Keeping Murray students healthy is a shared responsibility, and it starts at home. While Murray City School District (MCSD) is committed to providing a safe and clean learning environment, the front line of defense against the spread of germs is our community's vigilance. When a student is ill, keeping them home is a small but powerful act that protects not only their health but the well-being of their teachers and peers.

To ensure our classrooms remain a place of learning and not a source of illness, MCSD nurses and educators ask that you keep your child home if they show any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: An oral temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Your child should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g., Tylenol or Motrin) before returning to school.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: This is a clear sign that a child should remain home.

• Signs of Contagious Infection: Look for red, inflamed, or discharging eyes (pink eye); any skin sores that are oozing fluid; or untreated head or body lice.

• Doctor's Orders: If your physician has advised your student to stay home, please follow their instructions.

We know it can be challenging to keep children home, especially when they may be missing out on valuable academic and social time. However, allowing a sick child to rest and recover is the best remedy. For an acute illness that requires antibiotics, students can typically return to class after at least 24 hours of treatment and a noticeable decrease in symptoms.

Beyond these guidelines, you can play a vital role in preventing the spread of illness by ensuring your student is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Teaching and reinforcing good hygiene practices, such as frequent and thorough handwashing, also makes a significant difference in keeping germs at bay.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact one of our MCSD nurses at (801) 264-7400, and always seek the advice of your family physician.