Safety, Security and Health

JLA values the safety of everyone in our school community. In order to promote an environment of growth in learning, the following safety procedures have been instituted.

Security

Muss has armed security guards on campus at all times. Students that leave campus for the open-Shabbat or to use their off-campus privileges will pass through security and must sign in and out.

AMHSI follows security guidelines in consultation with and as dictated by the Israeli Department of Security and the American embassy. Students will be accompanied on trips with armed security personnel and emergency medical responders.

Visitors

Students may not invite non-JLA students to school. No visitors may come to campus and students may not leave campus with a friend or relative with the exception of the openweekend. Students who invite non-approved guests into the building will face disciplinary consequences and guests who appear without prior permission will be asked to leave.

Drills

In order to secure the school as best as possible, JLA practices a variety of drills to prepare students and staff in case of a real emergency. Students are expected to take all drills seriously, be knowledgeable about protocols, and follow them precisely. Procedures will be introduced, explained and practiced in an age appropriate manner for all grades, with an emphasis on having the experience produce as little anxiety as possible for our students.

Emergency Medical Response

In the event your child is sick or injured, a faculty member, school nurse or administrator will contact you by telephone since we are not authorized to administer treatment other than basic first aid. It is important that we have on file accurate contact information for all parents and/or guardians. In case of an emergency, the school will call for an emergency medical response and notify parents as soon as possible.

Health Insurance

Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s medical insurance covers medical and accident treatment but does not cover pre-existing conditions, counseling or therapy for emotional or psychological issues. The clinic on campus is staffed by a nurse and a physician who comes to campus three days a week. During orientation in Israel, you will be informed of clinic hours and procedures for accessing medical care. If you get sick, the madrichim (counselors) will be in contact with our campus nurse. Parents will receive medical updates from the nurse. She will email parents regarding non-urgent issues within 24 hours. Specialists are available by appointment and through the ER. To contact our nurse in advance of the session, please email nurse@amhsi.org.

Illness

Students with fever, diarrhea or vomiting are required to visit the on campus medical clinic and will be asked to remain in their room for at least 24 hours following the cessation of these symptoms. Students with an infectious diseases including, but not limited to, Influenza, Covid, Mumps, Measles, Strep Throat, Chicken Pox, Pink Eye, Pinworm, Lice, HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease), Meningitis, Hepatitis, TB, Scarlet Fever or any potential epidemic will require quarantining as per the guidance of the director of the on-campus medical clinic.

Medication

All medications, prescribed and over the counter will be stored in a locked box in the on-campus medical clinic. If a student needs to take medication during the school day, they are to report to the school nurse.

Student Medication Policy:

Students bringing prescription medications to Israel will need a doctor’s letter with:

● Student’s name

● Diagnosis

● Daily dosage of medicine

● Name of medicine (including active ingredients)

● Please place all prescription medication in your carry-on bag

● If you use an EpiPen or something similar, please bring three with you.

● If available, please include package insert or pamphlet explaining medication, use, and potential contraindications. During orientation, students will give medications to the nurse, who will keep them safe.

Students are responsible for self-administering their own medications, and will be given a supply each week as recommended by the nurse. Please bring enough medication for the full session and send a weekly pillbox, which the student will use when they visit the nurse for refills each week. It is a good idea to bring an extra supply as well, if possible. The back-up supply should be left in its original container with the pharmacy label affixed to the bottle. We also recommend that students bring a typed prescription of the same medication using the generic name of the product.

Over the Counter Medications:

If a student is feeling ill they should report to the school nurse. After the nurse assesses the student, over the counter medications may be given for the following; Tylenol or Motrin: headache or menstrual cramps, TUMS: stomach ache or nausea, Cough Drops: sore throat or cough, Caladryl: poison ivy or bug bites, Anti-bacterial ointment/wash: wound cleaning, Benadryl: an allergic reaction (parent will be notified)

Lice

Head lice infestation is common amongst kids and, while a nuisance, is not dangerous. Lice do not discriminate based on income or hygiene. Head lice are usually transmitted by direct contact with infected persons, their clothing, hair accessories or hats. The best way to keep head lice at bay is for everyone to check heads regularly at home. If you spot even one louse or nit, please seek treatment. It is important that parents report cases of lice promptly to the school.

If a child has head lice, parents are required to have their child checked by a professional lice checker or pediatrician before the child will be permitted to return to school. Additionally, all nits must be removed before a child can return to school. This prevents re-infestation that could spread to other children or staff. The school is vigilant with regard to lice. If warranted, the school will call in a consultant to carry out head checks.

Allergies

If you have allergies, a separate allergy section in the online application must be completed. Allergy injections, if required, must be administered by a physician as per Israeli law. We are unable to administer them on campus. Students will be taken to a medical clinic or allergist which will be at their parents' expense. Please note that an allergy is considered a pre-existing condition, and therefore, would not be covered under AMHSI-JNF’s medical insurance. If there were to be a medical emergency due to the allergy the parent/guardian would need to pay for the medical expense. Please also note that certain allergies require additional staff supervision and therefore might incur additional fees.

Student Support

JLA values the well-being of each student and encourages students to use the resources available as an important form of self-care. The Dean of Students and Director of Jewish Life as well as a trained professional social worker will be available throughout the work day on campus. Our school counselor will also be available remotely to meet with students who need to discuss any concerns including, but not limited to, stress, anxiety or depression, as well as social and family-related issues.

Communication With Campus

A weekly newsletter of JLA ץראב will be emailed to parents sharing the students’ activities, study topics and field trips, which have occurred over the previous days.