Supporting the Whole Girl

Flintridge Sacred Heart promotes the holistic health and wellness of the school community with our Health & Wellness Center and the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services.

Counseling & Psychological Services

We recognize the personal and academic challenges that are common during the high school years and are here to offer additional support through individual as well as group counseling sessions for our students provided by a licensed mental health professional.

Flintridge Sacred Heart students

Additionally, we offer counseling information sessions for parents at various times throughout the school year, student assemblies and classroom presentations dedicated to topics relevant to students’ social and emotional health as well as clinical consultation with teachers and parents as needed.

Making Social-Emotional Wellness a Priority

 
Through our department we offer a variety of opportunities for students to focus on their mental well-being.  From stress relief activities during finals week (that included puppies to pet) to our annual Mental Health Awareness Week, we provide activities, speakers, assemblies, and more emphasizing the importance social-emotional wellness for all of us. 

We brought puppies to campus to help students during the stressful week of finals!
 
In addition, opt-in “Mindful Moments” are provided to students by grade level.  These small group sessions are designed to teach students how to handle their stress and other emotional challenges through mindfulness techniques.  These sessions focus on self-awareness and self-regulation to empower students with skills for facing the obstacles that come their way throughout high school and beyond.

Health & Wellness Center

Our Health and Wellness Center is located in a central location on campus to follow isolation protocols and mitigate the risk of contagion. The Center is complete with an isolation room, proper ventilation, and a full bathroom to allow for containment and frequent hand washing.

Nurse Kathy Larson, R.N., an infectious disease specialist, developed our Health and Wellness Center

In addition to the new Health and Wellness Center, our on-site school nurse responds to all COVID-19 concerns, and is trained to coordinate the documentation and tracking of possible exposure. Changing guidance from CDC and local governance will be closely monitored and policies will be updated as changes occur.

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

  • Allergies

    Allergies and Asthma
    The school recognizes the importance of developing a cooperative plan of care for students with allergies and asthma, as allergic and asthmatic reactions can occur rapidly. If a student has asthma or a potentially life-threatening allergy to bee stings or to foods (such as nuts), it is vital that the parents supply the School Nurse, in advance, with the appropriate medications and instructions from the doctor.

    Prior to departure on any school-sponsored trip, request to can be made with the School Nurse to have a student’s required medication (such as asthma inhalers, EpiPens®) available during the trip.

    Peanut and Tree Nut Allergies
    Flintridge Sacred Heart  is a “nut-aware” campus—not a “nut-free” campus. Prior to the first day of school, Nurse Kathy may schedule a meeting with the student with a severe food allergy, such as peanut and/or tree nut. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information to develop a plan and to acquaint student with the school’s policies and procedures regarding severe food allergies.

    Teachers who have close daily contact with the student will receive training in prevention, recognition, and management of exposure to foods that may cause a life-threatening reaction.

    Food allergies of which the Health Office has been made aware are noted 

    Prescription Medication Policy and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
    If the student has any type of allergy that could require an epinephrine auto-injector, complete the Prescription Medication Authorization Form and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan. Also, add the name of medication to the section "Medications," in the Vital Health Record. For referral, please view the Prescription Medication Policy: Prescription Medication Policy

    Field Trips

    The Health Office provides a First Aid backpack to the teacher when students attend any school-sponsored trip. A copy of each student’s health and emergency contact information is enclosed in a sealed envelope and placed inside the First Aid backpack in the event of an emergency.

    Prior to departure on any school-sponsored trip, arrangements can be made with the Health Office to have a student’s required medication (such as asthma inhalers, EpiPens®) available during the trip.

    More Information:
    Patients Information - Allergy & Asthma Network
    Meal Accommodations
    How to use the EpiPen® Auto-Injector
    How to use the Auvi Q 
  • Air Quality: Decisions regarding air quality and excessively hot days

    The procedure for making such decisions at Flintridge Sacred Heart is as follows:
     
    The Athletic Director, Stephanie Contreras and Athletic Trainer, Kelly Borrego and School Nurse will check the air quality based on AQMD estimates, hourly readings for area 8 and hourly weather reports, and other sources. The Athletic Trainer makes the final decisions for their constituencies.
     
    On days when there are morning or afternoon athletic practices scheduled and the air quality or temperature is in question, the athletic director sets a time in advance of each practice when he will decide if practice is on or off; this information will then be communicated to students and posted on the website. Individual coaches do not make the decision for their respective teams. 
     
