Preventing Illness

Keeping our children and families healthy, productive, and ready to learn is a lofty goal. Illnesses such as strep throat, colds, stomach bugs, and flu are common but can negatively impact a child’s well-being and capacity to be productive in the classroom. Fortunately, there are a few simple measures we can take to keep our children healthy and minimize the spread of disease.

Family Measures

• The primary and most effective way to prevent the spread of disease is to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently.
• Keep your child home if they are sick. Illness spread quickly in the classroom, so staying home
  when your child is sick with minimize the spread of germs. Teachers can accommodate missed
  school work when students are ill.
• Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Additionally, teach
  them to not eat or drink after others.
• Discuss with your pediatrician recommendations regarding the flu vaccine. The best way to prevent
  the flu is to receive the flu vaccine.
• Get plenty of sleep. Studies show that people who are sleep deprived and far more susceptible to
  getting sick.
• Enjoy a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and get exercise. You will feel stronger, happier, and
  stay healthier.

School Measures

• Notify the St. Cecilia Clinic if your child will be absent.
• If a student is absent, they must come to the Clinic to get an “Admit to Class” slip. This allows us
  to check that they are fever free for 24 hours and no longer contagious prior to rematriculation.
• If your child has a contagious illness, they need a doctor’s note prior to returning to school.
• If your child has missed 3 days of school due to an illness, they need a doctor’s note to return to
  school.
• A child with fever at 100 degrees or higher must be fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or
  Motrin before returning to class.
• A child with a contagious illness treated with antibiotics must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours
  before returning to school.
• A child with an undiagnosed rash will be sent home and must have a doctor’s note in order to return to class.
• A child must be vomit free for 24 hours prior to returning to school.