Too Sick for School

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We use symptom-based exclusion guidelines to ensure our schools and programs are safe and healthy for all students and staff. If a staff member or student has any of the following symptoms, they should not attend our schools or programs. We’ve also included information below about when a staff member or student can return.

Fever

Cough

Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath

The cough is not caused by a situational stressor such as exercise or the person is unable to catch their breath, is gasping for air, is breathing too fast or too shallow, or is breathing with extra effort such as using muscles of the stomach, chest, or neck.
May return to school when the student's or staff member's symptoms begin improving for 24 hours. Note: This symptom is likely to require immediate medical attention.

Headache With Stiff Neck and Fever

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Skin Rash or Sores

New rash not previously diagnosed by a health care provider or if rash is increasing in size or if new sores or wounds are developing day-to-day or if rash, sores, or wounds are draining and cannot be completely covered with a bandage.
May return to school once the rash is resolved or until sores and wounds are dry or can be completely covered with a bandage or after seen and cleared by a licensed health care provider.

Eye Redness and Drainage

Unexplained redness of one or both eyes or colored drainage from the eyes or eye irritation accompanied by vision changes or symptoms such as eye irritation, pain, redness, swelling or excessive tear production that prevent active participation in usual school activities.
May return to school after symptoms resolve or after seen by a licensed health care provider and indicated therapy has been started. Eye redness alone, with no colored drainage, may be considered for attendance per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and school nurse assessment.

Jaundice

Behavior Change

May include uncharacteristic lethargy, decreased alertness, increased irritability, increased confusion, or a behavior change that prevents active participation in usual school activities.
May return to school after symptoms resolve; return to normal behavior OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider. Note: This symptom can indicate a serious condition. Medical attention is strongly recommended.

Major Health Event or Student Requiring More Care than School Staff Can Safely Provide

May include an illness lasting more than 2 weeks; an emergency room treatment or hospital stay; a surgical procedure with potential to affect vital signs or active participation in school activities; or a new or changed health condition for which school staff is not adequately informed, trained, or licensed to provide care.
May return to school after health and safety are addressed. Medical attention is strongly recommended. Written instructions from a licensed health care provider are likely to be required.

Schools must comply with state and federal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act ensuring free and appropriate public education (FAPE). School staff should follow the appropriate process to address reasonable accommodations and school health service provision in accordance with applicable laws.

View the guidelines in Spanish.

All of our facilities are mask-friendly, and students, families and staff are welcome to wear masks at any time.

Have questions not addressed on this page? Reach out to your child's service coordinator or teacher or email communications@nwresd.k12.or.us. You can also email our nurse Richelle Kaye.