* Respiratory Virus Updates:
The RI Department of Health has shared updated guidance for respiratory viruses including COVID-19. JPS follows the most up to date CDC guidance in conjunction with The RI Department of Health.
When you may have a respiratory virus:
* Stay home and away from others until, for 24 hours, both your symptoms are getting
better and you are fever free without fever reducing medication.
* Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for
severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
* Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your
hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces
* Take steps for cleaner air by increasing both circulation and ventilation
* Stay up to date with your vaccines
For more information please go to https://covid.ri.gov/ to review.
General illness guidelines for school:
If your child becomes ill, please keep them home. You can refer to the following guidelines for judging illness prior to sending your child to school. If a student becomes ill during the school day, they will be dismissed based on nursing assessment for one or more of the following:
- Temperature of greater than 100.4 degrees.
- Vomiting (not mucous from a cough)
- Has diarrhea
* If fever, vomiting, or diarrhea students must be free of symptoms for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication prior to return.
- Consistent cough, sneezing, runny nose or severe cold symptoms.
- Pain or any other condition severe enough to interfere with the ability to focus. (i.e. headache, earache, sore throat or recent injury) Has persistent pain anywhere, with or without impaired mobility.
- Excessive fatigue, unable to stay awake (possible sign/symptom of illness)
- Has suspicious skin eruptions, rash that is not readily identified. This should be considered communicable until medical evaluation/clearance is obtained.
- Has untreated red/pink eyes. Crusting or drainage from the eye. This will be considered communicable until medical evaluation/clearance is obtained.
* If diagnosed with conjunctivitis (pink eye), students must remain home for 24 hours after the start of treatment.
- Demonstrates any other condition rendering inability to function in school.
JPS Nursing Department
The goal of the Johnston Public Schools Health Services Program is that all students are healthy and ready to learn. Health services are provided by our certified school nurse-teachers. Our primary focus is health promotion and disease prevention. School Health Services are meant to supplement, rather than replace, parental responsibility and are designed to encourage parents/guardians to take an active role in supporting their child's health so all students can function at their optimal level.
Notes from the Johnston Public Schools Nursing Department: 2024-2025 School Year
* Respiratory Virus Updates:
The RI Department of Health has shared updated guidance for respiratory viruses including COVID-19. JPS follows the most up to date CDC guidance in conjunction with The RI Department of Health.
When you may have a respiratory virus:
* Stay home and away from others until, for 24 hours, both your symptoms are getting
better and you are fever free without fever reducing medication.
* Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for
severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
* Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your
hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces
* Take steps for cleaner air by increasing both circulation and ventilation
* Stay up to date with your vaccines
For more information please go to https://covid.ri.gov/ to review.
General illness guidelines for school:
If your child becomes ill, please keep them home. You can refer to the following guidelines for judging illness prior to sending your child to school. If a student becomes ill during the school day, they will be dismissed based on nursing assessment for one or more of the following:
* If fever, vomiting, or diarrhea students must be free of symptoms for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication prior to return.
* If diagnosed with conjunctivitis (pink eye), students must remain home for 24 hours after the start of treatment.
Immunizations
All students entering the Johnston Public Schools must present proof of immunizations that meet the requirements set forth by the RI Department of Health.
Please click "Immunization Info" for details.
Click here for Current Information on Respiratory Viruses
Health Exams/Physicals
In accordance with the RI Regulations for School Health Programs:
Students who have not been previously enrolled in a school in the State are required to have a health exam/physical completed. This exam may be performed 12 months preceding the date of school entry or within 6 months after the start of school.
Health Screenings
State mandated school health screenings are overseen by Certified School Nurse-Teachers throughout each school year.
Dental: Grades K-5, and Grade 10Vision: Grades K-5, Grade 7, Grade 9
Hearing: Grades PK-3
Scoliosis: Grades 6-8
Health Forms