Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is a blow or jolt to the head that can temporarily or permanently impair a student’s physical abilities and change how the student thinks, acts and learns in school.

Physical symptoms that may occur are headache, nausea, light and noise sensitivity, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, changes in emotional state and it may reduce concentration. Concussions may also change school performance such as short term memory, concentration, organizational skills and completing assignments and tests.

It is important that a physician evaluates your child for any concussion symptoms and designs a plan of recovery with you as parent and the school. Here at Rockland Public Schools we use “The Heads Smart” Concussion Protocol. There are four stages of recovery to this program.

Red Stage - Students typically do not attend school (2 – 4 days). TV, reading, cell phone & computers are limited.

Orange Stage – School attendance is half days and activity continues to be limited.

Yellow Stage – School attendance is full days. Increasing homework and major test taking once a day.

Green Stage – School attendance is full-time and normal activities are resumed.

The above stages will vary with each student, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Any student with a suspected concussion must see a physician and have a documented Concussion Plan of Recovery in place for school. A physician note is needed to return to school or participate in sports.

For more information on concussion and treatment plans, please review:

• Report of Head Injury During Sports Season

• HeadSmart Concussion Information for Parents Part 1

• HeadSmart Concussion Information Part 2

• Medical Clearance and Authorization Form

• CDC Concussion Website