With any illness, the bottom line is keep your child home from school if he or she is sick.
Illness Policies
The health team closely monitors current conditions and utilizes multiple data sources and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) metrics to determine when the Air Quality Index (AQI) necessitates moving our outdoor activities inside.
Chickenpox (varicella) is an itchy rash caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days that someone is sick. That period usually begins about 1 to 2 days before the rash appears. The contagious period is not over until all of the blisters have scabbed over. If you suspect your child has chickenpox, please keep him/her at home
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Please review this policy if you are unsure whether you or your child may come to school.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with vesicles (blisters).
From time to time head lice make their unwelcome appearance at school. If you find head lice on your child, please notify the school nurse.
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a contagious disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is most frequently found in teenagers and young adults, but anyone can get it.
Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. You may return to school once you are fever, diarrhea, and vomiting free for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of medication, no longer have a severe cough, and are able to participate in normal activities.
Norovirus is a common yet highly contagious virus that causes viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. Stay home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Conjunctivitis is a common infection affecting one or both eyes that causes the white of the eye to appear pink or red. It can be caused by allergens, foreign objects, bacterial or viral infections. Students must see a health care provider if viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially in infants and older adults, and is a common cause of hospitalization in infants in the first 12 months after birth.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that sometimes develops in people with strep throat. It is most common in children 5 – 15 years of age. It is treated with antibiotics, if left untreated it can cause serious conditions affecting the heart and kidneys.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue; years later it may reactivate as shingles. Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles can be spread to a person who has never had chickenpox, that person will develop chickenpox not shingles.
Streptococcal sore throat (pharyngitis) is an acute bacterial infection, most common in children between the ages of 5 – 15, although anyone can get it.