My daughter is 11, and is in middle school.  This year, we asked the nurse to call us with any indications of communicable diseases, ie. strep, shicken pox, flu, stomach viruses, etc.  She calls me inthe morning if there is an alarming amt. of kids out or in the clinic.  I either keep Sam home, or don’t send her at all until the threat is over.  She is on an IEP for chronic absences and receives Home Instruction for these tiemes, as well as times she is in the hospital, etc.  This works out great.  The only drawback is the school only pays the tutor for 1 hour per missed day.  I have to take up the slack...anyone good at Math!?!?  HA HA...I usually save that work for the tutor!!  Can’t wait until spring either!!