    Decisions about physical education classes are made by the athletic director and the school director with consideration given to indoor alternatives.
     
    Each school director will make the decision for his or her division regarding lunch, recess times, and other division specific events, based on information from the director of health services, the age of the students in their care, and the nature of the outside activity.

    Outdoor activities will be governed by AQI levels using the tables below. 


    During fires, AQI may not reflect the latest smoke conditions. When air is smoky or ash is visible, avoid or limit outdoor activities. Smoke contains particulates (particle pollution in the air) and chemicals that are harmful to breathing and respiratory health.



    *Watch for Symptoms 

    Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger attacks. Symptoms of asthma include:
    • coughing 
    • wheezing 
    • shortness of breath 
    • difficulty breathing
    • chest tightness  
    Even students who do not have asthma could experience these symptoms.

    If symptoms occur, the student should: 
    • take a break 
    • do a less intense activity, 
    • may need to stop all activity
    • go indoors 
    • use a rescue inhaler as prescribed
    • If symptoms do not improve, call the School Nurse.
    Additional resources from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools are available here.
  • Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) 

    There are five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on campus 
    • High School Front Office behind Denise Bilotta
    • SAC outside of Athletic Training room
    • Administration Building across from Tracey Romine
    • Administration Building: Green Room
    • Health Office
    The school’s faculty and staff are trained by Kelly Borrego, AT in CPR and as AED responders through the American Heart Association.
  • Concussion

    California’s Education Code 49475 requires school coaches and athletic trainers to immediately remove from activity any student athlete who is suspected of having a concussion. A student may return to activity only after a medical professional trained in concussion diagnosis and management has given the okay.

    California’s Concussion Safety Law —Assembly Bill 2127 mandates licensed health care providers to guide athletes through a graduated return to play (RTP) protocol before athletes can return to their respective sports.

    If a student receives a head injury at school or during a practice or game, the school’s athletic trainer, Kelly Borrego or School Nurse, Nurse Kathy,  evaluates the student for signs and symptoms of a concussion. Most head injuries are caused from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. A head injury always requires close monitoring by a responsible adult, and needs to be evaluated by an appropriate health care professional, such as a pediatrician, within 48 hours of return to school. A healthcare professional, trained in the evaluation and management of concussions, has a number of methods in which to assess the severity of a concussion.

    In order to ensure the most rapid recovery, a concussed student needs to get plenty of rest (both physical and mental), stay hydrated, and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Concussion recovery is different for every student. Parents should consider keeping their student home from school for at least one day to promote mental rest. The student’s brain may not be able to operate at its highest capacity in terms of processing speed, memory formation, and memory recall. The cognitive overload can potentially slow recovery.

    A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of the child having long-term problems.

    The parent/guardian is instructed to provide the Athletic Trainer, Kelly Borrego with written medical clearance from the appropriate health care provider. Medical clearance is for return-to-school only and NOT for return-to-play. Written documentation or instructions from a local emergency room or urgent care facility does not substitute for written medical clearance by their pediatrician or health care provider. At any point should the student need modifications to the school day, we ask that the pediatrician or health care provider complete and return the Concussion Form to the Athletic Trainer. The Athletic Trainer and if necessary, earning resources specialist then notifies the teachers and coaches of these modifications to the school day.

    The parent/guardian is instructed to provide the Athletic Trainer with final medical clearance from the pediatrician or health care provider when the student is ready to participate in full academic and athletic activities.

    More Important Information:
    Parent - Head Injury Notification
    Concussion Form
    California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) 
    CIF Concussion Return to Learn (RTL) Protocol
    CIF Concussion Return to Play (RTP) Protocol
  • COVID-19

    GUIDING PRINCIPLES - HEALTH AND SAFETY
    • Keeping the virus from coming onto campus.
    • Decreasing the transmission of the virus on campus.
    • Making sure we can test, trace, and isolate.
    Learn more about staying safe and healthy at cdc.gov/covid19.
    For COVID-19 FAQs go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
     
    Following are the COVID-19 protocols that we will observe in the event a student tests positive or are identified as a "close contact." Please read them carefully and reach out if you have any questions.

