FROM THE PHSSA CLINIC
-WELCOME- Happy new school year everyone! I would like to welcome all of the students and families to Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts! My name is Ta’Meia Farina, and I am the school nurse. Some of you know me already, and some of you know me as a Patrick Henry parent as well. I look forward to meeting all of you. I’m especially excited about playing a positive role in your student’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We all know how important our health is when it comes to learning, and my goal is to make sure each student is able to reach their optimum health potential while at school. Though I will be working more closely with students and families with medical conditions, I want you to know that I am available as a resource for anyone with health questions and concerns.
-NEW IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIREMENTS- As of July 1st 2021, VDH (Virginia Department of Health) has updated mandated vaccines that are required for school entry of all students. Our rising kindergartener for school entry needs these vaccines as required: DTap,DTP, or Tdap- a minimum of 4 properly spaced doses; Hepatitis B Vaccine- a complete series of 3 properly spaced doses hepatitis vaccine are required for all children; Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) vaccine- minimum of measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella vaccine ( Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR); Heamophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine- primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on manufacturer); Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine- one to four doses, dependent on age at first dose; Rotavirus vaccine- Effective July 1st, 2021, 2 or 3 doses of rotavirus; Polio (IPV)- a minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine; Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine- minimum of two doses prior to school entry; Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine- Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of of 2 doses Hepatitis A vaccine. The list that has been updated July 1, 2021 can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization. If there are any questions or concerns I can be reached at 1-804-888-7061 ext. 102.
-FORMS- If your child has a medical condition (asthma, severe allergies, seizures, etc.), please make sure that your child’s teacher and I are both aware so that we can provide the best care. There may be further paperwork that needs to be completed, depending on the situation. Forms and policies about medication, etc. are available here.
-PEANUTS- As we did last year, we are asking the entire school community to show consideration to the students and families that deal with a peanut allergy specifically. One way is to avoid bringing peanut products to school. I know that this will require some sacrifice on your part, but it’s a great way to teach our children empathy and compassion, as they are in such close proximity with multiple children for whom this is a major concern. There is also a peanut-free table available in the cafeteria for those students and families that need that extra assurance during meal times.
-HELP- As I play a role in our educational system, I hope to do more teaching in the classrooms regarding health issues and healthy practices that affect our children. Exploring and discussing preventative measures is a big part of healthy lifestyle education. If any of you are in the healthcare field or have a skill or expertise that we can benefit from, I would love your assistance in broadening this aspect of our wellness program. Please see me about how we can collaborate! Any used uniforms you don’t need can be dropped off for use in the clinic, as well as any donations of Dixie cups, new children’s underwear and socks.
-COMMUNICATE- Please, please, please make sure your contact information is current, and try to keep new phone numbers updated in the office. This is very important in caring for your students! I will try to keep the website Health tab updated to communicate as needed. As always, please do not hesitate to email, call or visit. My door is always open!
Ta’Meia Farina, LPN tfarina@rvaschools.net
804-888-7061 Ext.102 patrickhenrycharter.org
-WELCOME- Happy new school year everyone! I would like to welcome all of the students and families to Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts! My name is Ta’Meia Farina, and I am the school nurse. Some of you know me already, and some of you know me as a Patrick Henry parent as well. I look forward to meeting all of you. I’m especially excited about playing a positive role in your student’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We all know how important our health is when it comes to learning, and my goal is to make sure each student is able to reach their optimum health potential while at school. Though I will be working more closely with students and families with medical conditions, I want you to know that I am available as a resource for anyone with health questions and concerns.
-NEW IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIREMENTS- As of July 1st 2021, VDH (Virginia Department of Health) has updated mandated vaccines that are required for school entry of all students. Our rising kindergartener for school entry needs these vaccines as required: DTap,DTP, or Tdap- a minimum of 4 properly spaced doses; Hepatitis B Vaccine- a complete series of 3 properly spaced doses hepatitis vaccine are required for all children; Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) vaccine- minimum of measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella vaccine ( Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR); Heamophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine- primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on manufacturer); Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine- one to four doses, dependent on age at first dose; Rotavirus vaccine- Effective July 1st, 2021, 2 or 3 doses of rotavirus; Polio (IPV)- a minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine; Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine- minimum of two doses prior to school entry; Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine- Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of of 2 doses Hepatitis A vaccine. The list that has been updated July 1, 2021 can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization. If there are any questions or concerns I can be reached at 1-804-888-7061 ext. 102.
-FORMS- If your child has a medical condition (asthma, severe allergies, seizures, etc.), please make sure that your child’s teacher and I are both aware so that we can provide the best care. There may be further paperwork that needs to be completed, depending on the situation. Forms and policies about medication, etc. are available here.
-PEANUTS- As we did last year, we are asking the entire school community to show consideration to the students and families that deal with a peanut allergy specifically. One way is to avoid bringing peanut products to school. I know that this will require some sacrifice on your part, but it’s a great way to teach our children empathy and compassion, as they are in such close proximity with multiple children for whom this is a major concern. There is also a peanut-free table available in the cafeteria for those students and families that need that extra assurance during meal times.
-HELP- As I play a role in our educational system, I hope to do more teaching in the classrooms regarding health issues and healthy practices that affect our children. Exploring and discussing preventative measures is a big part of healthy lifestyle education. If any of you are in the healthcare field or have a skill or expertise that we can benefit from, I would love your assistance in broadening this aspect of our wellness program. Please see me about how we can collaborate! Any used uniforms you don’t need can be dropped off for use in the clinic, as well as any donations of Dixie cups, new children’s underwear and socks.
-COMMUNICATE- Please, please, please make sure your contact information is current, and try to keep new phone numbers updated in the office. This is very important in caring for your students! I will try to keep the website Health tab updated to communicate as needed. As always, please do not hesitate to email, call or visit. My door is always open!
Ta’Meia Farina, LPN tfarina@rvaschools.net
804-888-7061 Ext.102 patrickhenrycharter.org