We know that absences happen, and when your child is sick, the best way for them to get better is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and visit the doctor when needed. While we love having our students in school, sometimes staying home is the healthiest choice for everyone.
Our school nurse, Nurse Toney, would like to remind families of a few important guidelines:
Keep your child at home if they have:
Fever (100.4°F or higher)
Vomiting or diarrhea due to illness
Unknown rash or any possibly contagious condition
Severe pain or discomfort from a chronic or acute health condition
Multiple cold-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or body aches
Returning to school after illness:
Children should be fever-free and symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or symptom-controlling medications.
For respiratory viruses (like COVID-19, RSV, or flu), children may return when symptoms are improving and they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Medication Guidelines:
Prescription medications require a written order from a physician.
Parents/guardians must bring medication to school in its original container.
Food Allergies:
Please notify the school nurse and your child’s teacher if your child has a food allergy.
Limit outside food for class celebrations; store-bought items with labels are required. All food brought into classrooms must be checked by the school nurse first.
Non-Food Birthday Celebration:
We LOVE celebrating our Otters’ special days! 🦦💙 To keep all students safe and included, we’re moving away from food-based birthday treats and encouraging families to celebrate in fun, creative ways instead.
✨ Donate a book to the classroom 📚
✨ Wear a birthday crown or sash 👑
✨ Choose a class game or activity 🎲
✨ Share stickers, pencils, or other small surprises 🎉
Thank you for helping us make birthdays joyful, safe, and memorable for EVERY child! 🥳💫
Questions for Nurse Toney?
Call the GES office (804-556-5321) or email ctoney@glnd.k12.va.us
👉 When your child is absent, please complete the attendance form here: Attendance Form
Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff healthy!
Questions about attendance?
Please contact our Dean of Students and Attendance Coordinator, Ms. Aileen Lind at alind@glnd.k12.va.us.