Sickness Reminders

If your child will be absent due to illness, please notify the school by calling the district number at 856-652-2700 and selecting the Rodgers School absence line, or by emailing the school nurse, Patricia Scappa, at pscappa@gpsd.us. Be sure to include your child’s full name, classroom teacher’s name, and the reason for the absence.

When your child returns to school, please send in a written note or doctor’s note explaining the absence.

Emergency Contact Information
It is essential that your child’s emergency contact information is current. In the event your child becomes sick or injured at school, the nurse must be able to reach you or a designated adult who has reliable transportation to pick your child up promptly. Please ensure that your contact list includes at least one person who is available during school hours.

What Is the 24-Hour Rule?

Following state health guidelines, please keep your child home from school if they are experiencing any of the following:

• Fever

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Constant cough, sneezing, or runny nose

• Symptoms of pink eye (redness, discharge, irritation) that have not been evaluated by a healthcare provider

• A new rash that has not been assessed by a healthcare provider

To help prevent the spread of illness:

• Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.

• Your child should remain home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

Even if your child feels ready to return, they may still be contagious or not fully recovered. Children should be eating, drinking, and feeling well enough to participate in all school activities. Returning too soon can increase the risk of spreading illness and may result in another early pick-up.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep all of our students healthy and safe!