.

Parents should contact their child’s physician as soon as possible to verify that these immunizations have been given or to arrange to have them administered.  Written documentation of required vaccine administration with complete date (day, month and year) should be sent to the school by August 1st.