Benton Community School District is dedicated to providing a quality education for a lifetime of learning. To support this mission, we believe that maintaining the health and wellness of our Bobcat community is a shared priority that ensures every student is ready to learn and grow. A holistic approach to wellbeing includes five key pillars: movement (like daily recess or sports), nutrition and hydration (choosing whole foods and plenty of water), rest and sleep hygiene (consistent bedtimes for restorative sleep), mental health (practicing mindfulness or connecting with friends), and preventative care (staying up-to-date on check-ups and safety). By prioritizing these habits, we support the physical and emotional resilience of our students. Additionally, following the Iowa Department of Education health and immunization requirements is essential. These regulations protect your child, keep our staff healthy and in the classroom, and safeguard immunocompromised members of our Bobcat community.
To prevent the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, we encourage families to practice good hygiene at home and school. Remind your child to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds—especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, or after using the restroom—and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. If your student needs to cough or sneeze, they should use a tissue, throw it away immediately, and then wash their hands. Beyond hygiene, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a balanced diet provide the foundation for a strong immune system. When we work together to limit close contact with those who are ill and reinforce these simple habits, we keep our classrooms safe for everyone.
Knowing when to keep your child home is vital for our Bobcat health. Please keep students home if they have a fever of 100.4º F or higher, a new rash accompanied by a fever, active vomiting or diarrhea, or draining skin sores that cannot be covered with a bandage. Students should also stay home if an illness prevents them from participating comfortably in daily school activities. Your child may return to school and normal activities once their symptoms are improving overall and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Bobcat family healthy and thriving!