District Health Office

CONTACT

HEALTHY KIDS LEARN BETTER!
School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential.  National Association of School Nurses 2017

IF YOUR CHILD EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19:

WCSD follows the NYSDOH and CDC guidance for return to school after students or staff members exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 that are new or unusual for them: fever, loss of taste or smell, persistent cough or headaches, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please keep them home. They should return to school when they meet the all of the following criteria:

1. test negative for COVID-19
2. exhibit significant improvement of symptoms
3. are fever-free for at least 24 hrs without fever-reducing medication

Call your school's main office if you need home test kits. Consult with your school nurse if you have any questions.

IF YOUR CHILD TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19:
1. Notify the school nurse immediately
2. Isolate your child at home for a minimum of 5 days after symptom onset (or positive test date if asymptomatic)
3. Your child may return to school on day 6-10* of isolation if

a.  Remains fever-free for at least 24 hrs without fever-reducing medication
b.  Symptoms are significantly improved or resolved
c.  Able to wear a well-fitting mask over the mouth and nose through day 10

*Day "zero" is the day your child started symptoms (or tested positive if asymptomatic).

IF YOUR CHILD IS EXPOSED TO COVID-19
The NYSDOH and CDC recommend that your child:

1. Wear a well fitting mask over the mouth and nose indoors and on the bus for 10 days following exposure
2. Test for COVID-19 five days after the date of exposure or sooner if symptoms develop

Please notify your school nurse immediately if your child tests positive.

Thank you for following these CDC and NYSDOH School guidelines so we can keep our schools healthy!

For questions or concerns regarding your child's immunizations, health appraisals, health concerns and medications in school, please contact your child's building nurse directly. Go to your child's school on the district website and pick the Nurse's Office icon.