When to Keep Your Child Home

The following are some common reasons for school dismissal. A student may be kept home or sent home for the following reasons as well other health-related issues determined by school health services staff.

FEVER: A student should be kept/ sent home for a fever of 100 degrees or higher. A student must be fever free for 24 hours without fever medication in order to return to school.

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: A student should be kept/ sent home from school when present. The student may return to school when symptom-free for 24 hours (no vomiting or diarrhea)

RASHES: A student should be kept/ sent home if a rash of unknown origin is present. The student may return once seen by a medical provider, cleared for return and prescribed treatment has been started. A doctor’s note may be required.

SKIN INFECTIONS (MRSA):  A student should be kept/ sent home for open or excessively draining sores/ boils especially when they cannot be covered. The student may return once seen by a medical provider, cleared for return and prescribed treatment has been started. A doctor’s note may be required.

PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE): A student should be kept/ sent home if live lice (bugs) are found. The student will be able to return once appropriate treatment has been received. The student must report to school health services staff for head check prior to returning to class.

SORE THROAT: A student should be kept/ sent home for a persistent sore throat and see a medical provider if worsening, no improvement or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pain with swallowing, etc. If diagnosed with strep throat a student may return when fever free and on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.