Hello from Nurse Alvarez!

Too sick for school?

As per our district medical handbook, Students must remain home if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Fever of 100 degrees or above – students may return to school at the beginning of the next school day after being fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics (i.e., Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol)

• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea - students may return to school at the beginning of the next school day 24 hours after the last instance of nausea/vomiting (e.g., a student who is sent home for active GI symptoms on Monday morning may return to school on Wednesday).

• Excessive runny nose, coughing, or sneezing

• Skin rashes of a questionable or unknown origin; rashes determined non-infections by a health care provider may return with a provider's note

• Sores on the skin, especially if moist, draining or encrusted

When a student has been absent due to a contagious illness such as chickenpox, pink eye, mononucleosis, or strep throat, we may require a doctor's note in order to return. Please see our K-12 Medical Handbook for more information. These guidelines are developed in conjunction with NJ Department of Health recommendations with the goal of health and safety for all members of the school community.

When to see the nurse...

I am so excited to see all of our students back for another great school year. As always, my priority is to help ensure our students are healthy, safe, and able to participate in the school day as much as possible. I believe our students do best when they are in their classrooms and with their peers!

Classroom teachers and I encourage students to visit the health office for non-urgent issues during periods between class subjects/rooms or during recess/lunch. Examples of non-urgent health concerns include minor headaches, stomachaches, nasal congestion, chapped lips, and loose baby teeth. School staff, including myself, will encourage students to try self-care interventions like rest, drinking water, using the bathroom, having a snack, etc., first.