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We hope that everyone had a fun and relaxing December break. While we are not looking forward to the end of the holiday season, we are so excited to welcome your student back into our school buildings. The halls are just not the same without the sound of your kids laughing and having fun! In an effort to keep all students and staff healthy when they return to the school buildings, please take a look below for some health reminders. 

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea. Currently, Norovirus is quickly spreading throughout Massachusetts and it's important to know how to keep you and your family healthy. Hand sanitizer does not kill Norovirus. You must wash your hands with soap and warm water. Please click the following links for more information

• Protocol for Staff Testing Positive for COVID/Flu or With Symptoms of a Respiratory Virus

  If you test positive for COVID-19/Flu, or have symptoms of a respiratory virus, you may return to work or school if you are:

  • Fever free for 24hrs without the use of fever-reducing medications.

  • Are experiencing improvement in other symptoms (ie, no runny nose, improving cough, no body aches, no sore throat, no nausea or vomiting).

  • You feel well enough to be at work. 

  • Are able to wear a well-fitting mask until day 5. The day symptoms start is day one. 

  • If unable to wear a mask for the first five days of your illness, please stay home until day 6.

Each day many parents are faced with a decision: should they keep their sick children at home or send them off to school? Often the way a child looks and acts can make the decision an obvious one. The following guidelines should be considered when making the decision:

• Fever – The child should remain at home with a fever greater than 99.4 degrees. The child can return to school after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin). Per FPS medication policy, medications will not be given in school for an elevated temperature and the student will be sent home.

• Diarrhea/Vomiting – A child with diarrhea and/or vomiting should stay at home and return to school only after being symptom-free for 24 hours.

• Conjunctivitis – Following a diagnosis of conjunctivitis, the child may return to school in 24 hours.

• Rashes – Common infectious diseases with rashes are most contagious in the early stages. A child with a suspicious rash should return to school only after a health care provider has made a diagnosis and authorized the child’s return to school.

• Colds – Consider keeping your child at home if he/she is experiencing discomfort from cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough. A continuous green discharge from the nose may be a sign of infection. Consider having the child seen by your health care provider.

A sick child cannot learn effectively and is unable to participate in classes in a meaningful way. Keeping a sick child home prevents the spread of illness in the school community and allows the child opportunity to rest and recover. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school nurse. 

Good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of used tissues, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces can help to prevent illness.

Allowing more fresh air outside, spending time outdoors, and using indoor air purifiers can help keep air cleaner, decreasing respiratory illness transmission.

The benefits of good nutrition, sleep, and exercise cannot be underestimated. A balanced diet, 7-9 hours of sleep at night, and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily help the body fight infection and disease.