On any given day at Carson High School, around 45 to 65 students are absent. In Carson Middle School or Eagle Valley Middle School, the number of missing students could be between 50 and 60. For elementary schools in the Carson City School District, about 40 to 50 students typically miss class.
Every absence counts, especially when considering chronic absenteeism.
Sheila Story, the head nurse in Carson City, believes more students are staying home. Parents are more cautious, often deciding to keep kids home until they feel better. This shift is largely due to heightened awareness around illnesses like COVID and the flu. “We, as a society, are more educated now,” Story said. “We know more about illness, infection, and preventive measures.”
In recent years, students have missed school for health issues outside of flu season. When outbreaks occur, absences can spike. To minimize this, schools focus on encouraging good health practices.
Story emphasizes that educating parents is vital. Keeping children healthy involves ensuring they get the right treatment and follow preventive measures like getting enough rest, eating well, and washing hands frequently. “Communication with the school is key,” she added. “We want to know what’s happening with the students so we can help.”
After COVID, communities are facing new health challenges. There’s been a noticeable increase in chronic conditions among students, such as asthma, severe allergies, and diabetes. “Our environment is changing, and more kids are developing these health issues,” Story said.
If there’s a sudden outbreak in a classroom—like when 10% or more of the students become ill—the school will take action. They’ll contact Carson City Health and Human Services for guidance and may implement measures like deep cleaning the school or informing parents.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 5.8% of children faced chronic absenteeism due to health issues in 2022. Children with disabilities are particularly affected, with a chronic absenteeism rate of about 14.8% compared to 4.4% for those without disabilities.
When students are absent, it’s important for schools to approach families with understanding. Not all families can easily get to a doctor. “The school nurses are proactive in checking if families have access to healthcare,” Story said. They help arrange appointments and follow up to see how things are going.
Cecilia Leong, from the nonprofit Attendance Works, says school nurses play a crucial role. They often identify unmet health needs that keep children out of school. “Sometimes, parents might wonder if their child is actually too sick to attend,” Leong explained. Having nurses involved in health education can help reduce absenteeism.
In the coming months, it’s essential that families are kept informed about vaccinations to prevent illnesses like measles and rubella. Story noted that the Carson City School District is one of only two in Nevada that provides a school nurse for every campus. This allows them to monitor students’ health closely and promote preventive practices like wearing masks when necessary.
“There are many reasons kids stay home, and we work hard to understand those reasons,” Story said. “Our goal is to assess each child’s situation carefully and make informed decisions about their health.” Having a nurse available helps in delivering a thorough assessment. While they can’t make diagnoses, they can offer advice and guide parents on what to do next.
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