Health Services

Measles Information - Is your child up to date on their MMR vaccine?

The Minnesota Department of Health announced a Metro-area Measles Outbreak, urging families of children to complete the MMR vaccine series for children 12 months and older. As of September 11, 2024 there are 49 cases of measles in Minnesota. The outbreak began in May 2024. It is primarily affecting unvaccinated children in the Twin Cities metro area. However, anyone who is not up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is at risk of getting measles.

Healthy students are successful students

Our school staff provide a variety of services that support a healthy learning community. We are committed to providing students with health conditions access to their education by facilitating their independence and creating a community of support by working collaboratively with the student, their family and district staff. School nurses promote optimal student health for optimal learning.

Establish healthy habits early to ensure your child’s success

Instilling healthy habits and routines (adequate sleep/nutrition) and consistent attendance ensures a student’s success in school even as early as kindergarten. We know that too many absences/tardies, for whatever reason, can cause children to fall behind both academically and socially.

To help ensure healthy habits consult with your health care provider regarding well-visits and immunizations, as well as maintain good hygiene.

District 196 follows guidance from leading health organizations (i.e. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics) to reduce the spread of communicable disease.
When unsure if your child should attend school, consult with a healthcare provider or contact your school nurse.

Children should stay home from school for the following reasons:

Fever of 100.4 or higher - can return when fever free for 20 hours without fever reducing medication.
Strep throat - can return after 12 hours of antibiotics and fever free for 20 hours without fever reducing medication.
Vomiting or diarrhea (without a known reason) - can return 20 hours after last episode.
Rash (without a known reason) with behavior change or fever of 100.4 or greater.
Excessive coughing that persists and makes it difficult to participate in school.
Not healthy enough to participate in routine school activities.

If a child becomes ill at school and needs to go home:

The school nurse will call guardians listed in the child’s Infinite Campus record. Please update your contact information as needed, including emergency contacts.
Students who are ill need to be picked up as soon as possible to prevent the spread of illness.

Guidance on other common health issues:

Pink eye guidance (conjunctivitis)

There is no exclusion for pink eye unless the child has a fever of 100.4 or higher and/or is not healthy enough to participate in school activities (consult a health care provider for eye pain or reduced/blurry vision/recent eye trauma).

Head lice guidance (pediculus humanus capitis)

There are no notifications sent home or exclusions from school for head lice.
Head lice is a common occurrence, is not related to personal cleanliness and has not been shown to spread at school.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to regularly monitor for lice.
If live lice are found at school, resources for treatment will be shared with parents/guardians.

Guidance on air quality and outdoor activity:

District 196 follows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools to determine adjustments needed. The CDC recommends that children get 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day. School administrators will work with their building nurse to:

Reduce risk by modifying activities based on the EPA guidance
Educate students and staff about risks and symptoms to watch for
Be proactive in identifying individuals that could benefit from medication prior to activity when ordered, and
Quickly identify those experiencing symptoms so they can receive first aid treatment.

Community Clinics

We are fortunate to have two community health clinics in Dakota County to support children and families who are in need of minor and routine health care services. Please see the links below if you are looking for routine physicals, sports or camp physicals, initial mental health screenings, and other basic health care needs. All families welcome regardless of insurance status.