Hello WGCSD School Community,
As always, I hope this message finds you happy and healthy. As we begin another school year, we also navigate changes in regulations and procedures that impact how school districts operate.
I am writing to make you aware of an important change regarding personal care items and over-the-counter medications that students may need during the school day.
Recently, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) updated its guidance and requirements related to the administration of personal care products and medications in schools. I want to be clear that this is not a new local policy or decision made by WGCSD. Rather, it is a State requirement that all public school districts in New York must follow. As a public school district, we are required to comply with the regulations established by New York State.
The full NYSED guidance may be found here:
Under these requirements, school nurses may not administer or provide over-the-counter personal care items to students unless the District has a written order from the student's healthcare provider authorizing the use of that specific item.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
ChapStick or lip balm
Petroleum jelly
Lotion
Deodorant
Contact lens solution
Toothpaste
Other similar over-the-counter personal care products
While many of these items may seem routine, NYSED's guidance recognizes that even commonly used products can contain active ingredients that may cause adverse reactions or require medical authorization when used in a school setting.
What does this mean for families?
If your child needs an over-the-counter medication during the school day, including products such as Tylenol, Advil, Tums, or calamine lotion, the District must have all of the following before the medication can be administered:
A medication order from the student's healthcare provider;
Written permission from the student's parent or guardian; and
The medication supplied by the parent or guardian in its original pharmacy-labeled or manufacturer-labeled container.
Additional Medication Reminders
To help ensure student safety and compliance with State requirements:
Medications may not be sent to school with students. All medications must be brought to school by a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult. The District must have a healthcare provider's order and written parent/guardian permission before school personnel may administer or assist with a medication.
Students may only carry medication on their person when specifically authorized for emergency use. Examples include rescue inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), Neffy, and seizure rescue medications such as Valtoco. Appropriate medical documentation and District authorization must be on file before a student may self-carry these medications.
A few important things are not changing.
Menstrual products will continue to be available at no cost in student restrooms at the appropriate grade levels. Students may also continue to carry and use sunscreen with written parent permission, consistent with District procedures and applicable requirements.
Most importantly, we understand that changes like this may create questions or require adjustments for some families. Please know that we are committed to supporting you through this process. If your child has an ongoing need for a personal care product or medication during the school day, I encourage you to contact your child's school nurse. Our nursing staff will be happy to explain the requirements and help ensure that your child's needs are met.
At WGCSD, our priority remains the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of every student. While some of these requirements may seem surprising, they are intended to help ensure that students receive appropriate care in a safe and consistent manner. We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we implement these State requirements and continue working together to support our students.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools.
SOAR, LAKE HAWKS!
Respectfully,
Kai D'Alleva
Superintendent of Schools