WHEN SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL?
The flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other respiratory illness: If a student tests positive forCOVID-19, the flu, RSV, or or if they are exhibiting COVID, flu or RSV like symptoms, students should remain home until symptoms are improving and they fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
A 5 day isolation period is no longer required following a positive COVID test. Masking post COVID-19 diagnosis is encouraged as an additional prevention strategy, but is not required. On-line COVID reporting is no longer required, but please continue to notify your school nurse of all illnesses as this allows our district nurses to monitor for and track outbreaks.
Strep throat: Students must remain home for at least 12 hours after antibiotic treatment has been initiated.
Fever of 100.0F or higher. Students must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, in order to return to school.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Students must be free from vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
Pink eye with discharge: Students must remain out until examined by a medical provider and approved for return.
Any unexplained rash or draining sores: Rashes require a doctor's note stating that the rash is not contagious for clearance to return to school.
Head lice or nits (eggs): Please notify the school if your child has lice. Students are required to show proof of treatment and must be checked by the school nurse for clearance in order to return to school.
**Important school attendance guidelines**
In order for a student to participate in an after-school activity or evening function, the student must be in attendance during the school day for a minimum of 4 hours.
If a student is sent home ill from school they may NOT return to school to participate in any after-school activities or evening functions.
This includes all co-curricular activities, practices, athletic events, competitions, performances or any other school-sponsored activities.
Mary Ellen McDonald MA, BSN, RN, CSN-NJ
mmcdonald@summit.k12.nj.us