Dear Rockland BOCES Parents and Caregivers:
The start of the cold and flu season is upon us. To prevent widespread illness in our buildings, we strongly advise that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms, including symptoms of COVID-19. To decide whether to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines:
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
- Stuffy or runny nose and/or cough
- Sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
- Headache
- Stomach ache
Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she is experiencing any of these flu-like symptoms:
- Fever (greater than 100 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours)
- Vomiting (even once)
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
- Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
To help prevent the flu, COVID-19 and colds, teach your child good hygiene habits:
- Wash hands frequently
- Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
The flu, COVID-19 and colds are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to send to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Members of the Rockland BOCES Facilities Department clean and/or disinfect surfaces, door knobs and banisters on a daily basis. We are also ensuring that there is soap and hand sanitizer in all dispensers and encouraging everyone to remind students about the importance of hand washing. Please also take the time to click on the links below for flu and COVID-19 resources for parents from the New York State Department of Health.
COVID-19 Resources
2022-23 Flu Resources
Thank you in advance for helping make this winter as healthy as possible.
Amy Albers, Ed. D.
Chief Operating Officer
Rockland BOCES