Thank you for your ongoing support and continued efforts as we focus on our community’s health and well-being. You can find updated guidance that pertains to St. John School on this page. Questions? Email Dora Hall, School Nurse, dhall@st-johnschool.org.

Keep Students Home If They Exhibit Any Symptoms of Illness

Call Administration, 206-783-0337, If Your Student Tests Positive

UPDATED COVID-19 and RESPIRATORY ILLNESS GUIDELINES

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) have updated guidelines regarding COVID-19; individuals who test positive no longer have to isolate for 5 days if symptoms are mild and improving. The updated guidelines provide recommendations for all respiratory viruses (including COVID-19, flu, and RSV).  

St. John School is releasing the following updated guidelines for illness for students, faculty and staff: 

  • Fever: A temperature of 100.4 or higher is considered a fever, and individuals should stay home from school if they have a fever. Individuals should be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school. 
  • Respiratory Symptoms, including COVID-19: These symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and/or headache. Individuals can return to school, when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
    • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications  AND
    • Symptoms are improving overall (i.e. individual feels well enough to participate in normal activities like learning in the classroom and extracurricular activities) 

Following a respiratory illness, extra precautions are recommended in the first 5 days of returning to activities, such as washing hands frequently, taking steps for cleaner air indoors *, and wearing masks when around other people indoors. 

*The school’s new HVAC system includes MERV-13 air filters throughout the campus.  

If you have questions about the updated guidelines, please contact our school nurse, Dora Hall, at dhall@st-johnschool.org. The CDC’s Respiratory Guidance Update FAQ page is an additional resource. 

Archdiocese of Seattle Immunization Policy

According to the State of Washington, Department of Health and the Archdiocese of Seattle, students are required to be current on immunizations. From the Archdiocese of Seattle, Office for Catholic Schools:

Every student enrolled in a Category 1 Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Seattle shall be immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases caused by infectious agents in accordance with the immunization schedule adopted by the Washington State Department of Health Services. The only exception to the foregoing requirements for students in our Catholic schools is a medical exemption signed by a licensed professional (M.D., N.D., D.O., ARNP, or PA. authorized to practice in the State of Washington, including the physician’s license number.

The Department of Health requires different immunizations to be given to students at certain ages. Link here for information specific to your child’s age and the immunizations required.

If you haven’t done so, please submit a current, state-mandated Certificate of Immunization (CIS) form to the School Office. Additionally, each time your child has an immunization update, please contact the School Office. with the information. This will keep your child’s records current, and you will need not be concerned with violations that may lead to possible state-mandated exclusion from school.

As a reminder, if your child is feeling unwell, please keep them at home, and be sure to inform the school by submitting the attendance form. Let’s continue to keep our community safe and healthy.

Emergency Communication Plan 

In an emergency or disaster situation, the school is committed to maintaining clear and effective communication with families. Detailed information, including Emergency Situations Covered, Communication Channels and Reunification Plans, can be found on the Emergency Communication Plan page.