School Health Guidelines
Information
Sudbury Public Schools follow established protocols for common chronic and acute health issues, including life-threatening allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, head lice, and school screenings.
Massachusetts General Law stipulates that physical exam reports with immunization history are required for entry into school. An updated physical exam report is also required at grades 4 and 7. The nursing staff appreciate your cooperation in providing these required documents in a timely manner at the beginning of these school years.
State mandated school health screenings include vision screening in grades K-5, and once in middle school. Hearing screening occurs in grades K-3, and once in middle school. Postural screening takes place in grades 5-8. Height and weight measurements, with BMI calculation, occurs in grades 1, 4 and 7, with aggregate date sent to Department of Public Health.
Illness guidelines:
The school environment is an excellent medium for the rapid spread of illness. If you know or suspect your child is ill, please keep them home. Fever (over 100.4*), gastrointestinal illness with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, active cold symptoms, coughing that is distracting to the child and others, untreated conjunctivitis or strep throat, and unexplained rash are some reasons to keep your child home. Children can return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications, 24-48 after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea and able to tolerate at least a bland diet after gastrointestinal illness, have taken antibiotics for 24 hours for a bacterial infection (strep throat, conjunctivitis), and are experiencing mild cold and cough symptoms. If you have any questions about when it is appropriate to keep your child home, please feel free to contact your school nurse. Together, we can determine the best action for your child's symptoms.