Many parents ask, “When is my child sick enough to stay home from school?” A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to other children and staff. We suggest planning for childcare ahead of time so you will not be caught without a comforting place for your child to stay if he or she is ill.

If they are found to be sick while at school, It is the parents responsibility to have a plan for pick up within a reasonable amount of time. Please keep your phone number up to date in the event we need to reach you in an emergency.

Our school policy states that you should not send your child to school if he/she has:

Fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours (condition must be resolved for 24 hours before the student may return)
Chills (especially if accompanied with a fever)
Sore throat
Strep throat (must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
Bad cold, with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night.
Head lice (until your child has been treated according to the nurse or doctor’s instructions)

DO NOT give your child medication to reduce a fever and then send your child to school. It is in the best interest of your child and the others in the class if you follow these guidelines.

Students who need to be excused from physical education class for medical reasons should submit a note from their physician to the nurse’s office.

Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES

Nurse's Nook

Student Illness

Student Medications

Essential Health Documents