Health & Wellness
The Health & Wellness Program at Mount Saint Joseph Academy is made up of a team of School Counselors and our School Nurse, who are dedicated to providing a range of support services to the MSJA community with a central focus on holistic wellness. Consultative and counseling services, proactive health & wellness programs, and on-going partnerships across all areas of the school are the key elements to ensure the social-emotional and academic growth and formation of our future founders. A focus on health & wellness is an integral part of preparing our young women for future success.
Welcome to School Counseling!
Guided by the Mission of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, the School Counseling Program advises students emotionally, socially and spiritually. The Program supports the overall development of students, with the goal of furthering their empowerment, acceptance, empathy, perseverance, and sense of belonging. School Counselors aim to create a supportive environment and build rapport with their students. Our counselors also work with students and families seeking outside services and resources, and when applicable, partner with our Learning team to facilitate resources in regards to academic need.
Meet the School Counseling Team
Welcome to the Student Health Office!
Our school nurse is Mrs. Francie McGovern, who is here full-time during student school hours. Mrs. McGovern is here to provide first aid and support to students who become ill or injured during the school day or who need health maintenance of a chronic or acute medical nature. Please notify our nurse of any health issues, diagnosis and or medications that could affect a student’s social, academic, or physical activities while at school.
Mrs.McGovern can be reached at 215-233-3177 ext 312 or via email at fmcgovern@msjacad.org.
If a student becomes sick during the day she should report to the nurse who will determine the course of treatment. Parental/guardian permission and the nurse’s assessment is needed to allow a student to drive home. Students who do not feel well may rest in the nurse’s office for one block only. If the student still does not feel well the student will be sent home sick.
12th Grade Students
- Students are required to receive a 2nd dose of meningococcal conjugate (MCV) vaccine prior to entering grade 12. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or older that shall count as the twelfth grade dose.
- This vaccine must be completed by the first day of senior year or you risk exclusion from school per PA Department of Health requirements.
11th Grade Students
- Students are required to have a physical exam prior to entering grade 11.
- This requirement is different from the PIAA requirement. Please have your daughter bring in her completed physical exam to the nurse or email it to fmcgovern@msjacad.org along with the other required health form for each new school year.
All Grades:
- Please send in a copy of your student's vaccination record as she receives any updated immunizations to fmcgovern@msjacad.org.
- Students with a medical diagnosis and/or food allergies should stop by the nurse’s office during the first week of school for a quick check in and to drop off any medications. Students who have written consent to carry emergency medication need to check in with school nurse Mrs. McGovern with their medication.
- As a reminder, no medication including OTC (over-the-counter) medication can be administered without the medication consent being signed by both a parent/guardian and a licensed prescriber. Students are not permitted to carry any medication including OTC medication on themselves unless it is an emergency medication that has a written consent on the medication consent form.
Helpful Health & Wellness Links
- Pennsylvania School Vaccination Requirements
- CDC Heads Up for Concussions
- Preventing Cardiac Arrest in Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children
- Food Allergies
- Montgomery County Office of Public Health
- Pennsylvania's CHIP Program
- PA Youth Impacted by JUUL
- Virtual Classes by CHOP: Wellness in Communities
- AHA Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
- CHOP - Stay or Go? When to Keep Your Child Home From School