    COVID-19 INFECTION

    If your daughter tests positive for COVID-19, you suspect your daughter  has COVID-19 because of symptoms and/or and contact with others with COVID-19, or a healthcare provider thinks your daughter has COVID-19, you must notify Nurse Kathy at klarson@fsha.org  as well as any close contacts and follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Isolation Order.  Flintridge Sacred Heart will continue to follow the 10 day Isolation format.  The isolation period begins the day symptoms start or the date of a positive diagnostic test, if asymptomatic. 

    Your daughter  may return to school on Day 11 if:
    • At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first started and
    • They have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and
    • Their symptoms are significantly improved and resolving/resolved (no test needed)
    • Note: Day 0 is their first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after their symptoms developed.
    • Physicians’ Clearance Form to be completed and sent to Nurse Kathy. If your daughter is an athlete, this form will be required prior to return to practice or a game. Thank you.

    CLOSE CONTACT WITH A PERSON WHO HAS COVID-19 

    If your daughter is identified as a close contact with a person with COVID-19:   
    • STUDENTS WHO ARE “UP TO DATE” ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS (either vaccinated and boosted OR vaccinated but not yet eligible for a booster) DO NOT need to quarantine if they: 
      • Show no signs of symptoms at any point after exposure and
      • Wear a medical grade well-fitted mask or KN95 mask or a N95 respirator 10 full days after exposure indoors and outdoors and
      • Continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure and
      • Have a negative PCR test collected on Day 5 or later
    • STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT “UP TO DATE” ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS (either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated without a booster and eligible for a booster; students 12 years and older are eligible for boosters 5 months from their 2nd Pfizer vaccine) must stay at home and follow the LACDPH Quarantine guidelines
      • You can end quarantine on Day 6 or later if 5 full days have passed since exposure, you have been asymptomatic at all times.
      • You have a negative PCR test that was collected on Day 5 or later
      • The student must wear a surgical medical grade well-fitted mask or KN95  or N95 mask until Day 11, indoors and outdoors.
      • If you do not test, you can end the quarantine on Day 11 as long as 10 full days have passed since exposure, and you have been asymptomatic at all times.
    Anyone who develops symptoms must isolate immediately, test, and report results to Nurse Kathy klarson@fsha.org  

    Note: Day 0 is the day of your last contact (exposure) with the infected person. Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure.

    SURVEILLANCE TESTING AFTER COVID-19

    With a verified positive COVID-19 PCR test, your daughter will be exempt from surveillance testing for 90 days from the date of a positive test.

    PCR tests are so sensitive that they can show a positive test result for a number of months, long after you’ve stopped being contagious.

    Testing, if necessary, will resume after the 90 day period, sooner if the student is symptomatic.



    Stop the Spread
    Much is still unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. We believe it spreads mostly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes.

    You can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 by following simple daily precautions:
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Avoid close contact.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes.
    • Clean and disinfect.
    • Monitor your health
    • Learn how to protect yourself from COVID-19
    Handwashing
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together for 30 seconds and until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    Physical Distancing
    • Social distancing, also called physical distancing, means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.
    • Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
    • Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
    • To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) from other people.
    Cloth Face Covering
    Your cloth face covering should:
    • Reach above the nose, below the chin, and completely cover the mouth and nostrils;
    • Fit snugly against the sides of the face;
    • Be made of three layers of fabric that you can still breathe through; and
    • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damaging the material or shape. Try creating a cloth face covering using bandanas, ski masks, washable napkins, or dish towels.
    Learn more
    Symptoms of Coronavirus
    Home Care Instructions for People with Respiratory Symptoms
    10 things you can do to manage your health at home
    Home quarantine guidance for close contacts to COVID-19
    Home Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
    Distinguishing the Difference: COVID-19 vs. Allergies vs. Flu https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/social-media-toolkit/to-do-if-sick_1080x1080.mp4 (video)

    CLARA Symptoms Self-Checker
    Everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Self-Checker, also known as Clara, can help you decide when to call your doctor if you are feeling sick. Try the symptom checker here.

    Testing Information
    California has partnered with OptumServe and Verily to launch more than 100 testing sites across the state. ChapCare's Kathryn Barger Health Center, located at 1595 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena, is available by appointment only Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. To register for a test, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123. COVID testing is also available at other locations, including some urgent care centers and pharmacies in the community. Contact your healthcare provider for testing options.

