Health Letter to Families from Director of MACS Student Health Services

Dear Parents and Guardians,
 

As we return from Christmas break, I would like to share a few reminders to help keep our students, families, and staff healthy. We are grateful for your partnership in caring for the well-being of our school community.

 

Preventing the Spread of Illness

Simple, everyday habits make a big difference:

• Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water

• Make sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

• Make sure students get enough rest, nutritious food, and hydration

• Keep shared items (water bottles, utensils) for personal use only

• Stay home when feeling sick

 

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home from school if they have:

• A fever of 100 degrees or higher (students should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication

before returning)

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

• A persistent cough, sore throat with fever, flu-like symptoms (body aches, chills, significant

fatigue), or unexplained rash

• Please inform the school nurse of any communicable illness (flu, strep throat, Mono, etc.)

Keeping a sick child home is an act of care for your own child and for the entire school community.

 

About Flu Vaccination

Many families choose the annual flu vaccine as one way to help protect against severe illness and reduce

the spread of flu. While this decision is personal and best made within your family and with your

healthcare provider, we encourage you to consider it as part of your overall approach to health and

prevention.

 

Important Measles Update

There have been several cases of measles reported in the upstate of South Carolina. Currently, we are

monitoring the situation closely and are committed to collaborating with local health officials for

guidance.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can remain in

the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include:

• Fever• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes

• A rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward

Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure. A person with measles is contagious several days

before the rash appears.

 

Why is Measles a Concern and How Do We Reduce Risk?

While measles may begin with mild symptoms similar to a common cold, it can lead to serious

complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune

systems. Because measles spreads so easily, one important and practical step parents can take is to

make sure their children are up to date with routine immunizations, including the MMR vaccine which

protects against measles. If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status or have questions about

timing, please speak with your healthcare provider. As a faith community, we are called to look out for

one another, especially the most vulnerable among us.

 

Thank you for your continued cooperation, understanding, and support. Please feel free to contact me if

you have any questions or concerns.

Wishing you and your family good health and God’s blessings this new year.

 

Sincerely,

CCHS School Nurse Team

Sarah Smith-Director of MACS Student Health Services