2025-2026 Student Illness Protocol

COVID-19 GUIDANCE

PVRSD follows COVID-19 guidance as provided by the CDC, Massachusetts DPH, and DESE. 

Link to the most recent DPH Guidance: Respiratory Illness (COVID-19, Flu, and RSV) Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov

AT A GLANCE:

Protocol for those in K-12 schools with COVID-19, Flu, or RSV:

• Stay out of school until all symptoms have improved AND there has been no fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)

• Once back in school, we strongly suggest wearing a mask for 5 days while in the school buildings (except while eating)

• Quarantine/Isolation is not required or recommended if there are no symptoms, regardless of illness exposure.

GENERAL ILLNESS GUIDELINES

When should a child stay home from school? You should keep your student home if they:

• Have a fever >100.0

• Are lethargic and require bed rest

• Are vomiting or have diarrhea

• Are short of breath or wheezing

• Have a cough that disrupts normal activity

• Have distracting pain from earache, headache, or sore throat

• Have yellow or green drainage from their eyes

• Have an unexplained rash (*not all rashes require exclusion from school, ask your school nurse if you are unsure)      

The Pioneer Valley Regional School District supports any individual who 

chooses to wear a mask to protect themselves or others. 

If you have any questions regarding any illness symptoms, including COVID, influenza, RSV, or other communicable disease, 

please contact your building-based School Nurse.