    Testing for COVID-19
    Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2

    Protecting Older Adults
    Are you aware that older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions like chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, and diabetes are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 If your parent or another relative is an older adult or has a serious underlying medical condition, they should be aware of preparations to take:
    • Stay home if possible
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
    • Take everyday preventive actions: wash hands often and avoid touching face, nose, and eyes
    • Have over-the-counter medicines, medical supplies (like tissues), and extra necessary prescriptions
    • Have extra household items and groceries on hand
    • Make a plan for what to do if they get sick
    • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often
    • Consult with their healthcare provider if they have symptoms of COVID-19
    Learn More
    People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
    disinfecting-your-home.pdf

    Stress
    Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations like COVID-19. You may feel anxious, mad, sad, or overwhelmed. Find ways you and your family can reduce stress.
    • Learn the common signs of stress.
    • Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
    • Talk with family and friends by phone, text, or email.
    • If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
    Learn more about stress and coping during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

    Tips for Parents
    Parents: Sudden changes in routine, as well as being home all the time can be hard for students.

    Signs of stress include:
    • Excessive worry or sadness
    • Unhealthy sleeping or eating habits
    • Difficulty with attention and concentration
    Get tips for talking with your child about coronavirus:
    Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
    COVID-19 Resources
    Tips to Help Teens Cope During COVID-19
    Caring For Children at Home (CDC)
    Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
    Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus

    Pets & COVID-19 Guidance
    We're still learning about how COVID19 affects animals, but it appears that people can spread the virus to animals in some situations. Until we know more, limit contact with pets if you are sick or feeling sick. For more info, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.

    Contact Tracing
    A "close contact" refers to any of the following people who were exposed to a patient with presumed or confirmed COVID-19 ("patient") while they were infectious*:
    • A household member, intimate contact, or caregiver,
    • An individual who was within 6 feet of the patient for accumulative 15 minutes over 24hrs.
    • An individual who had unprotected contact with the patient's body fluids and/or secretions, for example, being coughed or sneezed on, sharing utensils or saliva, or providing care without wearing appropriate protective equipment.
    • *A patient with presumed or confirmed COVID-19 is considered to be infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms started until their isolation period ends (see When is someone infectious ). Asymptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection are considered to be infectious from 48 hours before their test was taken until 10 days after their test was taken.
    Guidance When You Travel
    International Travel

    Stay home for 14 days from the time you return home from international travel.

    During this 14-day period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
    • Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature.
    • Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
    • Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
    • Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
    Learn more here...
     
    CITY/COUNTY/FEDERAL RESOURCES
    Center for Disease Control (CDC)

    GET FREE N95 MASKS
    The U.S. government is now giving three free adult-size N95 masks to anyone that needs them. You can pick up yours at community health centers or pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Krogers. Walmart and Sam’s Club will start distributing free masks in mid-February.

    MASK EFFECTIVENESS
    Most effective:
    N95

    More effective:
    KF94
    KN95
    Double mask
    Fitted surgical mask

    Effective:
    Surgical mask

    Least effective:
    Cloth mask with 3 or more layers

    Whatever mask you wear, make sure it fits to your face closely and without gaps.


  • Digital Screen Time

    Long hours staring at digital screens can cause eye strain, and decreased blinking associated with computer use can cause dry eyes. But these effects are caused by how people use their screens, not by anything coming from the screens.??

    You can protect your eyes from strain if you work with computers all day:?
    • Sit about 25 inches (arm's length) from the computer screen. Position the screen so you are gazing slightly downward.?
    • Reduce screen glare by using a matte screen filter if needed.?
    • Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.?
    • When your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to refresh them.?
    • Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.?
    • If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.?
    Many eye symptoms caused by computer use are only temporary and will lessen after you stop using the computer.
     
    Here's the full article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
     
    And here's an article about computer glasses that you could try (if you feel so inclined): https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/computer_glasses.htm
     
  • Handwashing

    Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.
     
    How Germs Spread
    Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:
    • Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
    • Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
    • Touch a contaminated surface or objects
    • Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects
     
    Key Times to Wash Hands
    You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
    • Before, during, and after preparing food
    • Before eating food
    • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
    • Before and after treating a cut or wound
    • After using the toilet
    • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
    • After handling pet food or pet treats
    • After touching garbage
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also clean hands:
    • After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens, etc.
    • Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies.
    Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
    • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
    • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
    • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
    • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
    • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
     
    Handwashing Videos:
  • Illness

    We recognize the difficulty in determining whether students should attend school when flu or cold symptoms first appear. We also understand the greater challenge of determining when students are ready to return to school after an illness. 

