When a child is ill and is not going to be in attendance at school, the parent or guardian is expected to contact the school on the day of illness to inform the school of the reason for the absence.  The student’s absence will remain unexcused until written documentation describing the reason for the absence is presented to the office.  The note should be signed by the parent or guardian. The final decision for determining whether an absence will be excused or unexcused will be decided by the campus principal. [See FEA (LEGAL)] The written documentation is required to be presented to the campus within three school days of the child’s return to school or the absence will be considered unexcused.

An absence will remain unexcused until documentation is received from the health care provider. When a student is absent for more than three consecutive days because of a personal illness the student must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. The written documentation is required to be presented to the campus within three school days of the child’s return to school or the absence will be considered unexcused.

Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s absence from school.  [See policy FEC(LOCAL).]

If a child suffers from vomiting, diarrhea, or fever greater than 100.0 degrees, he/she should not attend school until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

The district requests to be notified when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially those allergies that could result in dangerous or possibly life‐threatening reactions either by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy.

The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy management plan, which addresses employee training, dealing with common food allergens, and specific strategies for dealing with students diagnosed with severe food allergies. When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts the student at risk for anaphylaxis, individual care plans will be developed to assist the student in safely accessing the school environment.  Also, see policy Board Policy FFAF.

District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

• Only authorized employees, in accordance with Board Policy FFAC, may administer:
• Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
• Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.
• Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
• Medication and substances not in their original container shall be presumed to be a controlled substance and the possession could result in disciplinary action.  
• In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:
• In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor; and
• When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider.  The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity.  See the school nurse for information.  [See policy FFAF (LEGAL).]

The physician’s statement must be kept on file in the school nurse’s office, or, if there is no school nurse, in the office of the principal of the school the student attends.

If your child has a history of ADD or ADHD now is the time to discuss medication with your physician.  Please schedule a back-to-school appointment with your physician to discuss your child's needs.  A child may not be on medication during the summer and the same prescription they were on the previous year may not be appropriate due to growth and other factors.  Also, discuss the administration of medication during the school day.  If your child receives their medication at home, it may be advantageous to keep a couple of extra pills (or a patch) at school.  Many a parent has had to leave work to care for their child when a medication was forgotten due to a hectic morning!