Fort Worth, TX,
29
November
2022
|
14:37 PM
America/Chicago

Doctor’s Note is Not Required for Excused Absence at Fort Worth ISD

Fort Worth ISD policy does not require a doctor’s note for an excused absence.

Cook Children’s pediatricians, including the Urgent Care Centers, are overwhelmed with parent requests for doctor’s notes to submit for school absences. We want to remind Fort Worth ISD parents and families of the district’s absentee policy: If your child is not well and unable to come to school, a doctor’s note is NOT required.

To get an excused absence due to illness, please:

  1. Contact your school’s attendance office to communicate your child’s absence. 
  2. Submit a parent note in writing within five school days of your child’s return to campus. The excuse note should include the following:
  • Student Name
  • Student ID Number
  • A written statement giving the dates and reason for absence
  • Parent/guardian signature
  • Parent phone number

3. If your child is absent for multiple days, contact your school for the attendance petition process.

From Cook Children’s Medical Center: Symptoms to be aware of and action to take

Like many hospitals and children’s hospitals around the country, Cook Children's is experiencing a surge in patients diagnosed with RSV, flu and other respiratory illnesses. The increase impacts our ability to care for patients in a timely manner.

RSV is a common respiratory virus. Some children require hospitalization, but most do not. Sick Child

It is NOT necessary for your child to take a strep throat, flu or RSV test before returning to school.

RSV and Other Illness Guidelines for Parents

Parents should NOT go to the Urgent Care or Emergency Department for only a flu or COVID test. See your pediatrician, who can test for flu, RSV, strep throat and COVID. Adults can also use at-home tests or tests at a pharmacy.

Call your pediatrician if:

  • If your child is experiencing mild respiratory symptoms but is not having difficulty breathing and is well-hydrated.
  • If you need to have your child tested for RSV, the flu or COVID-19.

Seek immediate medical care if:

  • Persistent fever for more than two or three days. However, any temperature greater than 100.4 in an infant under two months of age is considered a medical emergency.
  • You have concerns that your child is dehydrated.
  • In dehydrated babies, parents will see fewer wet diapers or a lack of tears. Their flat spot on the head can also appear more sunken.
  • Breathing faster than usual or can see the skin between the ribs being sucked in.
  • If your child requires frequent use of their albuterol rescue inhaler or is having worsening asthma symptoms.

Prevention:

  • Get the flu vaccine and stay up to date on the vaccine schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Get the COVID vaccine and approved boosters.
  • Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
  • Use hand sanitizer.
  • If sick, wear a mask in public and stay home.

If your child attends a different district, please call your campus to find out what your absentee policy is.

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About Cook Children's

Cook Children’s Health Care System embraces an inspiring Promise – to improve the health of every child through the prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, we’re proud of our long and rich tradition of serving our community. Our not-for-profit organization is comprised of nine companies, including our Medical Center, Physician Network, Home Health company, Northeast Hospital, Pediatric Surgery Center, Health Plan, Health Services Inc., Child Study Center and Health Foundation. With more than 60 primary, specialty and urgent care locations throughout Texas, families can access our top-ranked specialty programs and network of services to meet the unique needs of their child. For 100 years, we’ve worked to improve the health of children from across our primary service area of Denton, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties. We combine the art of caring with leading technology and extraordinary collaboration to provide exceptional care for every child. This has earned Cook Children’s a strong, far-reaching reputation with patients traveling from around the country and the globe to receive life-saving pediatric care. For more information, visit cookchildrens.org.