Is my child well enough to go to school?

Many parents are uncertain about when to keep their child home from school.  The following is are suggestions to help parents with this decision. Additional information is in the elementary student handbook.

The student should NOT be sent to school if:

·         a fever of 100 degrees or above was present during the previous evening, night, or in the morning.  If your child’s temperature is over 100 degrees, it is suggested that you keep him/her at home, especially if the fever is accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, and the child is too sick to enjoy activities and be productive.

·         vomiting or diarrhea occurred during the night or in the morning before leaving home or on the way to school.  Before returning to school, the student should be able to keep liquids down for at least twelve (12) hours.   Resume eating easily digested foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, etc. The student should be able to eat a meal comfortably.

·         persistent coughing is present with spasms of more than five (5) minutes of continuous coughing or your child cannot rest at night and you don’t think he/she is getting any better. Consider taking them to a health care provider.

·         a widespread rash is present.  If the rash is accompanied by itching, a fever, or seems to be spreading, please consider having it checked by a health care provider.   

·         one or both eyes are itchy, painful, watery and red, with dried crusts or mucus evident in the lashes or inner eye area.  If a student is diagnosed with “pink eye” or conjunctivitis, keep the student home for twenty-four (24) hours after starting medication, or until their eyes are no longer itchy and painful.     

Children MAY come to school if: 

the child has a minor injury or sore that is draining.  It should be covered with a bandage while he/she is at school to protect the injured area and keep it clean. Please check for fever before sending him/her.

your child had head lice and you’ve treated them.  Parents need to transport their child to school so the nurse can check and permit the student to return if the hair looks satisfactory.   

your child has been diagnosed with ringworm and treatment has started.  The area needs to be covered, but he/she may attend. Ringworm of the scalp is more difficult to treat than ringworm elsewhere.  Medical evaluation is suggested.