Student Health
School nursing is a healthcare specialty requiring specific expertise in nursing, public health, and education. Our school nurses are licensed, registered nurses educated to address the wide range of health topics that impact students at school. They are a pivotal role that bridges health care and education so students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
COVID Guidance
Iowa Department of Public Health and Human Services has modified the COVID-19 isolation recommendations. The decision was made to move to a symptom-based approach to isolation that is consistent with other viral respiratory infection recommendations. This change provides a unified criteria based on individuals with respiratory symptoms, regardless of the underlying virus. The recommendation for those with respiratory symptoms is to not attend school until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication AND respiratory symptoms are mild and improving.
Summary: COVID no longer requires an isolation period from days 0-5. Stay home if you are ill: a fever of 100.4 or greater, persistent cough, labored or painful breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours. Fever-free for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication and if symptoms are mild and improving.
Guidelines For Keeping Students Home From School
Students should remain home when sick or may be sent home from school if signs of illness are present. Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the entire day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent. To report a student absence, use the Absence Reporting Form through Infinite Campus, or contact your student’s school directly.
Illness at School
Students with the following symptoms may be sent home:
- Fever 100.4
- Headache
- Muscle and body aches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
When can my student return to school?
For most illnesses, students may return to school after 24 hours with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) and symptoms improving. Please see the COVID information above for return information after testing positive.
If a Student Becomes Ill at School
If a student becomes ill while at school, the student must see the nurse for assessment. The nurse records attendance for those who leave the building for illness during the school day. If a student does not go through the nurse, the absence will not be excused. Please make sure your phone number and contact information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus so that we may reach you about your student.
Health Forms
The health history form is now available within your online registration verification. To get other forms such as dental of vision, visit our Forms and Fees page.
Sports Physical
All athletes must register for the upcoming school year and upload or turn in a current physical to the Activities Office before the student is authorized to participate in practice/tryouts. To ensure clearance for participation, physicals should be completed and uploaded or turned in to the Activities Office not later than three (3) school days prior to the first day of practice/tryouts.
Medication at School
Board Policy 507.2 details the requirement at school for administration of medication to students.
Contact:
