Skip To Main Content

Injury, Illness & Communicable Diseases

At ISD 728, the health and safety of our students is a shared responsibility between families, healthcare providers, and school staff. This page provides important information to help families know when to contact the health office and how to support a safe and healthy school environment.

Injury & Illness Care at School

During the school day, Health Services staff provide first aid care for student injuries and illness. This includes:

  • Assessing and treating minor injuries and illness episodes

  • Providing rest, ice, or basic wound care

  • Monitoring symptoms of illness and injuries

  • Communicating with parents or guardians when necessary, including follow-up recommendations or need for evaluation

When a student becomes significantly ill or injured at school, Health Services will:

  • Attempt to contact the parent/guardian listed as the primary emergency contact first.

  • If no answer, staff will attempt to contact other individuals listed on the student’s emergency contact list in order of priority.

  • If no response is received and the student’s condition warrants urgent care or emergency attention, Health Services may seek assistance from the school resource officer or emergency medical services (911).

Restrictions from Physical Activity or Recess

If a student needs to refrain from physical education, recess, or other physical activity, a healthcare provider’s note is required within two (2) school days. This note must include:

  • The reason for the restriction

  • Duration of restriction

  • Re-entry date or required follow-up

Students will not be excused from physical activity for more than two days without documentation from a healthcare provider.

Use of Medical Equipment at School

If your child sustains an injury that impacts their school day, please review the following guidelines:

  • If your child needs to use medical equipment such as crutches, a wheelchair, orthopedic boots, slings, or braces, a healthcare provider’s note is required, and all equipment must be provided from home.

  • ISD 728 Health Services does not supply or loan medical equipment. It is the family’s sole responsibility to ensure appropriate equipment is brought to school in safe, working condition.

  • A healthcare provider’s note is required if your child needs to refrain from physical activity or recess for more than two (2) school days. This note should include the reason for the restriction, duration, and re-entry date.

When Should My Child Stay Home?

ISD 728 follows guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding illness prevention and school attendance. Students should stay home when they are ill and could spread illness to others. On average, students are expected to have 5–7 sick days per school year.

Please keep your child home if they have any of the following:

  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher

  • Vomiting, more than twice in the preceding 24 hours.

  • Diarrhea, especially if bloody or causing accidents

  • Cough, fatigue, or congestion that is worsening or unexplained

  • Draining skin sores that cannot be covered

  • General discomfort or fatigue that prevents them from fully participating in learning activities

Return to School Guidelines

Students may return to school when the following conditions are met:

  • They are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication

  • Fever with rash has been evaluated and resolved by a healthcare provider

  • Vomiting has resolved overnight, and the child is able to eat and drink normally

  • Diarrhea has improved, with no more than two bowel movements above the child’s normal frequency for 24 hours

  • Respiratory symptoms (such as cough or congestion) have been improving for at least 24 hours

  • Skin sores are crusted over and under appropriate treatment

Communicable Disease Notification

Please inform the school health office if your child is diagnosed with a contagious condition, including but not limited to:

  • Chickenpox

  • Strep throat

  • Whooping cough (pertussis)

To improve transparency and family communication, ISD 728 will notify families of a communicable disease in a student’s classroom only when a threshold is met according to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and CDC guidelines.

Common Illnesses & School Attendance

Condition Symptoms Exclusion from School Return to School
Chickenpox Red bumps → blisters, fever possible Yes After all blisters have dried/scabbed (about 6 days)
COVID-19 Fever, cough, fatigue, congestion, loss of taste/smell If fever present When fever is resolved; follow MDH guidelines
Fifth Disease Rash on cheeks, arms, legs, low fever Only with fever Once fever resolves
Hand, Foot & Mouth Blisters on hands, feet, mouth; low fever Yes When fever is gone and child feels well enough
Head Lice Itching, live lice or eggs (nits) No After treatment; avoid head-to-head contact
Influenza-like Illness Cough, sore throat, fever ≥100°F Yes 24 hours fever-free without meds and feeling well
Impetigo Sores with golden crust Yes After 24 hours of treatment and sores are drying
Pink Eye Red, itchy, draining eyes Only if fever/unwell When able to participate in school
Ringworm Ring-shaped rash on skin Yes (if lesions can't be covered) Until treatment has started
Scabies Intense itching, pink bumps, blisters Yes After 24 hours of treatment
Strep Throat / Scarlet Fever Sore throat, fever, swollen glands Yes After 12 hours on antibiotics & fever-free for 24 hours
Whooping Cough Persistent cough, whooping sound Yes After 5 days of antibiotics or 3 weeks after symptom onset

 

 

Respiratory Illness Guidance

If your child shows signs of a respiratory virus, such as:

  • Fever or chills

  • Fatigue

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Headache

They should stay home and away from others until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours. Consider masking upon return to reduce the spread of illness.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about your child’s illness, injury, or when they should return to school, please contact your school nurse or your family physician.

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy and safe school environment for all students!