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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Too Sick for School?

Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school can be a difficult decision to make. When trying to decide these guidelines can help. This information is generalized only—talk with your child’s doctor if there are concerns regarding specific care or if symptoms persist. If your student begins to show any signs of the concerns below during school, you may be called to pick your student up as well. 

  • Fever: Keep a child home if they have a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. Children may return after they have been free of fever for 24 hours without the use of medications. 

  • Sore throat: Be mindful of sore throats, especially those with a fever or swollen glands in the neck. If your child has strep throat, they can return to school 24 hours after appropriate treatment. 

  • Diarrhea: Three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period. Children may return after they have not had loose stools for at least 24 hours. 

  • Vomiting:  Keep a child at home if they've thrown up two or more times in a 24-hour period. Children may return after they have not vomited for at least 24 hours.

  • Rash: Watch for rashes, especially those that cause a fever, itching or swelling. 

  • Chronic cough and/or green nose discharge: These conditions may be contagious and require treatment. Please visit your healthcare provider. 

  • Ear: Any ear pain with a fever should be evaluated by a physician.  

  • Eye Redness: Eyes that have matted or crust on the eyelids after sleep, mucus or pus drainage, redness, and pain should be evaluated by a health care professional for possible treatment and if necessary, may return 24 hours after treatment has begun or symptoms have resolved. 

  • Lice: If lice are noted at school your child may remain until the end of the day but may not return until treated. Please contact your school nurse if there are any questions. 
    Scabies: Your child can return to school after treatment. 

  • Chickenpox: Children with chickenpox must remain home until all blisters are scabbed/crusted over and dry which may take 5-6 days after the onset of the rash. 

  • Confirmed COVID Positive: Must remain home for 5 days from the start of symptoms or date of the positive test if asymptomatic. Masking recommended upon return on days 6-10. Please contact your school nurse or doctor if there are any questions.  

  • Other Symptoms: Unusually tired, pale, has a lack of appetite, is difficult to wake, confused or irritable. If symptoms persist, check with your doctor or the school nurse.