It is important that a child attend school every day. Children who arrive late or miss even one day of school miss valuable instruction time and can easily fall behind with their school work. They also miss important socialization time and fun activities with their peers. However, there are times when a child is too ill to attend school. Staying home and resting enables the body to combat illness more quickly.

If your child is coming down with a communicable disease, staying home may prevent infecting the rest of the school population. Parents/guardians frequently have questions about when it is appropriate to keep their child home from school. Here are some guidelines to help you with that decision:

• If your child has had a temperature of 100.0 degrees or higher within the last 24 hours.
• If your child has had diarrhea or vomited within the past 24 hours.
• If your child has been put on an antibiotic for a communicable illness, they must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.
• If your child has an undiagnosed rash, please check with your physician before sending your child to school. A note from the doctor is requested.
• If your child feels ill enough that he/she would not be able to benefit from school.
• If having your child at school would significantly put others at risk for contracting your child’s illness.

In an attempt to prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff, we ask that if your child isn’t feeling well in the morning that you keep them home until you determine if they can safely attend school. If by mid-morning or afternoon they are feeling better and meet the guidelines above, please bring them back to school. 

Recess:
If your child is well enough to come to school, he or she must be well enough to go outdoors. Children in grades K-6 go outside daily when the temperature is zero degrees or warmer, including the wind chill. Please be sure they are dressed for the weather.

What if my child is sick before school starts: If your child is going to miss school, you must call the school’s office and let them know your child will be absent. Please report communicable health conditions to the office or to the school nurse. 

What if my child gets sick during the school day: Students who become ill during the school day are to check in with the health office before calling parents to go home. If your child calls you from school requesting to come home because they are ill, please tell them to check in with the health office. We will call you if it is necessary for your child to go home. School staff must speak with a parent/guardian or other emergency contact person before they can excuse a student from school. For the safety of your child and the rest of the school, students who have an oral temperature of 100 degrees higher are required to go home. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to transport the child home. 

Please contact the the school if your phone numbers change. We want to be able to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency.