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COVID-19 Updates
Please see our website for the latest updates. We continue to follow the CDC recommendations for Covid. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me.
When to Stay Home
Emoji Illness Guide- When should kids stay home from school?
Fever
Any temperature greater than 100 degrees F is considered a fever. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc.) in order to return to school. This applies even if the underlying cause of the fever is non-infectious, such as middle ear infections, etc. Children with a fever do not usually feel well enough to participate in and attend school activities. It is recommended that they are given 24 hours to recover from the fever before returning to school. Please note that a child who exhibits symptoms of illness without a fever may be sent home if the nurse feels this is in the best interest of the child or the child’s classmates (with compromised immune systems).
Colds
Children with an upper respiratory infection without a fever may attend school if they feel well enough to do so. It is helpful in preventing the spread of illness if children learn to use tissues to cover sneezes and coughs and wash hands after contact with the secretions.
Infections
Anytime antibiotics are prescribed for strep throat the student must stay home until he/she has taken the medication for 24 hours.
Any child who has been on antibiotic therapy for 24 hours is no longer considered infectious and may return to school. This includes infections of the eye, nose, and skin. (Exception is pink eye, not all doctors treat this) A doctor or school nurse will decide if an exclusion is necessary to protect others from being infected.
Diarrhea
Children with diarrhea should remain home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours. The only exception is if the diarrhea is the result of a chronic condition, then a note from the doctor is needed indicating that the diarrhea is not infectious.
Vomiting
Vomiting and diarrhea are not considered "normal". Often, children will feel better after vomiting, but will quickly become ill again. Keep them home until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting. As with diarrhea, the only exception is if the vomiting is the result of a chronic condition, then a note from the doctor is needed indicating that the vomiting is not infectious.
Positive COVID test:
Stay home for at least 5 days from the day that symptoms started AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without taking medication AND symptoms are improved. Please continue to update the nurse on positive tests.
Siblings AND household members do not need to quarantine.
Remember, the best prevention measures for you and your loved ones are to wash your hands often, cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow or tissue, wear a cloth face covering, and stay home when you are not feeling well.
Who: Children 3 and 4 years of age
What: Screening in early childhood supports children's readiness for Kindergarten and promotes health and development. Screening includes vision and hearing, height and weight, immunization review, large and small muscles, thinking, language and communication skills as well as social and emotional development. Early Childhood Screening August, 2023
Please call the nurse at (218) 885-1280 Ext. 51154 for an appointment.
Please EMAIL during the summer as phone messages are not checked often: gstimac@isd319.org
Where: Keewatin Elementary School
Immunizations
Immunizations are important to keep your child and those around them healthy at school. Vaccines are recommended throughout childhood. Specifically, there are vaccinations required before Kindergarten and prior to entering the 7th and 12th grades.
If you do not plan to have your child immunized for medical reasons or personal beliefs please submit a notarized conscientious objection form or documentation from your physician indicating medical exemption.
Are Your Kids Ready? Minnesota's Immunization Law
Hearing and Vision Screening
Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all children receive a hearing and vision screening annually from kindergarten through third grade and in grades five, eight, and eleven. If vision or hearing difficulties are detected at screening, you will be notified by the District Nurse. If you have concerns regarding your child's hearing or vision, do not hesitate to contact the nurse.