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  4. When Students Should Stay Home Sick

When Students Should Stay Home Sick

Red Cross in circle (symbol of medical care)

  • When a student is sick, please call or use ParentSquare to contact the school to report the absence. (For calls, use the school’s main telephone line or, at CHS, the attendance line is 245-2679.)
  • If you receive an absence notice in ParentSquare, you can click “Send Note to School,” enter the reason for the absence and click “Submit.”
  • For extended absences, other documentation may be required.

When Should My Child Stay Home Sick?

 

In March 2024, the CDC revised their COVID guidance, and Charlottesville City Schools is adopting new practices that reflect the new CDC guidance. 
 

Your child may go to school with a mild runny nose or cough, but keep your child home when they have:

  • Fever (100.0°F+) within the last 24 hours without taking ibuprofen or  or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Uncontrolled cough or nasal drainage
  • Diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours

 

ThermometerOther reasons to stay home :

  • Red, crusty, or itchy and draining eyes
  • If the student has tested positive or been diagnosed with a respiratory virus such as flu, RSV, COVID, or pertussis (whooping cough)
  • If they have any other untreated contagious disease such as impetigo,  or conjunctivitis.

 

A Note about COVID:

Per the CDC (March 2024), people who have tested positive for COVID do not necessarily need to stay at home for 5 days. If the person has been fever-free (without Tylenol, etc.) and their symptoms are improving, the person can return to school. The CDC encourages people returning to school to wear a mask and wash hands often. As a reminder, the City has improved ventilation practices at all schools.

It’s safe to return to school when...

  • The overall symptoms are improving AND
    • No fever for 24 hours without taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    • No vomiting or diarrhea in last 24 hours
    • Your child can manage respiratory secretions
  • The student is able to maintain concentration and manage in the school building for a whole school day 
     

Returning to school after extended illness or injury


Contact:

Rachel Rasnake
1562 Dairy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 245-2400
rasnakr1@charlottesvilleschools.org