The Pleasant Valley School Board members approved changes to two policies. The first is Policy 201, which concerns the admission of students. The second is Policy 209 regarding health examinations and screenings.

Dr. Charlene Brennan, acting superintendent, announced each policy, and asked if there were any comments, The school board members didn’t have any questions or comments. The policy changes were approved unanimously.

Under Policy 201, children wanting to enter first grade must be 6 years old by the first day of school. This is in accordance with the state law and regulations. Similarly, children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by Sept. 1.

If a child transfers into the school district and wants to be placed in the first grade, but did not turn 6 years old by the first day of the school, then the child has to have attended at least 90 days of school in a certified first-grade program. The school where the child attended has to provide a written recommendation to the school district, along with the child’s academic records.

The school district’s elementary school principal will review the documentation, consult with staff members, and decide whether or not to admit the child into the first grade.

Each request is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The second policy to pass concerns Policy 209 Health Examinations and Screenings. The policy states that the school nurse or medical technician will administer vision and hearing tests, height and weight measurements and other tests determined to be advisable. Upon original entry into the school and in ninth grade, each student will be tested for tuberculosis.

Parents and guardians will receive a written notice letting them know they can attend the dental and physical examinations. The letter will also encourage them to take their children to their own family physician and dentist at their own expense.

If the parent or guardian says he or she is financially unable to afford the medical exam, then the school will provide public assistance information.

If the family chooses to have the screenings done by their family physician, then proof of the exam has to be turned in to the school by April 30 of that current academic year. If proof is not supplied, the student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.

If a family objects to the medical exam based on religious beliefs, then this will be accepted by the school district unless the Secretary of Health determines that “facts exist indicating the student would present a substantial menace to the health of others in contact with the student if the student is not examined.”

In other health matters, if the school health officials determine that the student is not growing normally or needs dental care, then the parent or guardian will receive written notification to take the child to their private doctor or dentist. The parent or guardian is required to provide to the school a report proving that the child was taken to the doctor or dentist.

If the parent or guardian doesn’t provide proof that the child was taken to the doctor or dentist, then the school may arrange for a special medical examination if the health issue continues.

If the parent or guardian objects to the examination, the school district may report the issue to the Pennsylvania Department of Health or other appropriate authority. If child abuse is suspected, then a school employee will make a report in accordance with state law and Board policy.

The policy also states that the school keeps all health records confidential. In the case of an emergency, health information may be provided to the appropriate person for the sake of the health and safety of the student.