NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
October 2025
GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING SICK CHILDREN HOME:
For students and staff alike we request that children not attend school and seek advice of their PCP (when necessary) with the following symptoms:
fever of 100.4 degrees or higher defined by the CDC
vomiting in the past 24 hours
diarrhea in the past 24 hours
a persistent, uncontrolled cough
has symptoms that prevent them from participating comfortably
in school
***Please let the nurse know if your child is diagnosed or being treated for strep, flu, Covid, or any contagious illness. It helps to track what is in our school community.***
LICE:
Everyone’s least favorite topic. The best defense is to do regular/weekly checks on your child’s head. Please see the attached lice awareness letter.
EXTRA CLOTHES:
Spills and accidents often happen at school. Please pack an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpack so they can change if necessary. Shirt, pants, underwear, socks If students have an extra pair of clothes it will reduce the need to call home for a new outfit if the need arises.
Cool/Fall weather
Consider having your child dress in layers, temperatures are varying significantly.
COUGH DROPS IN SCHOOL: Reminder that Elementary School age children have narrow airways and due to safety concerns around choking EES does not allow, stock or distribute cough drops.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL:
Any medication needed for your child during the school day (over the counter or prescription) needs to be brought in by a parent/guardian. Students are not allowed to transport medications (other than asthma inhalers or epipens). If it’s a prescription medication, paperwork needs to be filled out by the prescribing PCP.
Thank you for all that you do as parents/guardians to encourage healthy habits.
As always please feel free to contact me with any health concerns or questions.
Kasey Callahan BSN, RN, NCSN
Eliot Elementary School
207-439-9004