Health Information

General Child Health Guidelines

for Bartlett City Schools

If a child presents with any of the following issues, then the parent/guardian will be notified, and the child must be picked up by the parent/guardian.

Appearance/Behavior - Lethargy (unusually tired, pale, and difficult to wake), confused or irritable.  These symptoms can be sufficient reason to stay at home, if severe or unusual.

Fever - Temperature of 100.0 F or higher, then child must go home and be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.  While at home, caregivers are encouraged to ensure that the child receives adequate fluids.

Diarrhea - Two (2) or more watery stools in a 24-hour period, especially if the child acts or looks sick.  

Vomiting - Two (2) or more times within the past 24 hours, child should be kept home.  If vomiting occurs at school, child must be sent home and free of vomiting episodes for at least 24 hours.

Rash - Children with a skin rash should see a doctor, as this could be one of several infectious diseases. Heat rash and allergic reactions are not contagious, and the student may come to school if symptoms are tolerable.

Sore Throat - A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be more serious, even if no fever exists.  Special tests are needed to diagnosis strep throat.  If other symptoms are part of the complaint, it is advised that the child’s parent be called to pick them up because they may be contagious.

Eyes - With pink eye (conjunctivitis), you may see a white/yellow discharge, matted eyelids after sleep, or eye pain and redness.  Child should go home if suspected pink eye and treatment has not begun.  The child may return to school after 24-hour treatment of an antibiotic eye medication.

Communicable Disease - Refer to Board Policy #6008 and Shelby County Health Department guidance.

Ringworm - Ringworm is contagious, and to stop the spread of infection, timely treatment is extremely important.  Avoiding skin contact with the infected person is the best way to stop it from spreading. Ringworm can be treated simply with some over-the-counter anti fungal cream, though more severe cases may require the use of an oral anti fungal medication.  The area must be covered and treated for the student to remain in school.

Allowing your child to be in school with any of the above symptoms puts other children and staff at risk.  The intent of these guidelines is in the best interest of all and can translate into fewer missed days due to illness.  We will be proactive in maintaining a healthy environment in our schools for all of our community.

For questions contact your child’s school or the Coordinated School Health Department at 901-202-0855 Ext. 266.

 Revised January 2015