Communicable Diseases

According to Grand Rapids Public Schools Communicable Disease Policy, Rules # 5141.2, parents will be informed to keep children home when they are ill. Scholars who have symptoms of communicable disease will be excluded from school. These symptoms include: 

  • Fever 100.4 or higher or chills
  • New cough or change in cough
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea
  • Severe headache
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Sores on skin with pus or liquid drainage
  • Stiff neck or back
  • Unexplained rash 

Scholars who have unexplained symptoms of communicable diseases may be excluded from school. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) should keep their scholar home from school until they do not have symptoms or present a statement from a licensed healthcare provider that the scholar is not contagious and may return to school. Scholars and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who have questions or concerns are directed to contact their school nurse.

Health Concerns

All Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are asked to complete the health information section during online enrollment. This will inform the school when scholars have a health condition such as diabetes, asthma, seizures, etc. The school nurse will create a plan for scholars with health conditions while they are in school In the event of a medical emergency the school shall call the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and/or the school nurse. They shall administer first aid and call 9-1-1 if needed. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall be notified of medical emergencies as soon as possible. If unable to reach a Parent/Guardian, school staff shall contact emergency contacts listed in Synergy. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for providing the school with up-to-date contact information for themselves and all emergency contacts.