Every Day Counts: Keeping Our Students Healthy and in School!
October 19, 2026
Dear FUSD Families,
As temperatures begin to cool and seasonal illnesses become more common, October is a good time to focus on keeping our students healthy and in school. At Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), we know that regular attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and learning. We also recognize that staying home when sick is an important part of keeping our school communities healthy.
As we continue through the school year, here are a few ways families can help students stay healthy and maintain good attendance:
Build healthy daily routines: Simple habits can make a big difference! Encourage frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep. These habits help students feel their best and stay ready to learn.
Know when to keep your student home: Students should stay home when they have a fever (100.4°F or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory symptoms (heavy nasal congestions, productive, persistent or hacking cough, with or without a fever) that are worsening or not improving. In general, students can return when they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, their symptoms are improving, and they feel well enough to participate in school. Additional guidance may apply to certain illnesses.
Keep attendance a priority: Missing just two days of school each month adds up to approximately 10% of the school year, which is considered chronic absenteeism. While some absences are unavoidable, encouraging consistent attendance when students are healthy helps prevent missed learning opportunities from adding up.
Stay connected with your school: If your student needs to stay home due to illness, please notify your school and help them return as soon as they are well enough. If your family needs assistance accessing healthcare or your student has a medical condition that affects regular attendance, please reach out to your school's health office staff. We are here to help connect families with available resources and support.
Local Health Resources
Staying current on recommended vaccinations and having access to healthcare can help families stay healthy throughout the school year. Below are several local resources available to support students and families:
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS)
CCHHS is offering walk-in vaccination clinics for seasonal flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia for eligible individuals.
Dates: Every Tuesday and Wednesday through November 4, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff
Appointments: No appointment needed
Phone: (928) 679-7222
Elk Ridge Community Health (formerly North Country HealthCare)
Elk Ridge provides pediatric care, family medicine, immunizations, and other healthcare services, including sliding-scale fees for income-eligible families.
Location: 2920 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff
Phone: (928) 522-9400
Website: elkridge.org
Poore Medical Clinic
Poore Medical Clinic provides free primary care, acute illness care, and chronic illness care for eligible low-income, uninsured Coconino County residents. Eligibility screening and appointments are required.
Phone: (928) 213-5543
Website: pooremedicalclinic.org
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students healthy, engaged, and learning. By building healthy habits, communicating with our schools, and making attendance a priority whenever possible, we can help every student have a successful school year.
Every Day Counts!
