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Back to School
| some basics | our school reentry program |
| helpful resources | late effects of therapy for cancer |

 

 

"How soon can I go back to school?" This is often one of the first questions a school-aged child asks after finding out about the diagnosis of cancer and the intensive treatment ahead. Going back to school means returning to a more normal life. School is a child's investment in the future, a place to grow and develop. School is the place the "patient" becomes the "student" once again.

We have created this section of our web to help patients, parents, siblings, and teachers find information about school issues for children with cancer. We will add new ideas and resources regularly. You will find:

Some Basics: There are basic things to consider before returning to school. These include getting in touch with the school and meeting with the staff to discuss concerns and needs, and considering any special educational requirements.

Sample letters for schools to copy and use:

  1. returning student and chicken pox; (21K .doc)
  2. notifying parents of a classroom presentation. (22K .doc)

 An overview of childhood cancers for school staff: basic descriptions of the common childhood cancers, symptoms, treatments, and impact on school participation. These may be copied for school staff use:

Late Effects of Treatment: New featured article about side effects of cancer therapy answers many questions for school staff.

Our School Reentry Program: This is a program designed to help our students return to school as soon as possible after the physician gives medical approval.

Helpful Resources: There are a number of good books, videos, web sites, and organizations available about school-related issues. We will try to keep updating the list in this section.

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