We have seen an increase in student illness and absences across our schools, and we want to ensure our community stays as healthy as possible. As we navigate the peak of cold and flu season, please keep the following guidelines in mind when determining if your child is well enough to attend school:

When to Keep Your Child Home

• Fever: If your child has a fever (100.4°F or higher), they must stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep them home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

• Severe Symptoms: If your child is too sick to participate in daily activities, they should rest and recover at home.

When They Can Attend

• Mild cold symptoms (runny nose or light cough) without fever.

• Eye drainage without fever, pain, or redness.

• Mild stomach ache or rash with no other concerning symptoms.

For more detailed guidance, please refer to our When to Keep Your Child Home Chart.

Accurate Attendance Reporting

When reporting absences, please provide specific details about your child’s illness so we can accurately track illness trends and keep our community informed. We also encourage families to plan vacations during scheduled breaks to minimize disruptions to learning. Additionally, please consider reserving day trips for weekends to ensure consistent school attendance. We understand how challenging it can be to be away from work, and the same holds true for students—consistent attendance is crucial for their success.

Healthy Habits for a Stronger Immune System

Encourage your child to get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and stay active to support their overall well-being.

Our Health Services team works closely with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) to monitor illnesses and stay current on health guidelines, ensuring the best care and protocols for our students.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe and healthy! If you have any questions, please reach out to your school office.