    We ask that parents remember to follow the school’s illness policy when they have sick children.

    Fever Policy
    If students have a fever during the day, the next day they cannot attend school. No exceptions. Students will be allowed to return to school once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the assistance of a fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.). If students take fever-reducing medication, it’s impossible to know whether or not the student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours. 

    Examples: 
    • Your daughter has a temperature of 100° F or higher during the day.  You give your daughter fever reducing medication and the temperature returns to normal and remains low that evening.  Your daughter  may NOT attend school the next day even if their temperature is normal in the morning and your daughter states she feels fine. Until your daughter has NO fever and has not taken any fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours, your daughter cannot attend school.
    • On Tuesday evening, your daughter has a fever (temperature of 100° F or higher), and you give your daughter fever-reducing medication that evening. The next morning, your daughter’s temperature is normal and your daughter states she feels fine. Your daughter  may NOT attend school that day (Wednesday). 
    • You keep your daughter home Wednesday, complaining of a headache during the day, and you give your daughter acetaminophen (Tylenol). You check your daughter’s temperature later and it is normal. Your daughter may NOT attend school the next day (Thursday) because you gave acetaminophen (Tylenol), and you cannot know whether or not your daughter may have had a fever during the day.

    If a student is not feeling well at school, presents at the Health Office, and has received fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.) in the morning before coming to school, we will assume the student has a fever and therefore needs to return home.

    If a student is not feeling well and has a temperature of 99.5° F or less, we will keep the student under observation. If the student does not improve after drinking water and resting, or the temperature increases to 100° F or higher, the parent will be called to pick up the student.

    For a day-time temperature of 100° F or higher, the student will need to be picked up. A student with a temperature greater than 100° F is considered contagious and should not attend school. Parents must have a plan, at all times, for picking up their daughter when ill.

    Standard of Care
    Students should be well enough to attend school without any acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or other NSAID in the morning (except if needed for muscular-skeletal pain, menstrual cramps, or known, previously diagnosed migraine headache, or if prescribed by a doctor).  

    To avoid a headache and the need for pain-reducing medication during the school day, don’t skip breakfast. If students are not hungry in the morning, they should bring a snack to school to eat when they arrive at school and/or during a break. The snack should contain some type of protein to help maintain energy until lunchtime and to prevent headaches. Stay hydrated. Drink enough liquids (water is always best) in the morning with breakfast and throughout the day. Hydrate well before and after exercise. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day.

    If students have a mild cold and no fever, they should be well enough to participate in physical activities at school—if they are not well enough to participate in PE, they should not be at school, OR they should have a medical note from a doctor excusing them from sports.

    If students who have a cold with excessive coughing, runny nose, and/or thickened nasal secretions they are most likely still contagious, even when taking over-the-counter cold and cough medication to relieve symptoms.

    Students with these symptoms should be given the extra time to rest at home and recuperate.

    If students vomit or have diarrhea, they must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

    Please remember to report your child’s illness to the attendance office at attendance@fsha.org or call (626) 685-8310
  • Immunizations

    Flintridge Sacred Heart and the California Department of Health Services Immunization Branch require that an up-to-date immunization record for all students be included in the student’s health record before the student's first day of school. 

    California schools are required to check immunization records before entry for all NEW students admitted to kindergarten through 12th grade and for all CURRENT students advancing to 7th grade. The following immunizations are required for school entry:

    4 Polio          5 DTaP          3 Hep B          2 MMR          2 Varicella

    1 Tdap (7th Grade Advancement): This is a required immunization for all seventh-grade students. The Tdap vaccine must be given on or after the student’s 7th birthday.

    How to Submit an Immunization Record: You may submit a completed or updated immunization record using any one of these formats: Physician Immunization Record, California Immunization Record "yellow card," and/or Report of Health Examination Form. 

