In an effort to minimize the spread of contagious diseases, The Haverhill School Health Services has developed the following policy to determine if your child needs to be sent home or go to school. Students should not miss school unnecessarily, but other students and staff should be protected from contagious disease. Haverhill Public School policy states that a student is to be sent home under the following conditions:
- A fever or 100.5° or greater
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea with 2 or more episodes within the previous 24 hours or during the school day
- Rash of unknown origin (Must be evaluated by doctor with note to return)
- Live head lice (Must be treated at home and then re-checked by school nurse with parent/guardian present to return to school.)
- Irritability, lethargy, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, or other signs of severe illness.
Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Please try to eat something nutritious before school. This will help you focus and stay awake. Also, remember to bring a water bottle to school so you can drink plenty of water throughout the day!
When sick rest at home. If possible, stay home; avoid school and errands when you are sick. It will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid contact with people who are sick. You can find out more about good health habits at this CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
Things to Do to Help Prevent Illness
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If there is no tissue handy, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve instead of your hand.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing. In the absence of soap and water, use a hand sanitizer alcohol base.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect common surfaces contact at home, at work or at school, especially when someone is sick.