The goal of Newport News Public Schools’ Health Services Department is to provide a healthy school environment to foster greater academic achievement and healthier lives for students and staff.
Immunizations & Health Requirements
Virginia state law requires proper documentation and specific immunizations for school entry. Also, 7th graders must have a documented Tdap shot in order to receive their class schedules in the Fall. No pupil shall be admitted by a school in the Commonwealth unless at the time of admission the student or his parent or legal guardian submits documentary proof of immunization to the admitting official of the school. (Section 22.1-271.2 of the Code of Virginia)
The law also requires that students, PK-grade 5, have proof of a comprehensive physical exam. No student will be admitted for the first time to any elementary school (pre-K through grade 5) in the division unless the student furnishes, prior to admission, a report from a qualified licensed physician of a comprehensive physical examination performed no earlier than twelve months prior to the date such student first entered such elementary school. Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-270)
Taking Medication at School
Learn about the NNPS policy that must be followed if your child is to be given medication at school. Read more about medication at school.
Returning to School After Illness
Before returning to school after an illness, students must be fever free for 24 hours without medication. Learn what to do following other common illnesses.
Emergency Data
Every year we have children with high fevers or injuries which require us to contact the parent. Please make sure that parental and other emergency contact information is up-to-date in ParentVue. In the event of a medical emergency, the Newport News Rescue Squad may be called to transport your child to the hospital. If possible, we will notify you before sending your child to a hospital. If not possible, we will notify you as soon as possible thereafter. In most cases, parents are responsible for all costs incurred.
Health Screenings
The NNPS health services program provides the following health screening for students:
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Vision and hearing: Preschool, Kindergarten, and new students, if there is no documentation. Screenings are required for students in grades 3, 7 and 10.
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Dental: Kindergarten, if there is no documentation on physical, and grades 3, 7 and 10. Schools may partner with public and private dental programs. Information and permission forms would be distributed by the school.
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Height and weight: Grades 3 and 7; 10.
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Blood pressures: Grades 5, 7, and 10.
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Scoliosis: Scoliosis screening is available if requested by parents of students in grades 5 - 10.
If parents do not wish their child to participate in any part of the health screening programs, they must send a written request to the principal of the child's school.
