The registered nurses of Queensbury Union Free School District believe that a healthy child in a safe and healthy environment is the best learner. The Health Department supports student success and helps them reach their maximum health potential in the school setting by providing:
- Timely and accurate nursing assessment for students and staff;
- Intervention that is appropriate; and
- Evaluation and referral for students and colleagues.
The Health Department also contributes to a healthy school environment through:
- Infection control;
- Accident prevention;
- Health promotion/education; and
- Collaboration with school and community resources.
Immunization requirements
The New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department provide immunization requirements for children entering/enrolled in public school.
Parents should consult with their child’s physician regarding their child’s immunization schedule. Immunizations must be completed by the first day of school in September or your child will be excluded from school. Documented proof of immunizations should be sent to the nurse’s office as soon as possible. Parental recall is not acceptable. For more information on immunization requirements, please contact the nurse at your child’s school.
Health screenings at school
The Health Department performs school-based health screenings that are mandated by New York state.
These screenings include:
- Vision;
- Hearing;
- Scoliosis;
- Health appraisals; and
- Dental certificates.
School nurses will send a letter to a student’s home if there are any findings on the screening done at school that would cause concern or need medical follow-up. Please call your child’s school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
Medications at school
If your child needs to take medicine during the school day, individuals need to submit the parent and prescriber’s authorization form for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. New medication permission forms are required for each new school year.
New York state requires school districts to comply with the following guidelines regarding medications at school:
- Parents or guardians must personally deliver all medication to the school health office unless a self-carry order form is signed by parent and physician.
- All controlled medications must be brought by an adult.
- All medication must remain in properly labeled pharmacy containers or original over-the-counter containers. If you are dividing up a single prescription for use at home and at school, please ask your pharmacist to provide a second, identically labeled container for any medications your student will take while at school.
- A new prescription/medication form signed by the medical provider is required at the beginning of every school year.
- The parent must sign the medication permission form.
Virtual Calm Room
This virtual Calm Room is to give students, staff, and QUFSD community members a place for tools and strategies to manage emotions or simply, take a break. Take a breath and remember you are not alone.
Behavioral Health Center at Northern Rivers
The Behavioral Health Center works with students and their families as well as educators, administrators, counselors, psychologists and social workers to assess behavioral health challenges and to develop a treatment plan. That plan may involve any number of appropriate interventions such as individual and family therapy, community resource connections or psychiatric and medication services. The result is less student learning time lost to dealing with behavior issues.
Contact information
Robyn Scotland
Director of Student Support Services
(518) 824-5694
Email: rscotland@
Frequently asked questions
Who can receive services?
Any student who attends school in Queensbury Union Free School District may be able eligible to use the Behavioral Health Center.
What services are available?
- Individual counseling
- Family counseling for identified students
- Behavioral support in school and at home
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
Who pays for those services?
The cost of services for individual students and their families is typically covered by a family’s insurance provider or by Medicaid. Those with no health insurance may pay for the services on a sliding scale based on family income.
How can parents secure services for their child?
A school staff member such as a principal, guidance counselor or social worker must submit a referral form in order for a student to be considered for the Behavioral Health Center. Contact your child’s principal or guidance counselor to learn more.
Where is the center located?
The Behavioral Health Center is an outpatient clinic located within Queensbury Elementary School, in the same hallway as the Student Support Services office. Student assessments and interventions take place on the Queensbury schools campus, but some students’ individualized plans may include a home visit. The center is open when school is in session. Appointments can be made year-round.
Social Emotional Learning
Parent Workshops are a great way to engage parents and families through presentations about many different topics that relate to school, learning and overall wellness. Our offerings this year include a variety of topics ranging from technology support to social emotional learning and nutrition, to how best to support learning at home.
Grief Resources
There are tons of resources online to help families process grief. Visit these links for assistance from the National Association of School Psychologists.
School safety
Maintaining safe schools is one of the primary responsibilities of the Queensbury Union Free School District.
The district maintains a school safety plan and confidential building-level safety plans, in accordance with New York state’s Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (S.A.V.E.) Law. A district safety team annually reviews the district-level safety plan and school safety teams annually review the confidential school-level safety plans. All updates are approved by the Queensbury Board of Education prior to submission to the New York State Education Department and local and state police agencies.
Pandemic plan
This plan has been developed in accordance with the amended New York State Labor Law Section 27-c pursuant to the procedures set forth in Education Law Section 2801-a.