Updated for SY 2025-26
Maintaining the health and wellness of our school community allows us to focus on high-quality learning and instruction. To help keep our students, educators, and staff healthy and well, E.L. Haynes follows the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s COVID-19 Guidelines. Monitoring your student for symptoms, keeping them home when they are ill, and sharing updates with the school helps ensure your student:
- Has an accurate attendance record.
- Stays healthy and able to come to school every day.
- Is less likely to spread germs to their classmates and school staff.
What are the symptoms?
People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may start as mild, and some people will progress to more severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough or sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Tiredness or body aches.
- Headache.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Loss of taste or smell.
What if I feel ill?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to take a COVID-19 test. Learn more about finding a no-cost testing center at https://testinglocator.cdc.gov/.
When should I keep my child home?
Keep your child home if they:
- Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Are vomiting or have diarrhea
- Have a new or worsening cough, sore throat with fever, or trouble breathing
- Test positive for COVID‑19 (even with mild symptoms)
- Are waiting for COVID‑19 test results and feel sick
When in doubt, keep them home and call us.
What if my child is sick or tests positive?
Call or email your school the same day your child is sick or tests positive so we can excuse the absence and support your family.
- Call us at 202-667-4446 (we have bilingual team members ready to help!) or email mbeasley@elhaynes.org.
- Tell us your child’s name, grade, teacher, and symptoms / test date.
- Ask your child’s teachers about classwork and how to keep up at home.
The E.L. Haynes PCS Policy Attendance Policy states that when a student is absent with a valid reason, parents or the student must turn in written documentation within 5 days of the student’s return. This will be recorded as an “excused absence” in our system and will allow students to make up work in their classes.
When can my child return to school?
Students should only return to school when everything below is true.
- Fever: After 24 hours fever‑free without fever‑reducing medicine and they are feeling better
- Vomiting/diarrhea: After 24 hours since the last episode, and drinking fluids well
- General symptoms (cough, sore throat, etc.): When symptoms are getting better and your child can take part in school
- Positive COVID‑19 test: Stay home for at least 5 days from when symptoms started (or test date if no symptoms). Your child may return on Day 6 if they are fever‑free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. Wear a well‑fitting mask through Day 10 when around others at school.
If a doctor gives different advice, follow your doctor and let us know.
Are masks required?
While masks are not required, community members are welcome to wear them, especially if they are experiencing any sort of symptoms or are recovering from an illness. We strongly encourage anyone recovering from COVID-19 to wear a well-fitting mask through Day 10.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
While not required, we strongly encourage all staff and students to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, especially if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
What else can I do to protect my family?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes at all times
- Keep space when sick people are around
- Open windows for fresh air when possible
- Test if your child feels sick or has been exposed
- Stay up to date with vaccines as recommended by your child’s doctor