Health Office
Brianna Grasso
BSN, RN, CSN-NJ
Lori Buonaiuto
Secretary to the Nurse
Contact Information
Phone: (973) 515-2421
Fax: (973) 515-2472
Email: brianna.grasso@htboe.org
Welcome to the Health Office
As part of a community that inspires excellence, we believe a healthy child is essential for nurturing lifelong learners. The Health Office is dedicated to promoting health and wellness for all students through several key initiatives:
- Assessing each student's health status to support normal growth and development
- Maintaining state-mandated immunization records
- Conducting screenings for vision, hearing, blood pressure, scoliosis, and other medical issues, with referrals to parents as needed
- Providing prompt triage, first aid, and referrals for illnesses and injuries at school
- Offering nursing care for students with chronic medical conditions
- Fostering a safe environment for all students
Here you will find valuable information about health services and resources designed to support student well-being. Our goal is to ensure every child feels safe, healthy, and ready to learn. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out. Together, we will make this school year both healthy and successful.
SICK DAYS
Please Remember to Report Your Child’s Absence
Absentee E-mail: bmsattendance@hanovertwpschools.org
What to report: Specific reason for absence
- Illness (symptoms, diagnosis, etc.)
- Non-illness related
- Any health related appointments
In order to prevent the spread of communicable disease and to ensure rapid recovery with minimum after effects, parents/guardians should keep children at home when they show evidence of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever (100°F or above). The child must remain home for 24-48 hours after the symptoms have subsided without the aid of pharmaceuticals.
NJ Department of Health School Exclusion List
If you have any questions about clearance to return to school, please contact the school nurse directly.
Medications
The school nurse will administer medication only with a completed authorization form on file. This applies to both over-the-counter and prescription medication.
- 1 Submit a signed medication authorization form.
- 2 All medication must be in its original pharmacy container.
- 3 An adult must transport medication to and from school.
Health Screenings
The school nurse performs the following screenings as recommended by age and grade level during the school year.
| Screening | Grades |
|---|---|
| Height and Weight | All grades annually |
| Blood Pressure | All grades annually |
| Vision | K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 |
| Hearing | K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 |
| Scoliosis | Grades 5 through 8 |
Physical Examinations
All children are required to have a complete physical examination by a family medical provider before attending school.
Recommended exam by developmental stage:
Early Childhood
Pre-K through Grade 3
Pre-Adolescence
Grades 4 through 6
Adolescence
Grades 7 through 12
Immunization Requirements
5th Grade Parents
All incoming 6th graders need the following NJ state-mandated immunizations:
- Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis), given no earlier than the 10th birthday
- Meningococcal vaccine, given on or after the 11th birthday
If your child has already received these immunizations, please submit records to the Health Office.
Athletics
All students wishing to participate in athletics at Memorial Junior School need a physical examination by their healthcare provider.
The physical must take place within 365 days of the first practice date.
Allergy Awareness
Our district is committed to being "allergy aware," not "allergy free." We take proactive steps to reduce risk and support the safety of all students.
How we support an allergy-aware environment:
- Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water before and after eating
- Cleaning and sanitizing classrooms and common areas regularly
- Teaching students not to share food, drinks, or utensils
- Promoting age-appropriate education about food allergies
- Supporting individualized health plans for students with diagnosed allergies