Departments & Services Links
Health & Wellness Contact Info
1738 Helderberg Trail
Berne, NY 12023
Katie Johnson, Elementary School Nurse
Phone: (518) 872-2030
Alicia Lounsbury, Secondary School Nurse
Phone: (518) 872-1482
Child Abuse Hotline
If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling (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.
Learn more about reporting child abuse and maltreatment/neglect (via NYS Child Protective Services).
The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Health Information page provides families with helpful guidance on keeping students healthy and ready to learn, including information about immunizations, physicals, illness guidelines, and required screenings. It also connects parents and guardians with school nursing staff and important resources to support student wellness and prevent the spread of illness throughout the school community.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The New York State is interested in child health data, schools are required to record students’ height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). If our district is surveyed by the state, we will only share group data (for instance, the number of second grade boys whose BMI is below the fifth percentile), not individual data. However, if parents wish their child’s data to be excluded from such group calculations, they may do so by contacting their school nurse.
Please feel free to contact the corresponding building nurse for more information.
Fight Flu at Home and at School
Flu, or influenza, spreads easily and can make people very sick, especially kids. You can help stop the flu!
How to Fight Flu at Home and at School
To prevent the spread of influenza, the NYS Health Department emphasizes that yearly vaccination for everyone aged six months and older is the most effective defense. In addition to vaccines, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands for 20 seconds and covering coughs with an elbow, is essential for protecting yourself and others. If symptoms do occur, children should remain home for at least 24 hours after their fever subsides naturally, and parents should consult a doctor before using any medications, particularly avoiding aspirin.
View more information on how to fight the flu at home and at school:
When Your Child is Sick
Please call the main office of your child’s school to report any absence. While it is not required, it is helpful to note your child’s major complaint or illness.
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
To help prevent the spread of infection, our school nurses recommend keeping your child home when they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting in the past 24 hours
- Diarrhea in the past 24 hours
- Fever over 100.4 in the past 24 hours
- Uncontrollable coughing in the past 24 hours
- Strep throat (if on medication for less than 24 hours)
- Conjunctivitis (if on medication for less than 24 hours)
Immunizations
New York Public Health Law requires all students entering sixth grade to be immunized against varicella, or chicken pox. This law applies to all students born on or after January 1, 2004. If your child has had chicken pox, the new state law requires written documentation from your child’s physician or a blood test to determine immunity.
Students entering seventh and 12th grades must be vaccinated against meningococcal disease in order to attend school in New York State.
Review the New York State immunization requirements for a complete schedule of immunizations from childhood to adolescence.
Health Screenings
Physicals
Beginning July 1, 2018, all New York State school students must have a health exam when they enter school as a new entrant and in Pre-K or Kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These examinations must be completed on the approved NYSED Student Health Examination Form, which is located in Health Forms section. Please provide completed forms to your school nurse.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
New entrants, students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, First Grade, Third Grade, Fifth Grade, Seventh Grade, and Eleventh Grade will be screened per NYS Education Law. Also, students in any grade may be screened if deemed necessary or requested. If you have any questions, please call your school nurse.
Health Alerts and Allergies
If your child is allergic to insect bites, bee stings, or certain foods, please contact the health office regarding emergency measures. This can mean life or death in some instances. If your child has any health problems, the school nurse should be made aware of them.
Medications in School
Note: A parent is to bring in any medication to the school nurse. NO medication is to ever be brought in on the school bus with a student.
For medication to be administered at the school, parents must supply:
- A note from a parent/guardian stating they would like medication given at the school. Permission forms are also required for single or multiple medications, depending on the circumstances.
- A note from the doctor stating medication to be given, dosage, and time to be given.
- Medication in a clearly labeled bottle from a pharmacy, with the current date.