An independent school in Middletown, DE for students in Preschool through Grade 8

2025-2026 Health Policies

Illness Policy

To maintain a healthy school environment, we ask that families follow the guidelines below when a student is experiencing illness. Staying home when sick helps prevent the spread of contagious illnesses and ensures students have time to rest and recover fully before returning to class.

Students should remain at home if they have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

  • Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

  • Persistent cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Rash of unknown cause, especially with fever or itching

  • Eyes that are red, irritated, and draining (possible conjunctivitis)

  • Severe fatigue, headache, or body aches that interfere with daily activity

Return to School Requirements

  • Students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol or Motrin).

  • They must be free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning.

  • Students recovering from contagious illnesses (such as flu, strep throat, COVID-19, or pink eye) should follow provider guidance and may be asked to submit a doctor’s note to return.

  • In cases of extended absence or significant illness or injury, please consult the Health Office before returning to school so that we can support your child’s transition back to the classroom.

If you are ever unsure whether your child should attend school, please contact the Health Office for guidance. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and healthy school community.

 

 

Medications Policy

To ensure the safe and effective administration of medication during the school day, all medications must be handled according to school policy. 

Medication Guidelines:

  • Medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian—not sent with the student.

  • All medications must be in their original pharmacy-labeled or manufacturer packaging.

  • Prescription labels must include the student’s name, medication name, dosage, administration time, and prescribing provider.

  • Over-the-counter medications must be unopened and clearly labeled with the student’s name.

  • Expired medications will not be accepted.

  • A separate container is required for medications needed on field trips.

  • All prescription and non-prescription medications must be accompanied by the appropriate medication forms, signed by a parent/guardian. Forms should include clear dosage instructions and the exact quantity (tablet count or volume) of medication supplied.

  • Students may carry emergency medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) only with prior approval and required documentation on file.

Over the Counter Medications

The Health Office maintains a limited supply of commonly used over-the-counter medications to support student comfort and care during the school day. These include: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Benadryl, TUMS, and Antibiotic ointment. Additionally, crackers, ginger ale, and peppermints may be offered to students experiencing mild stomach discomfort.

Parents/guardians are asked to complete the Emergency Card thoroughly and indicate any medications they do not want administered to their child or if a phone call is required prior to giving any over-the-counter medication. This information helps us provide care in accordance with your preferences and your child’s needs.

 

 

Vaccination/Immunization Requirements

All families are required to provide vaccination records for students to the Health Office.  Below you can find the vaccinations and immunizations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics:

KINDERGARTEN :

  • DTaP/DTP: 4 or more doses. If the 4th dose was prior to the 4th birthday, a 5th dose is required.
  • Polio: 3 or more doses. If the 3rd dose was prior to the 4th birthday, a 4th dose is required.
  • MMR : 2 doses. The 1st dose should be given on or after the 1st birthday. The 2nd dose should be given after the 4th birthday.
  • Hep B : 3 doses.
  • Varicella : 2 doses. The 1st dose should be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose after the 4th birthday

GRADES 1-6:

  • DTaP/DTP: 4 or more doses. If the 4th dose was prior to the 4th birthday, a 5th dose is required. Students who start the series at age 7 or older only need a total of 3 doses. A booster dose of Td or Tdap is recommended by the Division of Public Health for all students at age 11 or five years after the last DTap, DTP, or DT dose was administered –whichever is later.
  • Polio: 3 or more doses. If the 3rd dose was prior to the 4th birthday, a 4th dose is required. MMR3 : 2 doses. The 1st dose should be given on or after the 1st birthday. The 2nd dose should be given after the 4th birthday.
  • Hep B: 3 doses. For children 11 to 15 years old, two doses of a vaccine approved by CDC may be used.
  • Varicella: 2 doses. The 1st dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose after the 4th birthday.

If a student has not met the criteria above, please contact the Health Office to discuss the necessary documentation needed to attend school.