The health and safety of our students and faculty/staff are top priorities. We work to maintain a learning environment that considers the intellectual, social-emotional, and physical well-being of our school family.
Medications at School
If your student has a severe allergy (food, insect, etc) that requires the use of an emergency epinephrine injector, please notify Nurse Hicks (EC) or Nurse Leslye (MC) and please send that rescue medication in with your student. All emergency medications are kept in the classroom for quick access and travel with the student throughout the building, as necessary. All ANCS staff have been trained on how to use an Epipen and how to recognize the signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis.
If your student has Asthma and carries an emergency rescue inhaler, please notify Nurse Hicks (EC) or Nurse Leslye (MC) and please send the rescue inhaler to school with your student.
Immunization Requirements
In line with Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines, students attending ANCS must meet state vaccine requirements. These vaccines protect our community from preventable diseases. For details, refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Immunization Requirements or contact our administration. Together, we ensure a healthy learning environment.
Religious Exemption – Immunization Form
Additional Resources
Please email Nurse Hicks at the EC or Nurse Leslye at the MC if your child is diagnosed with Strep Pharyngitis (strep throat), Influenza, Chicken Pox or COVID-19. We have students who are immunocompromised and it is critical that we are notified of any infectious illnesses in the classroom.
Nut-Free Policy
Meals and snacks brought to school may not contain peanuts or tree nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc.). This list can be a helpful resource when choosing snacks and treats that are peanut and tree nut-free. Always check the nutrition label for up-to-date allergy information and ingredients. Due to the risk of cross-contamination, homemade food is not allowed to be shared. Shared food must contain a preprinted label with an ingredient list.
Guidelines for Keeping Children Home from School Due to Illness
When a child is unwell, their academic performance may be affected, and there is a potential risk of spreading the illness to other children and staff within the school environment. Using guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we have established comprehensive guidelines to help determine when children should stay home from school due to illness. Please review the information and documents below.
Please note: if your child becomes ill at school or the school nurse feels the child is too sick to benefit from school or is contagious to other children, you will be called to pick them up from school. You may be recommended to take the student to the doctor for further medical assessment or intervention before they return to school.
If your child is absent from school for any reason, please remember to fill out the ANCS attendance form.
You should NOT send your child to school if they have the following symptoms/illnesses until criteria is met:
Symptoms |
What is it? |
Return to School Guidance |
| Fever | When the child’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher. Fever is a symptom indicating the presence of an illness and potential contagiousness. | Can return once they feel well enough and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever reducing medication. |
| New vomiting/ diarrhea not caused by current medication or existing medical condition |
New episodes of vomiting that are not typical. Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea may indicate the person has a gastrointestinal illness, such as norovirus or salmonellosis. |
Can return once they feel well enough and have been without vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. |
| Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) | The white of the eye appears red, swollen, burns, itches or has pus-like drainage. This requires treatment from a doctor. | May return to school after taking antibiotic treatment for 24 hours. |
| Impetigo / Skin infection | A skin rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters, which can open and become runny or crusty. Impetigo is highly contagious and requires treatment from a doctor. | May return to school after taking antibiotic treatment for 24 hours and if the rash is no longer draining. |
| New Skin Rash |
New rash of unknown origin, that has blisters, draining, or is painful. Or if the rash is accompanied with fever. Or if the rash spreads to multiple areas on the body. Consult with healthcare provider to identify required treatment. |
Keep child home until cleared by provider or until rash fully heals (e.g., no blisters, draining, or pain). Some skin rashes require starting treatment prior to returning to school. |
| COVID-19 | A highly contagious respiratory illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, varying in severity from mild to severe. For more information visit the APS COVID-19 Updates + Alerts webpage: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/covid |
Remain at home until it’s been at least 24 hours since
|
| Influenza (the Flu) | A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue are common. The flu can vary in severity. For more information, visit: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/69098 |
Remain at home until it’s been at least 24 hours since
|
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | A contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract, particularly in young children. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever, and di culty breathing, with severe cases potentially leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Spreads easily! For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html |
Remain at home until it’s been at least 24 hours since
|
| Strep Throat | The throat appears severely red, swollen or has whitish pus spots. Other symptoms may include, throat soreness, fever, swollen glands of the neck, nausea or vomiting. This requires treatment from a doctor. | May return after taking antibiotic treatment for 12 – 24 hours and no longer vomiting or feverish for 24 hours (without using fever reducing medication.) |
| Whooping Cough (pertussis) | Highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive “whooping” sound during inhalation. Pertussis can a ect people of all ages, especially infants. | May return after 5 days of prescribed antibiotic treatment. If untreated, child must remain home for 3 weeks after onset of cough. |
