Under the Weather: When to Stay Home and When to Return to School

We all know mornings can be tricky when a child wakes up not feeling their best. Is it a stay‑home day, or are they okay to head to school? Here’s a simple guide to help.

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home if they have:

• Fever — 100°F or higher.

• Rash — unexplained, intensely itchy, or possibly contagious.

• Uncontrolled cough — especially if it affects breathing.

• Contagious illness — such as flu, COVID‑19, pink eye, strep throat, staph, or other infections.

• Vomiting or diarrhea — any episodes within the past 24 hours.

When They Can Return

Students can return when they feel well enough to participate in a normal school day and meet the appropriate return guidelines. This may include:

• Being fever‑free for 24 hours without fever‑reducing medication.

• Being free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without medication.

• Being cleared by a doctor when needed.

For contagious illnesses or rashes, a doctor’s note is required for clearance.

A Quick Reminder

Absences of three days or longer require a doctor’s note to be excused. A visit report does not count as a doctor’s note.