HS Handbook 3.3Health and Wellness

School Nurse and Clinic

A student who is not feeling well should be sent to the office by their teacher with a pass clearly stating the time the student left the class.

The student must sign-in with the office before seeing the nurse and may rest for twenty minutes with parent permission.

If the student is well enough to stay in school, he or she will be given a pass back to class with the time clearly stated on the pass.

Sitting Out

If the student sits out in class, the maximum grade they can receive is B for the class period, by completing written work assigned by the instructor. Students should be in approved class attire.

Students who do not have the appropriate attire to physically participate in class will be given an assignment with a 79% being the highest achievable grade for that class period.

Long-term Injury

Long-term injury must be immediately reported to the dean with proper documentation. A sustained injury is defined as one in which the student is not able to participate fully in performance classes on a regular basis.

Students injured to the point that they cannot complete 3 consecutive days of class must provide their instructors and the dean with a doctor’s note that states a diagnosis (the specific injury) and prognosis (when the doctor says they can return to participating in a complete physical movement or dance class.)

Injured students must participate in class as they are able, rather than sitting out, adapting the technique to accommodate the injury per the teacher’s instructions. Students will be graded based on the level of participation in their recovery from the injury; i.e., attendance and attitude. The student may be assigned a faculty-approved project or paper on a case by case basis.

After one 9-week term of sustained injury in which the student cannot take movement or dance classes on a regular basis, the student will be referred to the high school administration for possible alternatives.

First Aid kits are available in the Theater Division office, the scene and costume shops, and the Black Box Theater.

✔︎ Review the Production Safety handbook for detailed information on NWSA Theater Division Safety Policies and Procedures.

Staying Healthy

Physical Health

A career in theatre requires you to work at the optimum level of physical health possible. Physical health will dictate how capable you are at meeting the requirements and rigors of the program. Sleep, rest, and nutrition are key components of your training. If you are under the weather, you will not be able to achieve the best possible results from your coursework and rehearsals/performances.

Due to the level of physical activity required in many classes and production assignments, students must be in good health to participate safely. As such, the Theater Division recommends students have regular medical checkups.

Vocal Health

Actors and singers in the modern theatre are vocal athletes, and must prioritize vocal health and proper technique related to their performance practice.

In cases where a vocal pathology or other physical ailments or injuries are suspected, an instructor's professional affiliation may require them to suggest the student consult with a physician or specialist (of the student's choosing) before engaging in further training. In cases where it is determined a student's continued participation in class or rehearsals is not advisable, the faculty and the dean may establish an alternative educational plan to meet the student's program requirements.

The HS has a speech and hearing therapist, who can also provide diagnostic and therapy for speech problems.

Mental Health

Mental health is a key component to your success. If you find yourself having issues related to mental health, you are encouraged to seek assistance with the HS school psychologist.