Concussion Awareness, Prevention and Management
In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum No. 158, the York Region District School Board has developed Policy and Procedure 662.6 Concussion Management. There are resources and information on the board website that support school board policies and procedures related to the awareness, prevention and management of concussions for students.
I think I have a concussion, now what?
Stop your regular activities (don't practice).
Make an appointment to be seen by a doctor.
Print off the concussion protocol pages (below) and take them to your appointment.
Email Ms Jackson, one of our Guidance counsellors, who handles concussion management, and attendance.
Ms. Jackson will ensure that all of your teachers are informed and will walk you through the return to learn process.
When you are ready to begin back at school, start off by visiting Ms. Jackson in the Guidance office to get your green concussion duotang.
Return to Learn Protocol
Please see the attendance office for more information and the forms for the Return to Learn protocol.
Holland Bloorview
SCHOOLFirst is a tool that has been developed to help teachers and other school personnel be a Concussion Champion and support youth upon their return-to-school after a concussion.
What Happens Next?
Please let us know (Ms Jackson and attendance) about the concussion or suspected concussion so that we can inform all of the teachers.
Students initially are at home and resting.
Once a student is able to do about 20-30 minutes of cognitive activity (for example: a puzzle, reading, playing a board game) without aggravating symptoms they are generally ready to begin the return to learn process.
Initially, starting with one or two periods is generally recommended. If a student needs to do this for a prolonged length of time, then we recommend alternating between mornings and afternoons.
The first few days are really just about adjusting to being back in the building, some students find this difficult as the noise, lights, and number of people can be a lot, especially if you have been at home where it is nice and quiet.
When a student is ready to return to school, please let Ms Jackson know and stop by the guidance office on day one. We will set up a concussion duotang and together complete an accommodations page for the teachers.
Initially we ask teachers to hold off on assessments. Once students are able to be back in the building full time we work on building a catch up plan.
Please feel free to call or email at any time should you have questions or concerns.
Resources
Learn More About Concussions
- Parachute: Concussion resources page from Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention.
Concussion Information for Patients and Families.
- Concussion Legacy Foundation: The Concussion Legacy Foundation supports all affected by concussions and support smarter, safer athletes through education and innovation.
Concussion Training and Education
- Concussion Awareness Training Tool: An e-learning course for athletes, students, coaches and parents.
- Coach.ca: Coaching Association of Canada - A series of e-learning modules (both general and sport specific) developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
- Concussion ed - get the app! An app for iPhone and Android created by Parachute that contains resources and concussion management information.