These symptoms below do not automatically mean your child needs to stay home. However, our school strongly encourages you to monitor your child and have your child seen by a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve:
Symptoms |
What is it? |
Return to School Guidance |
| Common cold | Irritated throat, watery discharge from nose or eyes, sneezing, chills or general body aches. Seek care from doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days, fever or cough producing phlegm develops, or nasal discharge becomes yellow or green, or if trouble breathing. | Keep your child home if symptoms are serious enough to interfere with your child’s ability to learn OR if your child’s doctor recommends that they stay home. |
| Cough | Severe and persistent cough that interferes with child’s ability to participate in classroom. Seek care from the doctor if cough lasts beyond 7-10 days, if coughing phlegm, if diffculty breathing, or if fever is developed. | Keep child at home if cough interferes with learning OR if cough is related to a diagnosed illness (e.g., COVID-19, RSV, pertussis). |
| Pain | Pain involving headaches, stomachaches, toothaches, sore throat, or joint pain without other respiratory or GI symptoms. Consult with healthcare provider, if persistent pain or if new symptoms develop. | Child may remain in school if they are well enough to attend. School nurse may evaluate child to determine whether additional medical attention is needed based on symptom severity. |
| Existing or Common Skin Rash | Some skin rashes may be due to allergies or known health conditions (e.g., eczema) that are routinely treated by parent. Consult healthcare provider if skin rash is different or new symptoms develop. | These situations do not require child exclusion unless the child is unable to attend school due to discomfort. |
| Lice
|
Lice are parasitic insects that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice are not known to spread disease, but can cause irritation and interfere with learning. Direct contact with infested individuals’ hair and sharing combs, brushes, hats or bedding. Contact healthcare provider if lice becomes recurrent or persistent. | May continue to attend school if they have started treatment and have NO live insects on their head. Live lice should be combed out every morning per instructions indicated on the treatment box. The whole family may need to be treated to prevent reinfection. |
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HEALTH & SAFETY SECTION OF THE ANCS POLICY GUIDE
Counselors Corner
We prioritize holistic mental health support, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and community connection through comprehensive education initiatives.
At ANCS, our holistic approach to mental health encompasses a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes prevention, awareness, and support. Our school counselors and social workers are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges. Our goal is to create a culture of empathy and understanding, where every individual feels valued and heard, and where mental wellness is prioritized as an essential aspect of overall well-being.
Central to our mental health framework is the promotion of community and relationships as essential components of well-being. Through initiatives such as Conscious Discipline, morning meetings, advisories, and mindful moments, we cultivate a culture of connectedness and emotional resilience. These practices provide valuable opportunities for students to forge meaningful connections with peers and trusted adults, laying the foundation for a supportive community where every individual feels valued and respected.
Empowering Students Through Self-Regulation and Structure
In addition to building community, we are proactive in teaching and modeling self-regulation skills, providing students with the tools and strategies they need to manage their emotions and behavior effectively. Our commitment to providing structure and routine further reinforces feelings of security and stability, particularly for students who may be experiencing heightened levels of stress or anxiety.
Fostering Inclusivity and Academic Success Through Proactive Support
Through our child-find process, we are proactive in identifying and addressing social and academic needs, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as core principles, promoting a culture of acceptance and respect for all individuals. Affinity groups and our commitment to IB Learner Profiles reflect our dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every student feels valued and supported.
Nurturing Student Well-being: Counseling and Social Work
In our counseling services, both EC and MC Counseling offer a range of supports, including small group and individual counseling sessions, as well as classroom lessons on important topics such as emotional regulation, boundaries, stress management, suicide prevention, communication, and bullying/teasing, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge to navigate challenging situations. Our school social workers play a vital role in connecting families to community resources, providing crisis intervention, and supporting initiatives such as homeless education. Additionally, our counselors and social workers collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a culture of awareness and support surrounding mental health issues.
Mental Wellness Resources and Support
While our counselors do not provide long-term therapy, they are equipped to recognize and respond to student mental health needs, offering guidance and support to students and families seeking resources. We also provide a wealth of resources to support our community, including access to financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other services through Find Help Georgia. Tools such as the Say Something Reporting Tool and resources from organizations like CHOA Strong4Life, the Child Mind Institute, and Understood.org further empower our community to address mental health concerns proactively and effectively. Through these collective efforts, we strive to create a school environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward mental wellness.
High School Transition Assistance
Our counselors also support students with the high school transition process. Eighth grade parents will receive updates throughout the school year on high school-related events. This includes emails about open house dates and information sessions for private and charter schools. In the spring, counselors will work with APS high schools to help students complete class request forms. For families applying to private schools, counselors will assist with coordinating recommendations and other required documents. Please check this page regularly for the latest information on the high school transition process.