    Medical Exemptions:
    • Medical exemptions for new students can only be signed by a California-licensed MD/DO;
    • Medical exemptions to include the following information: (1) the specific nature of the physical condition or medical circumstance for which the licensed physician does not recommend immunization; (2) a confirmation that the physical condition or medical circumstance is permanent; and (3) each specific required immunization from which the pupil is permanently exempt; and
    • Each temporary medical exemption to be issued for no more than 12 months. 
    • IMPORTANT UPDATE: Until January 1, 2021, parents may submit a medical exemption to school using a form or letter prepared by their medical provider. Beginning in January 2021, all medical exemptions must be submitted electronically directly into the California Registry (CAIR) utilizing a standard form.
    Shots for Schools
  • Influenza (The Flu)

    What is influenza (flu)?
    Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

    Flu Symptoms
    Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
    • fever* or feeling feverish/chills
    • cough
    • sore throat
    • runny or stuffy nose
    • muscle or body aches
    • headaches
    • fatigue (tiredness)
    • vomiting and diarrhea is more common in children than adults
    • It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
    How the Flu Spreads Person to Person
    People with the flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

    Period of Contagiousness
    • People with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins.  
    • Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
    • Children and some people with weakened immune systems may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.
    Symptoms can begin about 2 days (but can range from 1 to 4 days)  after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people may still spread the virus to others.

    Differences between flu and COVID-19:
    Flu
    • Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above.
    • Flu Symptoms
    COVID-19
    • COVID-19 seems to cause more serious illnesses in some people. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell.
    • COVID-19 Symptoms
    Similarities:
    Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:
    • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue (tiredness)
    • Sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Muscle pain or body aches
    • Headache
    • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults 
    How long symptoms appear after exposure and infection

    Similarities:

    • For both COVID-19 and flu, 1 or more days can pass between a person becoming infected and when he or she starts to experience illness symptoms.
    Differences:
    • If a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer to develop symptoms than if they had flu.
    Flu
    • Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection.
    • Flu Symptoms
    COVID-19
    • Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection, and the time range can vary.
    • COVID-19 Symptoms
    How long someone can spread the virus

    Similarities:
    • For both COVID-19 and flu, it’s possible to spread the virus for at least 1 day before experiencing any symptoms.
    Differences:
    • If a person has COVID-19, they may be contagious for a longer period of time than if they had flu.
    Flu
    • Most people with the flu are contagious for about 1 day before they show symptoms.
    • Older children and adults with flu appear to be most contagious during the initial 3-4 days of their illness but many remain contagious for about 7 days.
    • Infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer.
    How Flu Spreads
    COVID-19
    How long someone can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 is still under investigation.
    It’s possible for people to spread the virus for about 2 days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared. If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it’s possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.
    How COVID-19 Spreads

     
    How it Spreads
    Similarities:
    Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    It may be possible that a person can get infected by physical human contact (e.g. shaking hands) or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
    Both flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms, with very mild symptoms or who never developed symptoms (asymptomatic).
    Differences:
    While COVID-19 and flu viruses are thought to spread in similar ways, COVID-19 is more contagious among certain populations and age groups than flu. Also, COVID-19 has been observed to have more superspreading events than flu. This means the virus that causes COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread to a lot of people and result in continuous spreading among people as time progresses.
    How Flu Spreads           How COVID-19 Spreads

    People at High-Risk for Severe Illness
    Similarities:
    Both COVID-19 and flu illness can result in severe illness and complications. Those at highest risk include:
    Older adults
    People with certain underlying medical conditions
    Pregnant people
    Differences:
    The risk of complications for healthy children is higher for flu compared to COVID-19. However, infants and children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for both flu and COVID-19.
    Flu
    Young children are at higher risk of severe illness from flu.
    People at High Risk for Flu Complications
    COVID-19
    School-aged children infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but severe complication of COVID-19.
    People at Increased Risk of COVID-19 Severe Illness
     

    Complications
    Similarities:
    Both COVID-19 and flu can result in complications, including:
    Pneumonia
    Respiratory failure
    Acute respiratory distress syndrome (i.e. fluid in lungs)
    Sepsis
    Cardiac injury (e.g. heart attacks and stroke)
    Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)
    Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, nervous system or diabetes)
    Inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues
    Secondary bacterial infections (i.e. infections that occur in people who have already been infected with flu or COVID-19)
    Differences:
    Flu
    Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications, some of these complications are listed above.
    Flu complications
    COVID-19
    Additional complications associated with COVID-19 can include:
    Blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs or brain
    Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
    COVID-19 Emergency warning signs
  • Injury/Illness While at School

    Students who become ill or injured during the school day should go to the Health Office. 

    If a student is recovering from an illness or injury and needs to be excused from P.E., a written note from a parent and/or primary care physician  is required. If a student will not be participating in P.E. for more than five days, a physician’s note will be required and should be given to the Health Office indicating the length of time to be missed.

