The Health Center is committed to keeping Fessenden students healthy. A healthy body and mind help make the school day a positive experience for our boys. The office is staffed by a registered nurse five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The nurse is also on call for injuries and illnesses on nights and weekends for our boarding students. The Center's nursing staff provides first aid and emergency treatment care in the office. If needed, we are fortunate to be only 10 minutes away from Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which has a pediatric emergency room. We work with Newton-Wellesley and Children's Hospital in Boston for orthopedic and dental injuries. Nurses in the Health Center will also refer boys to other specialists if necessary.
The Fessenden Health Center works with Fessenden school psychologist, Kristin Harris, PhD. She is available to consult with parents about issues including educational testing and therapeutic counseling. The Fessenden School Health Center also works with two other psychologists who are available to meet with our boys by appointment on an as needed basis. Parents may arrange for these services through Kristin Harris or the Health Center nurses.
New and returning students must get a physical exam each year, which is to be completed by their own physician. Please note that The Fessenden School does not conduct or require the health examinations that the state of Massachusetts requires for all public school students. We recommend that you consult with your health care provider at the time of your annual examination regarding vision, hearing and scoliosis testing, your local school committee or your local board of health for information about these examinations and to ensure these exams are carried out for your children.
Annual exams are also a good opportunity for you to make sure your son is up-to-date with immunizations as required by the state of Massachusetts. Please access the document to the right to view the current state immunization requirements for your son's grade level. The Fessenden School Health Form must also be completed and returned to the health center before May 31 of the upcoming school year. Please download The Fessenden School Health Form, which is also posted in the column on the right. Health forms for new and returning students must be returned by May 31st for review by the nurse.