STAYING HEALTHY AND SAFE
Make sure your child is immunized
The Minnesota School Immunization Law (MN Statute 121A.15)
requires all students to provide proof of childhood immuniza-
tions. Rules require proof of chickenpox disease or varicella im-
munization. Proof of disease must consist of information from a
medical provider indicating the year of chickenpox. Vaccination
for varicella consists of two shots. The second measles, mumps,
rubella (MMR) vaccine is required before entry to kindergarten.
A tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) booster is required
for all students seventh grade and older. Seventh graders
in Minnesota continue to be required to have Hepatitis B
vaccination in a series of two or three shots. A meningitis
vaccine is also required for seventh grade. In 2020-21, a
booster meningitis dose will be due in grade 12. Please consult
with your medical provider with regard to immunizations required
before entering kindergarten. Private medical providers may
give the immunizations. If you have no medical insurance that
covers immunizations your student may be immunized at Anoka
or Hennepin County community health clinics. For clinic dates,
times, and locations call Anoka County at 763-324-4210 or
Hennepin County at 612-348-2884.
The Health Service office at your student’s school needs proof
of the month, day and year your student’s immunizations were
given. If the school does not receive documentation of the
required immunizations, your student will be excluded from
school. The state law does allow a process for parents or
guardians to file a legal exemption to immunizations for medical
reasons or conscientiously held beliefs. The exemption must be
notarized and turned into the student’s Health Service office at
his/her school. Please contact the Health Service at your stu-
dent’s school if you would like help with the exemption process.
Early childhood screening
In Minnesota, all children are required to complete early
childhood screening before they enter kindergarten. Ideally,
the screening should be completed prior to a child turning four
years old, and must be completed before the child attends
public kindergarten. Screening is a FREE, simple check of a
young child’s health and development. It does not determine
kindergarten readiness.
Screening includes:
• A development assessment.
• Vision and hearing checks.
• Height and weight measurement.
• An immunization and health history review.
Call 763-433-4833 for more information if:
• You are new to the district.
• Your child is over 4 and has NOT been notified.
• Your child is entering kindergarten in the fall and has not
been screened.
• To schedule an appointment.
If you use a TTY number, please call using Minnesota Relay
at 1-800-627-3529, or 711.
10
Screening is offered daily throughout the school year at the
Sorteberg Early Childhood Center (SECC), 11400 Magnolia
St. NW, in Coon Rapids.
Vision and hearing screenings
Vision and hearing screenings are conducted in accordance with
State Health Department recommendations and within staffing
availability. Screenings are not done on your student every
school year. Screenings are not a comprehensive examination.
Please do have your medical provider examine your student if
you are questioning your student’s vision or hearing. If you re-
quire financial assistance with accessing care, there are several
good resources as follows: Anoka County Child and Teen
(763-324-4280) and First Call for Help (211 or 651-291-0211).
Is my child well enough for school?
Parents are frequently concerned about when students should
stay home from school because of illness. It is important to have
a child care plan for the days your child is ill and must stay home
from school.
Here is some information that can help you decide if your child
should stay home:
• If a student has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, the
student must stay home for 24 hours after the temperature
returns to normal.
• If a student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student must
stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
• If a student has had any rash that may be disease-related or
the cause is unknown, check with a family physician before
sending the student to school.
• If a student is ill, please call the school daily to report the illness.
• If your student has a chronic health disease that causes the
symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea and/or rash please
check with the school nurse to discuss parameters for keep-
ing your student home.
Remember that a child who is ill with an infectious disease can
spread the disease when in contact with others in the family and
community. Frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to limit
spread of disease. Set a good example by washing your hands
often and helping your child develop good hand washing habits.
If you have questions about these guidelines or your child’s
illness, please call your school nurse or family physician.
See the illness/disease chart on page 12 and 13.
Medication
The number of medication doses given by Anoka-Hennepin
Health Service staff has increased dramatically in recent years.
With so many students needing medication during the school day,
procedures have been developed to ensure students’ safety. Our
Health Service staff request parent or guardian cooperation with
these School Board approved procedures. Prescription medication
may be given with medical provider and parent permission.
ahschools.us/policies
2019-20 School Handbook