    In the event of a prolonged illness, injury, or surgery, please notify the Health Office upon the student’s return to school.

    Insurance for accidental student injury
    The school carries student accident insurance for on-campus and school-sponsored activities. Accidents are reported to the Health Office. The Health Office can assist parents with questions and with filing the necessary paperwork, which is available from the Health Office.
  • Lice

    Any student with head lice may return to school after treatment has been completed and the student is free of lice and nits. Nurse Kathy  is responsible for checking the student back into class.

    How to Perform a Head Check for Head Lice
  • Magnus Health Student Medical Record

    Secure web-based system: Magnus Health is a secure web-based system that provides continuous access to a student’s health records, and parents are able to make updates as needed. In the event of an accident or illness involving a student, appropriate First Aid measures are taken, and Magnus Health Student Medical Record (SMR) is accessed for emergency contact information, health history, and authorization to treat. 

    First day of school: In order for a student to attend the first day of school, the parent must complete all requirements in Magnus Health.

    24/7 access to Magnus Health: You will need to login to Tolognet with your username and password, click on the Resources tab, and then click on the Magnus Health tile, which takes you to the Magnus Front Desk. From there, you will need to select Complete Now to enter your daughter’s health tracker. You will see a list of requirements with action items next to the name of each requirement.

    Update anytime: Should your daughter’s information change during the year, you can make updates to your child's Student Medical Record (SMR) at any time.

    Magnus Health Customer Support: Magnus Health customer support is available by phone at 877-461-6831 or by email should you have any technical issues. If you have questions, please contact Marcy Kwitny, RN by phone at 626-396-6391 or by email (need link).

    Magnus Health Requirements:

    Conditional Questions: Parent/guardian answers a few YES/NO questions related to daily medication, serious allergies, asthma, seizures, and diabetes and are then prompted to complete requirements if answering YES.  

    Vital Health Record (VHR)
    • The parent/guardian completes the health history with emergency contacts, insurance, healthcare providers, allergies, medications, and medical history.
    • For returning families, the  information entered from the previous year will be visible. Any changes to the health history should be made prior to the start of the school year, and as needed, during the course of the school year. If no changes are needed, or after changes are made, each section must be saved to complete the requirement and to submit for approval.
    • Please note: If your daughter  takes daily medication or medication as needed, please be sure the medication section has the most up-to-date medication information. 
    Annual doctor forms: print and sign forms that require a physician signature and annual renewal:
    • Physical Exam Form: students are required to have an annual physical exam with their physician in order to attend school, Outdoor Education, class trips, athletic practices and games, physical education, dance, and any other school-related activity at school.The physician must complete and sign the document.
    • Prescription medication form: The parent/guardian and physician must complete and sign the document giving consent for the school’s registered nurse or designated school personnel to give prescription medication to the student during school or during overnight school trips. The form must include the name of the medication, dosage, time schedule, duration, and reason for giving the medication. A new form is required at the start of each new school year and when changes have been made to the original prescription or when additional medication has been prescribed.
    • Action plans: The parent/guardian and physician must complete and sign the document when the student requires an auto-injectable epinephrine for food and/or non-food allergies, or when the student is being treated for diabetes or a seizure disorder.
    • OTC form: the over -the-counter medication form to be completed and signed by both parent/guardian and primary care physician
    • Submitting forms: Submit all required forms via scan to healthforms@fsha.org
    Tolognet  vs. Magnus Mobile App: Please be aware that when you create a login on the Magnus Mobile App, you will need to hover over your name on Tolognet to create a username and password for the mobile app.

    Helpful Links:
    Getting started video
    How do I upload a form to a requirement
    How do I copy information from one daughter to the next
    Electronically signed documents
    Magnus PHR App

    Magnus Health Forms:
    Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
    Diabetes Medical Management Plan
    Physician Consent Form
    Prescription Medication Authorization Form
    Report of Health Examination
    Seizure Action Plan
    Student Immunization Record
  • Medication Policy

    Over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication
    The Health Office stocks a few over-the-counter medications such as adult and child-strength Acetaminophen (Tylenol), adult and child-strength Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), Claritin, Benadryl, and Tums. Parents may supply the Health Office with additional over-the-counter medication if needed; it must be non-expired and in its original packaging. Parents should be proactive if they anticipate that their student will require an occasional mild pain reliever, antihistamine, or antacid.

