Illness
Extra rest and attention early will often shorten an illness and cut down the spread of germs at school. Sending a child who is not in optimal health to school, not only endangers the health of all others, but also increases their susceptibility to other illnesses to which they're exposed. Please refer to the exclusion reference chart for guidelines to define when your child is too sick for school. If you’re still not sure, please email (or call) me.
If your child has a contagious infection/disease (i.e. chicken pox, fifth disease, strep throat, conjunctivitis, impetigo, influenza, MRSA, measles, pertussis, coronavirus COVID-19, etc.), please contact the school nurse so the necessary steps can be taken to prevent an outbreak. No student may attend school if they, or a member of their household, is ill with or has been exposed to contagions, such as smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever, whooping cough, yellow fever, typhus fever, cholera, measles, or such other contagious or infectious disease. Please contact your physician, school nurse, or local health department for further guidance.
EXCLUSION FOR COVID-19: Parents should not send students to school when sick, and symptomatic staff should not come to work.
COVID-19 Exposure
COVID -19 Illness
During periods of low community transmission (green), students and staff with COVID-19
compatible symptoms who are not tested and do not have a known COVID-19 exposure may follow the
NJDOH School Exclusion List to determine when they may return to school.
CDC recommends an isolation period of at least 10 and up to 20 days for people who were severely ill
with COVID-19 and for people with weakened immune systems. Individuals should contact their HCP to determine when they can be around others.
If you have questions, or would like another set of eyes or ears to assess your child, please do not hesitate to call or email your school nurse. We are happy to help you, your family, and your child.
Extra rest and attention early will often shorten an illness and cut down the spread of germs at school. Sending a child who is not in optimal health to school, not only endangers the health of all others, but also increases their susceptibility to other illnesses to which they're exposed. Please refer to the exclusion reference chart for guidelines to define when your child is too sick for school. If you’re still not sure, please email (or call) me.
If your child has a contagious infection/disease (i.e. chicken pox, fifth disease, strep throat, conjunctivitis, impetigo, influenza, MRSA, measles, pertussis, coronavirus COVID-19, etc.), please contact the school nurse so the necessary steps can be taken to prevent an outbreak. No student may attend school if they, or a member of their household, is ill with or has been exposed to contagions, such as smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever, whooping cough, yellow fever, typhus fever, cholera, measles, or such other contagious or infectious disease. Please contact your physician, school nurse, or local health department for further guidance.
EXCLUSION FOR COVID-19: Parents should not send students to school when sick, and symptomatic staff should not come to work.
COVID-19 Exposure
- If an individual is exposed to COVID -19, he or she can attend school after the exposure. It is recommended the exposed individual be tested on Day 5.
- If an individual is exposed to COVID-19 and symptoms develop, please stay home until COVID- 19 test results are received. Two negative tests (home or lab) taken 48 hours apart will be required to return when a known exposure and symptoms exist, or staying home for 5 days after symptoms develop.
COVID -19 Illness
- In accordance with CDC guidance, regardless of vaccination status, COVID-19 positive individuals should isolate from others.
- If you test positive, stay home for at least 5 days from the day symptoms began. First day of symptoms is day 0. May return to school on day 6 with masking through day 10.
- If exposed and symptomatic and your test results are both negative, you may return to school when fever free without medication for 24 hours and symptoms resolve.
- COVID LIKE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: Fever (measure or subjective), chills, rigors (shivers), myalgia (muscle aches), headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion or runny nose; OR new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new olfactory disorder, new taste disorder.
During periods of low community transmission (green), students and staff with COVID-19
compatible symptoms who are not tested and do not have a known COVID-19 exposure may follow the
NJDOH School Exclusion List to determine when they may return to school.
CDC recommends an isolation period of at least 10 and up to 20 days for people who were severely ill
with COVID-19 and for people with weakened immune systems. Individuals should contact their HCP to determine when they can be around others.
If you have questions, or would like another set of eyes or ears to assess your child, please do not hesitate to call or email your school nurse. We are happy to help you, your family, and your child.
STREP THROAT
Injury
If your child is returning to school with an injury, please obtain a doctor's note for the absence. CRUTCHES: A physician's note is required for the student who needs crutches. The note must clearly state that the student is allowed to use crutches in school and/or on the bus. CASTS, SLINGS & SPLINTS: A physician's note is needed. It must state the nature of the injury, any limitations or restrictions and the dates the student is excused from physical education and recess, and when they may return to full activity.
If your child is returning to school with an injury, please obtain a doctor's note for the absence. CRUTCHES: A physician's note is required for the student who needs crutches. The note must clearly state that the student is allowed to use crutches in school and/or on the bus. CASTS, SLINGS & SPLINTS: A physician's note is needed. It must state the nature of the injury, any limitations or restrictions and the dates the student is excused from physical education and recess, and when they may return to full activity.
Please click here for additional guidelines regarding exclusion for specific infections / conditions outlined by the NJ Department of Health or reference
N.J.S.A. 18A:40-10 – Exclusion of Teachers and Pupils Exposed to Disease.