When To Stay Home
Decision Tree
Deciding when a child can go to school can be a difficult decision for parents to make especially during our current times. When trying to decide, use the guidelines below and seek the advice of your health care provider.
If your child has any of the above symptoms, please visit Department of Health COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree for more information regarding when to keep your child home.
Stay at home
We encourage you to seek medical advice if you have any doubts about sending your student to school. If you student begins to show any of the signs of illnesses above, it will be necessary for your to pick up your student. Please keep all emergency information up to date. Please contact your school nurse if you have other questions or concerns.
If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep your child at home or make appropriate child care arrangements.
CHICKENPOX (Varicella)
Chickenpox blisters appear in crops and are infectious until ALL blisters are dried and crusted over (usually 5-6 days after start of rash). Only then can children return to school.
EARS
Drainage from the ear and/or ear pain should be evaluated by your health care provider. Untreated ear infections can cause temporary and/or permanent hearing loss.
EYES
Thick mucus, pus, or clear liquid draining from the eye may be contagious. One or both eyes may also appear extremely red and feel irritated, itchy, or painful. The eyelid may be swollen and the eye may be sensitive to light. Return to school when drainage and symptoms have cleared.
FRACTURES OR SURGERY
Notify the school nurse for evaluation of any modifications to physical activity, length of day, mobility or transportation needs. You may be asked to provide written information from your health care provider regarding limitations and special needs.
LICE
Students may return to school after they have been treated for lice. (See head lice page for more details.)
RASH
Any skin rash of unknown cause is considered contagious, especially with fever and itching. To return to school the rash must be gone, or you must present a medical excuse stating that the rash is not contagious.