April 26, 2024 | DOWNLOAD |
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Dear Parent/Guardian of 6th grade students,
Starting in May, our counseling staff will begin a MDPH (Massachusetts Department of Public Health) mandated screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. The goal of the screening is to reinforce healthy choices and provide resources for education. Teenagers have consistently reported that substance abuse is a topic of utmost concern.
Students in 6th grade will take part in this health screening. Sessions will be kept brief and are conducted in private by our SBIRT trained staff. All sessions are confidential. Students will be asked about substance exposure or abuse over the past year. The students will have their safe choices reinforced by the screener. Staff will alert the students that they are available to provide substance use education and discuss healthy decisions. This program focuses on harm prevention and does not generate disciplinary action.
Non-identifying screening results are recorded for data purposes and are shared with MDPH. The results are only shared with other staff or parents in the case of immediate medical emergency or when required by state law.
As with any school health screening, you can opt your child out of this process. Students may also choose to not answer any or all the screening questions. If you do not want your child to participate in this screening contact Kathleen Dupuis, RN @ kdupuis@sics.org. A copy of the CRAFFT-N form that will be used during the interview will be posted shortly under the Health News section on our SICS website.
SICS has identified the risk of substance abuse as a priority for education and support with our students and families. Parents and guardians can help their children make healthy choices. One important way to prevent alcohol and drug use is to talk with your children and model safe behavior at home.
Kathleen Dupuis
BSN, RN, NCSN, Nurse Leader
160 Joan Street, Springfield MA 01129 Tel: 413-783-2600 Fax: 413-783-2555 www.sics.org
Springfield International Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, sexual orientation, homelessness, or gender identity.
April 11, 2023
November 3, 2023
Springfield International Charter School is committed to providing a healthy school environment for all students. Food allergies can be an emergency for both individuals with known allergies and those having an allergic reaction for the first time. According to FARE ( Food Allergy Research and Education), 1 in 13 students have a food allergy. For any school food sales or class celebrations, we allow only store-bought foods. The ingredient label needs to be legible, noting possible allergens or cross contamination. We ask that parents alert the teacher a few days ahead of time if you plan to bring in food. Please consider portion control when making food choices. Food-free celebratory items are strongly recommended and are readily
Food Allergies:
Food allergies can be an emergency for both individuals with known allergies and those having an allergic reaction for the first time. As always, our goal is to keep our students as safe as possible during the school day.
Being an “Allergy Aware” school, we have safeguards in place to promote food allergy awareness but continue to regularly update our plan. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping all our students safe and happy.
Health Screenings:
Illness Procedures
Please keep your child home from school for the following illnesses/symptoms: