Walther Family Handbook

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Walther Lutheran High School Family Handbook

Health Policies

HEALTH RECORDS: Before a student begins classes at WLHS as a Freshman, the parent(s) or guardian(s) must provide a record of a physical examination which has been issued after the close of the previous school year. This report must include an up-to-date immunization record. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT FULFILL STATE AND SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTH RECORDS WILL BE WITHHELD FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THEY ARE IN COMPLIANCE.

Transfer students must provide a copy of a current medical form as part of the transfer process.

Student health records should also include any special conditions such as diabetes, allergies, etc., which may affect the student's participation in school activities. Parents are requested to update the student health records when any changes in the student's condition occur.

Any medically related condition which would exempt a student from participating in Physical Education classes must be excused in written form by a physician. Refer to “MEDICAL EXCUSES” under the “ATTENDANCE POLICIES” section of this handbook for further information.

ILLNESS: If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she should request a pass to the Student Service Office. If it is necessary to send the student home, the office personnel will contact a parent or other responsible party designated by the parent. For this reason, it is important each year for parents to update the emergency notification information in the office. A "Student Emergency Information" sheet is sent to each family over the summer. This form must be on file in the office for a student to be in attendance in school.

MEDICATION: School personnel are not authorized to dispense or administer any form of medication, including Over The Counter (OTC) medication. Parents are requested to inform the Student Service Office in writing if their child is taking any type of prescription or OTC medication during school hours. The medication should be given to the Student Services Clerk in the original container along with completed “Physician Request For Self-Administration of Medication” and a “Parental Authorization” forms. The student should report to the Student Service Office at the appropriate times to take the self administered medication.

INJURIES: If a student is injured in any class or school-sponsored activity, the student should report the injury to the supervising teacher so that an accident report can be completed. The parent or other responsible party designated by the parent will be notified as soon as possible. If the situation warrants, the student will be taken by a school staff member or by paramedics to the emergency room of Westlake Community Hospital, two blocks west of Walther. The staff member will remain with the student until the parent or other responsible party has been contacted and arrives at the hospital. Hospital personnel will not treat the student unless they have parental permission or the situation is life-threatening.

The Emergency Room can be contacted at:
Westlake Community Hospital
(708) 681-3000

INSURANCE CLAIM: In case of a school-related injury which requires a doctor visit or hospitalization, a parent’s personal health insurance bears the first responsibility. Should a parent need to access the supplemental insurance provided by Walther, the parent must request an insurance form from the school; a portion of which will be completed by the office staff. It is then the responsibility of the parent to have the doctor or hospital complete this form and send it to the insurance company for payment.

PREGNANCY: The administration of Walther Lutheran High School, with the approval of the Board of Directors, believes that both Law and Gospel must be demonstrated in a policy related to pregnancy. In recognition of the fact that God's Law shows us our sin while also demonstrating God's grace which establishes our forgiveness through Christ, these procedures will be followed:

1. When it is confirmed that a student is pregnant or is responsible for pregnancy, that student, in cooperation with the student's parents and pastor, will meet with the school counselor and/or the administration. The primary purpose of the meeting will be to provide Christian counsel for the student(s) in making a God-pleasing decision for the immediate future.

2. In consideration for the student(s) and the entire student body, the involved student(s) will be suspended from on-campus class attendance and extra-curricular activities at the end of the second trimester of the pregnancy. Tuition will continue to be paid and the administration and staff will continue to provide assistance at the request of the student and/or parents so as to minimize the disruption in the student's educational program. Homebound tutoring may be provided under Walther's supervision.

3. While still in attendance on-campus, the pregnant student must obtain the physician's permission to participate in regular physical education classes.

4. After the birth takes place, readmittance to on-campus classes and extra-curricular activities is subject to approval of the Board of Directors with counsel from the administration.

5. The administration reserves the right to weigh each case according to individual circumstances.

6. No person shall willfully withhold information concerning a student pregnancy.

ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS): Jesus Christ has been called the Great Healer and we know from the Bible that He was concerned for the health of those around Him. As Christians, we understand the responsibility we have to care for the bodies that we have been given. We know that illness is a fact of life. The treatment of disease has advanced far beyond what anyone could have imagined in the time of Jesus. Still as Christians, we believe that healing occurs best when we are put right with God. Recognizing that disease affects the lives of not only those who are afflicted, but also those around them, it is necessary for us to have policies which direct our approach to highly communicable diseases.

The parent/guardian of any student, or any student enrolled at Walther Lutheran High School who has AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or has tested positive on a reliable test for the HIV virus must inform the principal. Failure to do so may result in the student's dismissal.

Any employee who is aware of a student who meets the above named criteria shall report this information to the principal immediately. Failure to do so may result in the employee's dismissal.

The Principal will then inform the Board President that a case has been reported. The identity of the student will be disclosed only to the student's classroom teachers, if the Principal deems it necessary.

The Principal and teachers shall not disclose further information provided to them. The Principal may announce that a student infected with AIDS or ARC is in attendance at WLHS as long as the student's identity is not revealed.

The student shall be allowed to attend classes as long as there is no communicable threat to the rest of the school. This determination must be made in consultation with the individual's personal physician.

Page Updated: 04/29/02