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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 Respiratory Virus or COVID: Stay home and away from others if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms or test positive for Covid or another respiratory virus. Covid is typically contagious for five to 10 days after onset of the illness.

    • Return to normal activity after your symptoms are improved for at least 24 hours and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Improvement means you are feeling better and are able to fully participate in activities.

    • It is recommended but not required that you take precautions for the next five days, including masking, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and testing when around others indoors.

    • If your fever or symptoms worsen, isolate again until you see improvement for 24 hours.

    • Be aware that the virus may spread even after you are feeling better. Take precautions around people at high risk of getting very sick, such as older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

  • 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.