Absenses

If your child is going to be absent, the school must be notified prior to the start of the school day. When reporting the absence to the school, please indicate the reason for the absence, such as family business, religious observance or sickness/illness. If the absence is due to sickness please be specific to the cause, particularly in the instance of communicable disease (i.e. pink eye, strep throat, chicken pox, etc). This will aid the school nurse in identifying “outbreaks” in the classroom/school. Absences lasting for an extended period of time, greater then 3 consecutive school days, may require a written note from the doctor, upon the child’s return to school.

Please assess your child’s level of wellness before sending him/her to school. Your cooperation in this regard will help stop the spread of infection among students and staff. The following are some guidelines for some commonly seen childhood illnesses:

• Chicken Pox - The student may return to school no sooner than the 8th day! All lesions must be dry. Prior to the 8th day, the student will be admitted to school only upon written release by the M.D.

• Conjunctivitis - If your child has the symptoms of conjunctivitis, they will be sent home from school. They may return to school with a doctor’s note that they are being treated for the condition after 48 hours, and are no longer contagious.

• Head Lice - Watch for signs of head lice such as frequent head scratching. Anyone can get lice from sharing hats, brushes or combs. If found, check all family members for lice and nits. Treat only those who have lice. Buy a lice product at your dug store. Follow package directions carefully. Wash clothes in hot water and use a hot dryer. Check the head carefully. Regular checking is the best prevention. If you find lice, please notify the school.

• Head Cold/Nasal Congestion - The student should remain at home if he/she is too uncomfortable to complete class work and participate. Such is the case if the student has a persistent or severe cough.

• Fever - A student may return to school when his/her temperature is less than 99 degrees for at least 24 hours, without having taken medication to lower the temperature. If this is not the case, your child should stay home. Do not give “Tylenol” before school, in an attempt to “get through the day”.

• Skin Rash - If your child exhibits a skin rash of undetermined origin, please consult your physician before sending your child to school. A doctor’s note stating that the condition is “not contagious” may be necessary for the student to return to school. Strep Throat: Students may return to school 24-48 hours after the first dose of antibiotic therapy has been started, in accordance with your doctor’s orders. The student must feel well enough to attend school, and must not present with any other symptoms, such as an elevated temperature. Please report occurrence of strep throat infection to the school nurse.

• Vomiting/Diarrhea - If your child is sent home from school due to vomiting or diarrhea, or is “throwing-up” during the night, he/she should not be in school the next day. Students should be free for a full 24 hours and able to hold down food and fluids before returning to school.