School-Based Health Center News
Welcome back to a new school year and welcome to our new students and families. We hope you had a relaxing, safe and healthy summer. We’ve been busy getting ready for the year, and have started seeing students for school and sports physicals. Here’s a review of who we are and what we do at the SBHC.
The FMS SBHC is run by Child and Family Agency and is one of their 17 SBHC’s in the Groton, New London and Norwich areas. CFA’s main office is located in New London. The SBHC’s in Groton are at Claude Chester Elementary School, Fitch High School, Fitch Middle School, Grasso Technical High School, Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School, and Westside Middle School.
The staff at FMS includes Anne Ravenscroft (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner), Erin Janicek (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and Denise Heil (Receptionist). We are open Monday – Fridays (7:30 am – 4 pm). We are generally open during school vacation weeks and throughout the summer. Our phone number is 860-449-8726. We also have a web page on the FMS web site that gives you more information about us. Some helpful links on healthcare and mental health are located there as well.
Students must be registered with the SBHC to obtain services. You will be getting a letter of interest form asking if you’d like us to send home a registration packet. Or you can simply stop by the SBHC in Room A104. Students who are already registered with us will be given a yearly update form so you can make any changes to your address, phone number and insurance information.
A student can be seen at the SBHC for a medical visit in several ways. Students who become ill or injured during the school day may be referred for further treatment by the school nurse. A parent can call asking to have their child seen for an illness or for a physical exam that may be needed. Anne may also schedule an appointment for a student who needs follow up care. Finally, she may schedule students with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or weight management for routine review.
We are not a substitute for your child’s primary care provider. Anne often sends a report to the PCP informing them of care that a student received at the SBHC. She may also call the PCP to discuss a child’s condition and coordinate care needs with them.
Students who are struggling with family conflict, emotional behavioral issues, or other concerns may benefit from having professional counseling. Erin can provide individual, family or group counseling and crisis Intervention. After discussion with a family, the guidance counselors, school psychologist or administrators may refer a student to Erin. If certain behaviors are happening mostly at home, parents can contact her directly to discuss their concerns. Students are usually seen during the school day however other arrangements can be made to fit a child’s needs. Child and Family Agency employs several child psychiatrists who may be consulted, through Erin, for a psychiatric evaluation or for medication needs.
There is no direct charge to the family for SBHC services. We are required by the Department of Health to attempt to bill a student’s medical insurance company for the visit but we do not collect co-payments, balances or other fees. If a student does not have medical insurance, we can help the family apply for HUSKY.
Please call us at 860-449-8726 if you have questions. We love to do all that we can to help our FMS students have a healthy and productive school year.
In good health,
Anne DelSanto-Ravenscroft APRN Erin Janicek LCSW Denis Heil
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Licensed Clinical Social Worker Receptionist