The days are counting down for summer vacation for Aiken County students. Classes resume Aug. 15.
South Carolina has several vaccinations students are required to have based on their grade level. Those include for polio, rubella, mumps and varicella, also known as chicken pox.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has posted a list of changes for the 2022-2023 school year.
Eighth graders need two doses of varicella. A child with a positive history of the disease is considered immune and is exempt from this requirement. Tenth graders need three doses of oral and/or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday.
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Second graders need two doses of hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least six months.”
Parents can check with their healthcare provider was details on what vaccinations are required based on their child’s age and grade level.
Aiken County schools are not mandating students be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“South Carolina DHEC establishes immunization requirements for school attendance. Students are not required to get the COVID vaccine. We encourage parents to discuss all matters concerning their child’s health, including COVID vaccination, with their medical provider,” said Monica Mazzell, supervisor of Nursing/Health Services.
There will also be changes to the school year calendar. Students will still have 180 days of instruction, but the fall break will be longer. The week-long break will be the week of Oct. 17, following the first quarter of school is completed.
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The district’s Chief Officer of Instruction has advice for students and parents to prepare to return to the structure of the school year, beginning with establishing a routine based on what they will have during the school year.
“Staying up late and sleeping in during summer creates schedule shock when school starts back. Easing back into earlier bedtimes a few weeks before school starts and setting an alarm to start the day helps to mitigate stress as a new year begins,” said Jeanie Glover.
She also recommends parents make it a priority to meet their child’s teachers and get his or her contact information.
Dr. Corey Murphy also had words of advice for parents. Particularly parents who will drive their child to school the first few days when carlines are long and slow.
“Please don’t forget to pack your patience,” he said.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
