s someone with a very weak immune system in a crowded school, I am illness prone. Because of this, I’ve probably gone home from school sick 30 times in my high school life. It’s like a once a month thing, right?

And when I am sick at school, my first instinct as a daughter, as a minor who cannot sign themselves out and as sick, the first thing I am always going to do is contact my parent on my own terms.
When I first saw the ROAR announcement from the nurse about the parent contact situation, a few classmates and I felt irritated.

It said that if you’re sick or don’t feel good, do NOT contact a parent, just tell your teacher and then get a pass to go see the nurse.

And listen, the nurse is one of the nicest people on campus. She has been nothing but kind to me and hundreds of other sick and injured students at RHS. I can understand that many students will walk off campus if they’re sick without letting the office know (which is stupid in itself) and that following school procedure is important.

However, the expectation that I won’t contact a parent before going to the office is unrealistic.

Since I’m not dumb and I don’t want an unexcused absence, I’ll obviously go to the office before just straight up leaving campus.

But here’s the thing admin: My parent will always know I’m sick before you do. They know I’m in the office before you call them and, in fact, they’re expecting your call!

Honestly, this is the only issue I have with the rules.

Everything else is perfectly understandable.

I have common sense and can at least act like I didn’t contact a parent, but if this situation is getting SO BAD that the nurse has to make a powerpoint about how not to be stupid when you’re sick then that’s just sad.

It’s not hard to tell a teacher you don’t feel good, in fact they’ll probably feel bad for you and let you go as soon as possible and if the nurse isn’t there, people in the office will be more than helpful in pointing you in the direction of how to go home the quickest.

They and all the other students don’t want your germs, so they’ll get you out of there as fast as they can.

Granted, I’m a professional sick person, and I know all the ins and outs of how to finesse admin all the way out the front doors.

But listen, you’re in highschool. I’m sure you’ve pulled a Ferris Bueller before in your lifetime, so have enough common sense to at least be thorough and finish the deed.

Let someone know you’re sick, don’t risk an absence, let your momma know and then enjoy your sick days knowing everyone in the office is hoping you get better.