Parents and Guardians,
Influenza, “the flu”, has now hit northeast Kansas along with an increase in county cases of COVID-19. As a community we would like to see as little cases as possible, but those that happen to get sick we want to receive quick and effective care.
Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. If you are unsure about a member in your household having a “common cold”, “flu symptoms”, or “COVID symptoms” we urge you to visit your local clinic and be tested.
If your child is ill and will be missing school, please remember the following:
Call the school before 9am each day the child is absent due to non-COVID reasons.
Request homework to be collected for your student. If requested, this is usually ready for pickup after 3pm in the front office.
Any over the counter or prescription medications to help your child through the day must be accompanied by a signed doctor’s note in order for staff to administer the medication. Any cough drops need to be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian.
Per USD 415 policy, a fever is considered 100.0℉.
Current guidelines for Influenza and COVID-19:
USD 415 will follow recommendations of our local physicians and health department. Current recommendations for those diagnosed with Influenza are that students must be fever free, without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, Ibuprofen) for 24 hours before returning to school.
Current recommendations for those diagnosed positive for COVID-19 are that students may return on day 6 after the start of symptoms or fever free, without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, Ibuprofen) for 24 hours, whichever is longer. A mask must be worn for days 6-10. Students may be sent home if habitually noncompliant with correct mask wearing (well fitted, covering the nose and mouth).
Current recommendations for those considered a close contact of a positive COVID-19 person are that students may return to school on day 6 if no symptoms are present. A mask must be worn for days 6-10. Students may be sent home if habitually noncompliant with correct mask wearing (well fitted, covering the nose and mouth).
Current recommendations for those considered a household contact are that students must remain at home during the 5 day isolation period of the positive person. The student would then start their 1st day of quarantine after that 5 day positive period. Students may return to school on day 6 of their quarantine (day 11 in total) if no symptoms are present. This is an overall decrease in days from 20 to 10. A mask must be worn for days 6-10 (11-15 in total) once returned to school. Students may be sent home if habitually noncompliant with correct mask wearing (well fitted, covering the nose and mouth).
*Parents that feel their student will not be able to wear a mask correctly, or prefer that they don’t wear a mask, may keep their student home for the full 10 day quarantine period instead of returning to school on day 6.*
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our schools healthy and safe.