Illnesses

Sick children belong at home. Well children belong in school. Unnecessary absences from school may have an ill effect on a student's attitude, work habits, and progress.

Colds: Mild but otherwise feeling well may go to school. Heavy, deep or hacking cough belongs at home in bed even without a fever.

Sore Throat: Without other symptoms - may go to school. White spots at the back of the throat or a fever with the sore throat - stay home, see a DOCTOR.

Diarrhea: KEEP HOME.

Stomachache: If persistent or severe enough to limit activities - stay home, see a DOCTOR.

Vomiting: KEEP HOME UNTIL YOUR CHILD CAN KEEP FOOD DOWN.

Pain: TOOTHACHE - stay at home, see DENTIST.

EARACHE - If severe or draining - stay at home, see a DOCTOR.

HEADACHE - If this is the only complaint, child usually don't need to stay home.

If your child has been exposed to a contagious disease, please watch him/her and notify the school nurse. The parents should inform the school nurse if the child has had or been exposed to any contagious disease.

Fever - This is a warning sign that something is not right with the body. A child with a temperature over 100 degrees should be kept at home. The child may return to school after he/she is fever free for 24 hrs.

Rash - A rash may be the first sign of the childhood's many illnesses, such as measles or chickenpox. A rash or "spots" may cover the entire body or may apear in only one area. Do not send a child to school with a rash unless a doctor has said it is ok.