Illness & Attendance 

When Should You Remain Home?

School attendance is key to your child’s success in school.  Children should be in school if they are rested, eating well, feeling good and are fever free.  There are certain circumstances, however, when your child should stay home from school.  The following information should give you direction when making the decision to send your child to school or keep them home.  REMEMBER: Your school nurse is an excellent resource if you need any guidance or direction when making this decision.  Never hesitate to consult with your school nurse and your primary care physician.

GENERAL RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDELINES: 

● Fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication 

● No vomiting/diarrhea within the past 24 hours 

● Has been on antibiotic therapy for 24 hours (if indicated) 

● Is feeling well, eating, drinking and back to their regular routine. 

Fever:

• Temperature equal to or greater than 100.0 F

• Student/staff must be fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications (i.e. Tylenol, Motrin), before returning to school

Colds and Coughs: 

• If the cold/cough is a big disruption to your student's day, please keep them home. They should be generally well and able to manage their symptoms before returning.

Covid-19/Flu/Other Respiratory Diseases:

• Your child should remain home when ill. Considerations for the return to school: Fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and cough/congestion has as improved such that they are able to play and learn normally. If your child never develops a fever, and symptoms are mild and do not interfere with normal activity, he or she can continue to attend school. Positive individuals should mask and practice good hand hygiene to prevent spread of disease.

Vomiting and Diarrhea:

• Student may return to school once they are symptom free for 24 hours. They should be able to tolerate regular meals before returning.

Conditions that Require Antibiotics before Return:

Students may return to school after receiving a full 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and improved symptoms.

• Streptococcal infections (strep throat)

• Scabies

• Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)

• Impetigo

Rashes:

• If your child develops a rash, please consult with the school nurse. Rashes are very difficult to diagnose and many are viral in origin and should not prevent your child from attending school. There are cases of breakthrough chickenpox disease and a few other diseases that would certainly influence your child’s attendance in school and impact other students who may be medically compromised, so consultation with your school nurse is important.

Communicable Disease Guidelines

Awareness of Communicable Diseases in the School Community

Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from one individual to another, impacting both students and staff within the school environment. These diseases are typically caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria, which have the ability to spread and infect others, underscoring the importance of awareness and prevention measures. 

When Should Action be Taken?

Schools are naturally environments where people come together, which can lead to the spread of illnesses. We want to ensure students, staff, and caregivers that we are always monitoring illness trends. Not every contagious illness calls for action from parents or school. However, in times where many students (within a classroom, school, or across the district) are showing similar symptoms, the school/district will send out a letter to either the affected school or to the general school community, depending on the nature of the situation.