Most Frequently Asked Questions
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PHYSICALS
Q: Does my child need a physical?
A: According to our Board policy, all freshman and transfer students (any grade) require a physical to be completed by your private physician, upon entry. All athletes require an annual physical. The PVRHS district utilizes the same forms for all students, non-athletes and athletes alike. This is a new form as of July 1, 2024. The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Medical Eligibility Form need to completed and scanned into your child's FAMILY ID account prior to athletic participation. Incomplete forms returned to you, prolonging athletic participation.
Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Medical Eligibility Form
Q: How long is a physical valid?
A: According to the State, physicals are valid for 365 days (one year from date of actual exam).
Q: Does my child require a new physical for each season?
A: Physicals are valid one year from exam date. Should your child’s physical expire during the season, it is strongly suggested that an updated physical is submitted to the nurse’s office. Once a current physical is on file, you do not need to have your physician complete the form for each season your child participates in.
Q: My doctors’ office is busy right now. I can’t get an appointment until… Can the doctor just write a note? Can’t my child just participate until then?
A: Unfortunately, no. Your physician must complete an annual physical and complete the PVRHS forms in full. This is a mandatory, universal State form. Please make sure that the date of the exam, the physician's signature, with stamp is included.
Q: My doctor provides us with a computer printout – all the information is on this form. Is this sufficient?
A: The State of New Jersey mandates that the universal forms be utilized. Computer printouts will only be accepted as documentation of immunization records.
Q: Can the Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer or the Coach clear my child for athletics?
A: No. In order to prevent any delay in your child’s athletic participation, all documentation must be submitted to the School Nurse. The School Nurse and School Physician will in turn review documentation and submit athletic rosters to coaches for each sport.
Health History Questionnaire / Parental permission form
Q: My child participates in more than one sport during the school year. Can I just include all sports on one form?
A: The State requires that the form be completed, signed and dated, within 90 days of beginning each season.
Q: My child is a freshman or transfer student and is not participating in athletics. Do I still need to complete the health history questionnaire?
A: Yes. This completed form provides the nurse with important baseline information pertinent to your child’s’ health management.
SCREENINGS
Q: What screenings are done by the Certified School Nurse?
A: The State has provided guidelines as to which screenings should target each age group. Screenings will be completed by the Certified School Nurse, unless your child has submitted physician documentation or parental exemption of the recommended screenings. Written referrals will be sent home, as warranted.
For your reference, the Certified School Nurse at Pascack Hills has provided the following screening timeline:
9th grade: Recommended screenings include blood pressure and scoliosis. Complete physicals are rendered by your private physicians. Screenings are rarely rendered by Certified School Nurse.
10th grade: If a student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure and Vision. If students deny screening(s), written exemption is required. Click here for exempt from screening.
11th grade: If a student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Hearing, and Scoliosis. If students deny screening(s), written exemption is required. Click here for exempt from screening.
12th grade: If student has not been screened by their physician, the following screenings are rendered by the Certified School Nurse: Height, Weight and Blood Pressure. If students deny screening, written exemption is required. Click here for exempt from screening.
Q: When are screenings done?
A: Screenings are usually done during PE time. Passes may be sent to students to report to the nurse’s office; usually during student lunch or elective, respectively.
Q: My child needs a vision screen for DMV.
A: Just have your child report to the Nurse’s Office for screening. Referrals will be made as warranted.
PE EXCUSE / STUDY HALL ASSIGNMENT
Q: What happens when my child cannot participate in PE?
A: Your child needs to see the School Nurse and will be assigned to a study hall.
No PE = No Athletics for that time frame.
With MD note – Students with doctor note will be excused from PE, assigned to a study hall and will not need to make up missed PE. However, if a student missed more than two weeks of PE, the student must contact PE teacher to obtain written assignment(s).
With Parental note / Nurse’s excuse – Considered unexcused and students have the ability to make up PE at teachers discretion. Student will be assigned to study hall for up to 3 days, otherwise a doctor’s note will be required.
Q: If my child is returning to PE / athletics after an extended excuse.
A: Please provide to the School Nurse medical documentation allowing your child to return to PE / athletics listing any restrictions and/or special accommodations.
WORKING PAPERS
Q: Can the School Nurse sign my child’s’ working papers?
A: The School Nurse can no longer sign the physician section of your child’s working papers.