When Students Should Stay Home

Healthy students learn best. One of the most effective ways families can help keep our schools healthy is by keeping students home when they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Staying home when sick helps students recover, reduces the spread of illness, and protects classmates, staff, and the broader school community.

Sisters School District follows guidance from the OHA (Oregon Health Authority) and the ODE (Oregon Department of Education) when determining when students should remain home due to illness and when it is safe for them to return to school. These guidelines are intended to protect public health while minimizing unnecessary absences.

In general, students should remain home if they have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (may return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication).
• A new cough that is not improving or is difficult to control.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Vomiting or diarrhea (may return to school after being symptom-free for 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider).
• A headache accompanied by a stiff neck and fever, which may require prompt medical evaluation.
• A rash, open sores, or red eyes with drainage that have not been evaluated or no longer meet return-to-school guidelines.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), which requires medical evaluation before returning to school.
• Significant changes in behavior, such as unusual sleepiness, confusion, or irritability.
• Any illness that prevents them from comfortably participating in normal school activities or requires more care than school staff can safely provide.

Some illnesses or health conditions may require additional guidance from a healthcare provider or local public health authority before a student returns to school. If your child experiences a major illness, hospitalization, or develops new healthcare needs, please contact your school nurse before they return so we can help ensure a safe and successful transition back to school.

For complete symptom-specific guidance, including recommended return-to-school timelines, please review the Oregon Health Authority Symptoms-Based Exclusion Chart.

Have questions? Please contact Health & Nursing or your school nurse for guidance and assistance.