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Sending a Student Home Due to Illness or Injury

Temecula Valley Unified School District recognizes that students may become ill or injured at school.

The following are guidelines as to when a student should be picked up. The list is not inclusive of all conditions or reasons a student may need to be sent home:

  • Fever of 100 degrees or greater.
  • Significant respiratory complaints (repeated coughing, wheezing, or other upper respiratory symptoms).
  • Rash of unknown cause that is systemic in nature or accompanied by a fever.
  • Suspected conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes with exudate or inflamed conjunctiva)
  • Contagious conditions such as untreated ringworm, head lice, impetigo, etc.
  • Vomiting, Nausea, and/or diarrhea 
  • Any suspected fracture (unless a finger injury or other minor injury that the parent requests the student to remain in school).  Obvious displaced fractures or students who are in significant discomfort must be picked up.
  • Head injury with any symptoms of concussion, if symptoms are severe 911 will be called.
  • Cuts or gashes that are deep or large, underlying structures are visible, or bleeding that is not controlled.
  • Flu like symptoms

Students may return to school after illness if:

  • Fever free for 24 hours without medication

  • No vomiting/diarrhea for the last 24 hours

  • Infectious Conjunctivitis (pink eye) when antibiotic treatment has been administered at least 24 hours and symptoms have subsided.

  • A Doctor’s Note clearing the student to return to school and stating that the student is no longer contagious. (Turn into the school site health office)

Students with injuries requiring the use of wheelchairs, crutches, splints, braces or casts require a physician’s note stating what durable medical equipment is needed on campus (this includes casts and slings), an indication of when they are able to resume regular activities, and parameters regarding activities while healing. These students will be restricted from contact sports and other designated activities on the playground.  

Per California Education Code Section 49423, any student who must take medication or requires specialized healthcare services during the regular school day must be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel only if the district receives a written statement from a California licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant detailing the nature of the assistance. Without a signed order from a Physician (MD/DO), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Physician Assistant (PA), the school district cannot allow a student to use medical equipment on campus or modify their physical activity. 

To facilitate a seamless transition back to school after an injury. Please provide a medical note with the following information. 

  • Clear Return-to-School Date: An explicit date the student is medically cleared to return to campus.
  • Activity Restrictions: Specific limitations regarding Physical Education (PE), recess, or weight-bearing status. 

Orthopedic Equipment Orders: Formal orders for any equipment provided (e.g., crutches, splints, immobilizers, or braces).

All physician's notes for PE excusal or limitations are to be brought to the health office.  The health office logs the notes and informs the PE teacher.  Parents may write a note for their child to be excused from PE for up to 3 days.  After 3 days a physician's note is required.

Physical Activity- Return to School after Injury: (form linked here)

Due to unexpected illnesses and emergencies, current work, home, and cell phone numbers are important to our school.  Please take the time to update any changes in your personal phone numbers and emergency contact numbers. 

Students who are ill or injured are not generally allowed to walk/drive home. This is for the student's safety (if they are too sick to stay in class, they generally would be considered too sick to walk/drive home). Parents are expected to pick the student up within 15-30 minutes or have an approved local contact who can come on their behalf.  If the student has an elevated fever or other concern that may require medical attention, the school may be forced to call 911, if no parent or emergency contact is able to be reached within a timely period and medical attention is needed. School staff is not permitted to transport students.