Children with contagious diseases, such as chickenpox, conjunctivitis or strep throat should be kept at home, and the school should be notified. Children with fevers should be kept at home until fever free. Contact the school nurse for specific information on when your child can return to school without taking fever-reducing medication like Tylenol or Advil for 24 hours.

Children who test positive for COVID may return to school five days after the test or the onset of symptoms. They may return earlier with a doctor's note.

It is important to reinforce basic hygiene rules with your child, including the importance of hand washing. Children should also be reminded not to share combs, brushes, clothing, or eating utensils and to cover their cough.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a severe infection that can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal fluid. Symptoms develop and progress rapidly and can lead to death in as little as 24-48 hours. Symptoms may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, sore throat, mental status changes, bloodstream infection and rash.

Meningococcal disease is usually spread through direct contact with nasal or mouth discharge. There are two meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Consult with your physician or health care provider about having your child vaccinated and if your child develops symptoms.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ pubs/downloads/vis-mening.pdf for additional information.