Academics

Concussion Chalk Talk

Return to Learn + Return to Play = Return to Performance

Concussion Chalk Talk is a program that assists schools with their concussion management policies and procedures. Athletic trainers manage concussions in sports with a stepwise progression back to play. Likewise, the student design is to assist schools with understanding the necessary academic accommodations for a concussed student.

The program includes the formation of a Concussion Management Team (CMT) consisting of key personnel both inside and outside of the school. A highlight of the program is the presence of a neuropsychologist on the CMT, who will collaborate with the school to consult on challenging cases and answer questions.

As no two concussions are the same, individualized treatment is preferred to safely and efficiently return students to performance.

Concussion Chalk Talk is present in 10 New Hampshire schools and Pinkerton Academy is proud to be one.

The Concussion Management Team at Pinkerton Academy is lead by:

Pamela Gaines
[email protected]
603-437-5200 ext. 3125

The program is in collaborative effort between: Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire, and New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services.

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H21MC26918, Traumatic Brain Injury Implementation. Total award $977,000 which is 50% financed with nongovernmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the US Government.

For more information from the CDC on concussions and brain injuries, click here.

Parent Information

Should your child experience a concussive incident, the graph attached below (Parent decision-making flow chart) is a guideline to support the child and manage symptoms.  As always, consult your medical provider.

The first 48-72 hours, he or she should have complete cognitive rest (no visual stimuli, no electronic devices, no reading, low lighting, rest, etc.).

When your child can perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting ready, showering, dressing, etc., without increased symptoms, he/she is encouraged to attend school.  Your child (with your consent) will report to the Chalk Talk Room where he/she will complete a Symptoms Inventory and make a plan for the day.

As symptoms decrease in intensity, severity and frequency, your child will move along the Return to Learn path (PA Return to Learn chart attached below) until cleared.  During this time, the CMT (Concussion Management Team) consults regularly with our assigned neuropsychologist and are able to make recommendations based on observations from you and the teachers as well as student self-reporting.

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