Jan 16th, 2026 - Fact Sheet about Noroviruses - click here

Jan 9th, 2026 - Flu Guide for Parents - click here

SBIRT

Feb 23, 2026

Dear Parent/Guardian of 6th and 9th grade students,

Starting in March our counseling staff will begin an 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 and 9th grade will take part in this health screening. Sessions will be brief

and are conducted in private by our SBIRT trained staff. All sessions are confidential. Students

will be asked about substance exposure or use 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 not to 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.

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.

 https://drugfree.org/

 https://helplinema.org/for-parents/

Kathleen Dupuis, BSN, RN, NCSN, Nurse Leader kdupuis@sics.org

Click here to view The CRAFFT+N Interview: SBIRT in Schools

Immunization

School immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates. The link below outlines the required vaccines for childcare/preschool, grades K-6, grades 7-12, and college. Throughout the school year, members of the SICS nursing team contact parents to confirm their child’s vaccine history. Parents in our community have voiced concern that some local pediatric offices have closed, and they are having difficulty finding a new pediatric practice. There are resources in the community that can help parents complete their child’s school immunization requirements. Currently, many Big Y and CVS locations provide a variety of pediatric vaccines. They report that most insurances are accepted. Call your local store to gather more information on their services.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-1/download

School Allergy Awareness

Springfield International Charter School is committed to providing a safe and healthy

school environment for all students. Food allergies can be life threatening for both

individuals with known allergies and those having an allergic reaction for the first time.

SICS does not allow homemade food to be brought into school during the regular

school hours. If your child has any allergy concern, please contact your school nurse.