Ask the experts: Tips from local school nurses to keep kids healthy this school year

The smell of new crayons and sharpened pencils comes with a less glamorous reality: shared germs, mystery stomachaches, forgotten water bottles, and kids running on too little sleep. To help families start the year strong, we asked the pros who know school health better than anyone: the nurses who see it all.

As the school year continue, local nurses say the basics matter most: breakfast, sleep, handwashing, and knowing when to keep kids home. Their advice could mean fewer absences and healthier classrooms.

At Stephen Mack Middle School, Ricki Hickok-Robles, RN, says her biggest three focuses are nutrition, sleep, and knowing when it is time to stay home. “A balanced diet with regular meals, especially a healthy breakfast, helps children concentrate better, have more energy, and build a strong immune system,” she said. “Limiting sugary drinks and processed snacks makes a big difference.”

She also points out that sleep is essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school-age children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night (CDC, 2023). “Keeping a consistent bedtime routine and limiting screens before bed improves both rest and learning,” Hickok-Robles explained.

When it comes to staying home, she is clear about the red flags. “Children should stay home if they have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting or diarrhea, eye infections with discharge, or symptoms that make it hard for them to participate in class. Staying home when they are truly sick not only helps them recover faster, but also prevents the spread of illness to classmates and staff,” she said. For Hickok-Robles, communication between families and the school is vital. “We are always here to help.”

At Ledgewood Elementary, nurse Cori Hoffman gives similar advice, adding that the basics still matter most. “Good hand washing is the number one way to prevent spreading illness,” she said. The CDC notes that handwashing with soap can reduce respiratory illnesses by 16 to 21 percent (CDC, 2023). Hoffman also encourages families to prioritize healthy mornings and restful nights. “A good breakfast helps jump start the day. Try not to overload them with a high sugar breakfast. A good bedtime routine will help achieve quality sleep. A set time for bed is always a good idea, before 8 p.m. for younger children especially.”

Like Hickok-Robles, she has clear guidance on when children should stay home. “Our general rules include fever, a persistent cough that interrupts sleep and daily activity, and recovery from a GI illness. They should be able to keep food down without difficulty before returning to school. Eye drainage that is new for a child and unrelated to allergies or a common cold also means they should stay home,” Hoffman said.

Her final advice is one many parents may not think about: answering the phone. “Please be available if the school is calling. If you are not available during the day, designate a person for us to call. Also, if you feel your child is not well, just keep them home. Most children will not be productive at school if they are not feeling well, especially small children.”

Back-to-school season brings enough chaos without extra trips to the nurse’s office. Both Hickok-Robles and Hoffman agree on the basics: kids do better when they eat breakfast, get enough sleep, wash their hands, and stay home when they are sick. Following those simple steps not only helps students thrive, but also keeps classrooms healthier and school days smoother.

The impact is bigger than many realize. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. students miss an estimated 13.8 million school days each year because of the flu alone (NCES, 2023). Add in colds, stomach bugs, and other common illnesses, and absenteeism becomes one of the biggest barriers to learning.

And if you need one more reason to stick with a bedtime routine? Ask any school nurse and they will tell you the best mornings start the night before.