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Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness

Rockland Central School District puts a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing.

School nurses are assigned to each building to implement the Health Services Program through teaching, counseling and administering first aid. Nurses are available to students and families for health information, advice and medical questions as well as to implement student medication schedules during the school day.  Nurse’s offices are open whenever school is in session and students are always welcome.

The district’s Wellness Committee follows the district wellness policy and works to ensure healthy alternatives are available for celebrations, using the blender bike and celebration cart, and works closely with Sullivan 180’s Empowering A Healthier Generation Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, A Single Bite and others to bring healthy activities to the district.

  • School nurses

    • Mary Davis
      Rockland Middle/High School
      845-439-1501, ext. 5123
    • Abby DeFreitas
      Rockland Elementary School
      845-439-1502, ext. 6107


    Wellness Committee

  • Children attending pre-K through 12th grade in New York state must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school. For more details, visit the New York State Department of Health School Vaccination Information webpage.

  • Rockland Central School District offers physicals to all students who may need them to play sports, for working papers or for required physicals for their grade levels (Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) Families may also submit a physical form from their doctor instead of having a physical done by the school physician. 

    Nurses also conduct state required screenings for height, weight, vision, hearing and scoliosis.

    Notifications of screening and required physicals are sent home to families in advance.

  • The school nurse is not allowed to use any medical products, such as Calamine lotion, antibacterial creams, Tylenol, etc. Medication can only be taken in school when the parent/guardian submits the following information:

    1. A note from the family doctor containing the student’s name, the date and name of the medication, dosage and time to be administered, and list of possible side effects; and
    2. A note from the parent or guardian giving the school nurse, teacher, principal or other school staff permission to administer the medication; or
    3. A medication request form (which includes the family doctor and parent signatures) must be filed with the school nurse.


    Students are not allowed to bring medication to school. This includes over-the counter medications such as aspirin, Tylenol or Claritin. If students are found to be in possession of these types of any medication, disciplinary action may result.

    Under certain circumstances health care providers may request that a student carry and self-administer their own medication via a form. This requires a specific request by the health care provider and must show that the student has been instructed in and understands the purpose and appropriate method of administration and frequency of use. 

  • If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at Child Protective Services

  • The state requires schools to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations. Every year, the New York State Department of Health will survey some schools for the number of pupils in each of six possible weight status categories. If Rockland Central School District is surveyed by the state, the district will share summary group data only, and will not share individual names or information. Parents/guardians who wish to exclude their child’s data from such group calculations must contact the nurse in their child’s school building by Oct. 1.

  • Safe Swimming Tips

    • Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other.
    • Pay extra attention to your children around water.
    • Consider your health. Medical conditions like a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.
    • Avoid water that is greater than chest deep if you can’t swim.
    • Don’t use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
    • Don’t dive into water less than eight feet deep or of unknown depth.
    • Pay attention to the weather and never swim during storms or lightning.
    • The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards

    Know the Signs of Drowning

    Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone, anywhere there is water. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are struggling to stay afloat. Reduce your risk. Learn basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Rescue breathing, first aid, and calling 911 could save a life.

    Keep Kids Safe

    Kids and teens have the greatest risk of drowning. Always keep little ones within arm’s reach, even in the shallow end. Lifeguards and life jackets don’t take the place of close adult supervision. Make sure your pool has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children.

    Stay Healthy

    Germs can spread through water. Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water, and rinsing off before and after you swim. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water. Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have open cuts or wounds. Don’t pee or poop in the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.

    When Boating

    Always follow safe boating practices and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (I-III label) life jacket. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, should never be used.

    For more information, visit the New York State Safe and Healthy Swimming page.

    Source: New York State Department of Health. (August 2025). Safe Swimming Tip Card.

    More information is also available on The American Red Cross Water Safety Page.