REMINDER TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Please do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the following:

*Diarrhea or Vomiting                                           *A suspected contagious disease

*Temperature over 100⁰ degrees                          *Cold or flu that prevents child from participating in class

Common Colds and Flu

A runny nose, watery eyes, cough and a light fever are the usual symptoms of the common cold and flu.  This is the most common illness seen in school.

• Encourage fluids.
•  Encourage to cough into elbow, upper sleeve, or a tissue and discard properly.
• Medication as suggested by your doctor.
• Promote rest.
• Wash hands frequently and regularly, or use hand sanitizers when water is not available.
• Keep your child home from school until fever-free for at least 24 hours (no longer having a fever greater than100⁰ without use of fever-reducing medications).

Notify Doctor if symptoms last longer than 1-2 days.

Vomiting/Diarrhea

Vomiting usually lasts 12-24 hours.  Diarrhea is frequent watery stools and may occur after eating.  It may also be associated with stomach cramps.

• Rest the stomach by giving nothing to eat or drink until the vomiting has stopped.  When the vomiting has stopped you may give small amounts/sips of clear liquids such as popsicles, Jello, or Kool- Aid.
• If your child has diarrhea only, encourage child to drink clear liquids.  Avoid milk products, citrus juices, and spicy or fried foods.
• Gradually increase solid foods such as crackers, pretzels, rice or toast.

Notify your doctor if vomiting/diarrhea continues, severe stomach pain or fever.

Pink Eye

Pink eye is a contagious eye infection.  The white part of the eye turns red and there is mucus and pus that collects in the corner of the eye, especially in the morning.

• Consult with your doctor.
• Wash hand frequently, especially after touching the eye.
• Keep wash cloths separate and wash in hot water.
• Use cool compresses over the eye to ease discomfort.

Your child may return after seen by your doctor and has been under treatment for 24 hour and brings a medical excuse from your Doctor.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection that leads to the formation of scabby-yellow-crusted sores and sometimes small blisters filled with yellow fluid.  Wash hands frequently.

Your child may return to school once treated for 24 hours.  Please bring a medical excuse from your Doctor.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin-round area, circular and has a raised edge.  Antifungal creams usually cure them. 

Your child may return to school once treated for 24 hours.  Please bring a medical excuse from your Doctor.

Lice

Lice are highly contagious insects that can infest hair on the body.  Lice are transmitted from person to person by direct contact through personal items such as combs, towels, and hats. 

It is hard to se Lice, but you can recognize these signs:

• Persistent itching of the scalp.
• Small silvery eggs (nits) that attach to the hair usually behind the head or ears.

Treatment includes:

• Use of special shampoo available at drugstores; follow directions on the label.
• Wash all towels and bed linens in hot soapy water; clothing may be washed or dry cleaned.
• Use special spray on upholstered furniture.
• Check all family members.
• The child may NOT ride the school bus until they are checked by the nurse at the school to ensure the lice/nits are gone.

Your child may return to school via car after treatment and all nits are removed.

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious itchy skin condition caused by an infestation of the itch mite.  These mites are not visible to the naked eye.  Its spread to others typically involves close physical contact.  Scabies produces a rash (small red bumps) and tunnels (burrows) in the affected skin.  The symptoms include severe itching especially at night.  The treatment involves applying prescription creams or lotions to the skin.  The mite only survives 1-2 days off of the human body, but some may want to treat bedding/clothing.

Your child may return to school after seen by your Doctor and has been treated.  Please bring a medical excuse from your Doctor.