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Welcome McCaskey Class of 2039! All children who will be 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2026 and reside in Lancaster City or Lancaster Township are eligible to apply for kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. Families who register now are guaranteed placement in their neighborhood school! APPLY NOW!
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Health Services

Because kids who feel well learn better

The School District of Lancaster provides health services to address health-related barriers to learning and support a healthy student population. 

The district provides certified school nurses and health room nurses in each of its schools to handle illnesses and injuries that may occur during the school day. These nurses also coordinate mandated health programs and serve as resources for classroom teachers and others on health-related issues.

You can fax documents to any of our nurses at 717-291-6185.

School nurses may, at their discretion, administer first aid or over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, to students with parent permission.

In the event of a serious medical issue, parents are notified immediately. Please ensure emergency contact information and phone numbers up to date.

Health Screenings

The Pennsylvania Department of School Health mandates health screenings for all public and private school students at specific grade levels. These screenings ensure that potential health issues are identified early and addressed appropriately. The required screenings include:

Screening Type

Grade Levels
Vision Pre-K through 12
Height Pre-K through 12
Weight Pre-K through 12
Hearing Pre-K through3, 7, and 11
Scoliosis Grade 6 and 7
Dental Screening Grades 1, 3 and 7

 

Follow-Up:
If a student does not pass one or more screenings, parents or guardians will receive a referral from the school district to follow up with a healthcare provider. This process ensures that any identified issues are properly evaluated and managed by medical professionals.

You can fax documents to any of our nurses at 717-291-6185.

Illnesses at School

Our primary goal is to protect the health of students, families, faculty and staff. Here are ways you can help minimize the spread of illness in your child’s school:

  • Teach your child about good hand washing and cough hygiene practices.
  • Tell the school nurse if your child has a medical condition that could make them more susceptible to becoming ill.
  • Plan for how your child will be cared for if they need to remain home from school due to illness. Students with the following symptoms should remain home or may be sent home from school:
    1. An oral temperature of 100 degrees  Fahrenheit. Note: The child’s temperature must remain below 100 degrees for 24 hours without benefit of use of fever reducing medications before they can return to school.
    2. Vomiting: should be free of symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.
    3. Diarrhea: should be free of symptom for 24 hours before returning to school.

Required Examinations

The Pennsylvania School Health Act requires students to have certain health examinations by a medical provider before entering certain grades.

Physical Examinations

The School District of Lancaster will provide a free physical examination if the parent/guardian signs a permission form and Health History form and returns it to the school nurse.

Additionally, free athletic physicals are offered to student-athletes before each sports season.

PHYSICAL EXAM FORM – ENGLISH

PHYSICAL EXAM FORM – SPANISH

You can fax documents to any of our nurses at 717-291-6185.

Dental Examinations

Pennsylvania requires all students to have a dental examination when entering school in kindergarten or grade 1,  grade 3, and grade 7.  This exam should be done by a private dentist.

The School District of Lancaster has a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner who provides dental screenings and education for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and seventh grade.

If, after screening your child, the Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner has concerns and feels your child may need additional care, a referral will be sent home.

Union Community Care School-Based Health Centers

SDoL students, staff and their families can receive primary care at any of Union Community Care’s four school-based health centers.

Services include same-day visits for illnesses and minor injuries, well-child visits, physicals, health screenings, medication management, chronic disease care, vaccines, women’s and reproductive health care, and connections to dental, behavioral health and other services.

Union Community Care welcomes patients with or without insurance. A Sliding Fee Discount Program is available based on household income and size, and no one will be turned away because they are unable to pay.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 717-299-6371. Select option 2 for medical care and then option 7 for school-based health centers. Please bring copies of the patient’s vaccine record and insurance card, if available.

School-Based Health Center Locations

Carter & MacRae Elementary School
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
251 S. Prince St.
Lancaster, PA 17603

George Washington Elementary School
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
545 S. Ann St.
Lancaster, PA 17602

J.P. McCaskey High School
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
445 N. Reservoir St.
Lancaster, PA 17602

Reynolds Middle School
Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
605 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA 17603

Learn More

Contact a School Nurse

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