    Prescription medication
    All prescription medication, including inhalers, must be delivered to the Health Office and must be non-expired and in the original container/packaging with the pharmacy label (student’s name, medication name, dosage, and times to be dispensed). When filling the student’s prescription, parents can ask the pharmacy to split the prescription in a bottle labeled properly for school and another bottle labeled properly for home. We cannot accept unidentified medication stored in hand-labeled plastic bags or containers.

    Arrangements should be made to pick up all medication stored in the Health Office before the start of the summer vacation.

    Prescription Medication Policy
    Self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medication
    The student may not self-administer or carry on her person any prescription or non-prescription medication during school or during overnight school trips. The only exception is a student in need of an inhaled asthma medication, topical acne medication, auto-injectable epinephrine, diabetes medication, and Lactaid pills.

    The parent, physician, and student must complete and sign the Prescription Medication Authorization Form. All parties must agree to follow the school’s procedures concerning the handling and self-administration of such medication.

    Overnight School Trips

    If the student requires prescription medication on the trip and parent/guardian has not previously submitted the Prescription Medication Authorization Form to Magnus Health SMR, the parent/guardian should submit a form with the updated medication to Magnus Health SMR two weeks prior to trip departure.

    Over-the-counter and prescription medication should be given to the Health office one week prior to trip departure, so the Health Office has time to prepare for the trip. The chaperon will return the medication to the student at the end of the trip.

    The student must notify the lead chaperon that he/she is carrying authorized prescription medication on his/her person during the trip.

    Medication Guidelines for Overnight School Trips 
  • Student Accidental Injury Insurance

    The school carries student accident insurance for on-campus and school-sponsored activities. Accidents are reported to Nurse Kathy and she can assist parents with questions and with filing the necessary paperwork.

Advising Assemblies: Connecting Now and Prepping for the Future

Flintridge Sacred Heart's Counseling and Advising departments host monthly assemblies, during which freshmen and sophomore students explore developmentally appropriate issues with the guidance of trained facilitators. Topics include creating and maintaining healthy relationships, drug/alcohol education, sleep and nutrition, setting goals, reflecting on academic performance and more. Some of the advising assemblies are designed to prepare students for the college counseling process that begins junior year.

Jess Hopkins advising assembly
Jess Hopkins, a popular speaker and certified life coach, leads an interactive workshop during an advising assembly


Past assemblies have included

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • First Assembly of the Year

    The first advising assembly is designed to start the year off right. Freshmen are introduced to advising at Flintridge Sacred Heart, review the sexual harassment reporting protocol, and explore learning styles within breakout groups. Sophomores participate in a student-led panel discussion on what to expect from tenth grade. They are then each paired with a junior to for one-on-one discussions about tenth grade.
  • Stress & Anxiety

    Sophomores are invited to discover and practice a series of stress and anxiety reducing exercises during a workshop led by guest speaker Judith Sekler.
  • Testing Anxiety

    Dr. Ani Katchadorian presents freshmen and sophomores with creative strategies to manage test anxiety. In separate breakout sessions, freshmen learn about the PSAT while sophomores learn about the pre-ACT.
  • Diversity

    The entire community is invited to participate in an assembly that focuses on concepts, themes, and important questions related to diversity. Student speakers share their experiences at the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference. All in attendance are encouraged to explore how diversity currently exists and could exist within the Flintridge Sacred Heart community.
  • Healthy Relationships

    Jess Hopkins, a popular speaker and certified life coach, leads freshmen in a lively and interactive workshop about healthy relationships and friendships.
  • College Admissions Process / Course Options / Resumes

    Ed Devine, regional director of admissions from Lafayette College, introduces freshmen and sophomores to key aspects of the college admission process. Freshmen then review possible course options for the next school year and learn about high school transcripts. Sophomores see examples of solid high school resumes and work on updating their own resumes.

Health & Wellness Team

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Kathy Larson

    Kathy Larson 

    School Nurse
    626-685-8544 or 8439
  • Photo of Nicole Nardon

    Nicole Nardon 

    Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
    626-685-8347

FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART

440 St. Katherine Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
626-685-8300

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Flintridge Sacred Heart, a Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding high school, educates young women for a life of faith, integrity, and truth.

Flintridge Sacred Heart admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs.