Communicable Illness Policy
In an effort to keep all of our students (and staff) healthy, we ask that you please read and follow our communicable illness/condition policy below.
During the school year, communicable illnesses and/or conditions such as strep throat, seasonal flu (influenza), fifth disease, stomach viruses, as well as, pediculosis (head lice) may be prevalent. In order to reduce the spread of these illnesses or conditions in school, we are asking that you please observe your child carefully and frequently for any signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms for many of these illnesses/conditions are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea and itchy scalp.
If your child displays any of these signs and symptoms, please keep him or her home from school. By doing this, you may prevent your child from having a difficult time with the illness during the school day and it will prevent transmitting the illness to other children and staff. Please be aware that students must be fever free (without fever reducing medications) and/or no vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
A frequent examination of your child's scalp is advised because unknown exposure to head lice, both in and out of school, may occur at any time. After being treated for head lice, your child must be checked by the school nurse before re-entering school.
All students returning to school after having a communicable illness must present a note from their health care provider stating the nature of the illness. They may not return to school without a certificate as prescribed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The following illnesses must have a doctor's note in order to return to school:
Strep Infection Fifth Disease Impetigo Scarlet Fever Mononucleosis Mumps Measles German measles
Whooping Cough Encephalitis Chicken Pox
If a child has other communicable illnesses such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and influenza (flu), please inform and consult with the school nurse relative to the child's return to school.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your school nurse.
Thank you for your help in keeping all of our students (and staff) happy and healthy this school year!