Guidelines for Deciding to Send Your Child to School

We have provided some basic guidelines for common health problems in school children. Please use this information as a reference when deciding when to keep your child home from school.

• Fever of 100 or more --- Your child must be free of fever for 24 hours before he/she may return to school. Children should not come to school if they would have a fever without medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluid.
• Vomiting or diarrhea--- Your child must be free of all vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before he/she returns to school. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluid.
• Sore throat---Note that strep throat may be present without a fever and may include symptoms of headache and stomachache. Children diagnosed with strep throat must be treated with antibiotics for a full 24 hours and be fever free before returning to school. Replacing your child’s toothbrush after 24 hours of antibiotics will reduce the risk of re-infection.
• Runny nose, cough---If your child has a cough which is frequent and persistent and would interfere with his/her learning, please keep him/her home. Often, a light diet, plenty of fluids and rest will be a help in minimizing the spread of cold viruses at school.

Please remind your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. This helps to reduce the incidences of illness. If you have any questions about when to send your child to school, please contact the nurse at:

Fort River 362-1200

Wildwood 362-1400

Marks Meadow 362-1305

Crocker Farm 362-1600

Pelham 253-3595