Dear Parent /Guardian:
Across the district, we are beginning to see increases in student absences. As cold and flu season begins, along with cases of COVID-19 still circulating, we wanted to share some reminders around healthy prevention practices and when staying home is necessary and/or recommended.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other illness, practice good hygiene habits and review them with your child(ren):
- Wash your hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer when soap/water are not available)
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably use a tissue, if one is not available- cough/sneeze into your elbow. Be sure to throw away used tissues right away, and then wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When symptoms align with COVID-19 or influenza, testing is highly recommended! If you need help locating a COVID19 test for your student(s), your school nurse will be happy to assist you. The district’s COVID-19 safety plan can be found here.
Please consult your medical provider, and consider flu and/or COVID-19 immunizations for yourself and your family as another tool to help keep our schools healthy.
If your child has a fever, or is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, they must stay home for the duration of the symptom, and 24 hours after resolution. The presence of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, general malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches, or the presence of a wet/croupy cough, are all reasons to stay home from school, and if concerning, contacting your medical provider.
You may consider keeping your child at home for rest and observation even when mild illness is present, such as a very stuffy or runny nose, cough, mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep), headache, or mild stomach ache. When a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it may be wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring them to school.
A child who has started antibiotics needs to be taking medication for 24 hours before being considered non-contagious and able to return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible.
Sincerely,
Emily Hanlon, EdD Coordinator for District Health Servicesehanlon@sd308.org630-636-4362
Original source can be found here.
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