Here are a few guidelines to follow:

A runny nose is the way many children respond to pollen, dust, chalk or simply a change of season. If it isn't the common cold, then it may be an allergy. It is not necessary to keep your child home from school unless they are very uncomfortable. 

A bad cough or cold symptoms can indicate a severe cold, bronchitis, flu or even pneumonia. A run-of-the-mill cold should not be a reason to miss school. But if your child is not acting right, has a fever, has difficulty breathing or is becoming dehydrated, it could be serious. Check with your doctor right away.

Diarrhea and vomiting make children very uncomfortable. If your child has repeated episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by fever, a rash or general weakness, consult a doctor and keep your child out of school until the illness passes. A single episode of diarrhea, or even vomiting, unaccompanied by any other symptoms, may not be reason enough for the child to miss school. Please be sure we know how to reach you, if needed.

Fever is an important symptom; when it occurs along with a sore throat, nausea, listlessness or a rash, your child could be carrying something very contagious. Doctors advise parents to keep children home during the course of a fever and for an additional 24 hours after the fever has passed, without using medication to keep it down.

Strep throat and scarlet fever are two highly contagious conditions caused by a streptococcal (bacterial) infection. They usually start with a sore throat and high fever. Some 12 to 48 hours after the onset of strep throat a fine rough rash may also appear, this rash is a sign of scarlet fever. A child with either strep throat and/or scarlet fever should be kept home and treated with antibiotics, as prescribed by a doctor. After 24 hours of being on an antibiotic and fever free, the child may return to school.

Chicken pox, a viral disease, is not usually life threatening to children but is very uncomfortable and extremely contagious. (Yes, your child can still get chicken pox if they have had the vaccine) If your child has a fever, is itching, and begins to sprout pink or red spots with watery centers on the back, chest and/or face, the chances are good it's chicken pox. Please tell us if your doctor has confirmed it is chicken pox; it's important that schools know this information. Keep your child home for at least a week from the time the rash appeared or longer if there is still fluid in any of the pox.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is highly contagious and uncomfortable, so take heed if your child complains their eye or eyes are burning, itching, the white of their eye is pink/red, and/or has a white, green or yellow discharge. Most cases require treatment. You will need to keep your child home until they have been on medication for at least 24 hours or when your doctor says it's safe  to return.

Ear infections, are uncomfortable but not contagious. Not all ear infections are being treated, if your child is very uncomfortable, unable to sleep or has a fever you should see your physician. Untreated, frequent or prolonged infections  could cause permanent hearing damage. You should follow the 24-hour rule for fever. If your child is still in pain you may want to keep them home, where you can give them medicine to keep them more  comfortable. 

Mites and lice, once brought into a home or school, can quickly produce an epidemic of itching and scratching. Mites are tiny insects that burrow under the skin and can cause scabies. Lice are tiny parasites that thrive on the human scalp. School nurses require that you keep the child home until the initial treatment is completed. Caution your child against sharing anyone else's combs, brushes or clothing, especially hats. You can put items you can not wash, such as pillows, in the dryer for twenty minutes on the highest setting to kill the lice. Vacuum mattresses, furniture, car seats and carpets in general, then throw the vacuum bag away or empty bagless vacuums into a plastic bag and throw away the bag. Stuffed animals should be bagged for up to two weeks. Please notify your school nurse if you have found lice on your child, they are your best friend in helping you to get rid of them.

5th Disease is another viral infection. Cheeks look slapped (red) and a fine, flat lacy rash can appear anywhere on your child's body. Once this rash has appeared the child is no longer contagious. They are contagious up to 5 days before the rash appears. If your child is not feeling sick, or have a fever they can come to school. If they have been around anyone who is in their first trimester of pregnancy that person should be notified and contact their physican.