Health Office Procedures
We know that when children are healthy, they are better able to learn. We also support parents' efforts for children to have good attendance in school. However, there are some occasions when children need to stay home. The following guidelines are designed to protect the health of all students.
When your child is ill…
If your child is going to be absent please call the GRMS attendance office at 201-445-7700, ext. 8931. If your child arrives at school sick or your child becomes sick while at school, you will be contacted to take the child home. It is up to the school nurse to determine whether a child is ill, even in the absence of fever. Please remember to update your contact information through the Guidance Dept. at 201-445-7700, ext. 8919.
The 24-hour Rule
If your child is exhibiting any of the following signs of illness, s/he must remain away from school for a full 24 hours:
Fever: a temperature of 100 degrees or greater; 24-hour period begins after last dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Vomiting: 24-hour period begins after last episode
Diarrhea: 24-hour period begins after last episode
If your child has been diagnosed with the following, s/he may return to school 24 hours after beginning prescribed medication:
Strep Throat
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Mandatory reporting of illness
In order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, parents are required to notify the school nurse if their child contracts any of the following:
Chickenpox |
Hepatitis |
Pertussis |
Pinworms |
Conjunctivitis |
Impetigo |
Mononucleosis |
Rash |
Coxsackie Virus |
Influenza |
Mumps |
Ring Worm |
Encephalitis |
Measles |
Molluscum contagiosum |
Scabies |
Fifths Disease |
Meningitis |
Pediculosis (head lice) |
Staphylococcal or Streptococcal infections
|
German Measles |
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus) |
Pneumonia |
Tuberculosis |
In the case of Chicken Pox, children must remain at home until all pox are scabbed and dry and no new pox appear. Before the child can re-enter school, s/he must have clearance from the school nurse as well as a note from the medical provider.
If your child is seen by a medical provider or in the emergency room, please submit paperwork from that provider to the Health Office.