September 25, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

RE:   HEALTH OFFICE GUIDELINES

As a reminder, please see the important information below regarding school attendance as it pertains to illness, as well as some protocols for students visiting our health offices.  First and foremost, please do not send your child to school if they appear to be sick or are exhibiting ANY of the signs or symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus.   People with COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild signs to severe illness two to fourteen days after exposure to the virus.   Such symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Children who are ill should remain home for their own welfare and for the safety of all students, faculty, and staff.  We are also asking parents to be mindful of the following:

• Should your child report to school with a fever, a parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.  The child will be sent home as soon as possible.
• During the school day, should a child report to the Health Office exhibiting ANY of the signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 virus, a parent/guardian will be contacted, and the child will be sent home.
• In the event that either of the above occurs, the North Merrick School District will require documentation from a medical care provider indicating that the child is healthy and that it is safe for their return to school. 
• If you call your child out sick due to COVID-19 related symptoms, your child may not return to school without medical documentation indicating it is safe to do so.

 Please know that our priority is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff.   You play an integral role in helping us to maintain that environment by keeping your child home when they are sick and seeing your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Our School Nurses are here to support the health and care of our school community.  Should you have any further questions, kindly contact the School Nurse in the building your child attends.  We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to insure the health and safety of all.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Seniuk, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

North Merrick UFSD