• HEALTH SERVICES

    The Health Office is open to students and staff between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m daily.  The building nurses, under the School Code of Illinois, work closely with all staff to support an environment that promotes health and safety and reflects the common goal for each student to reach their maximum educational potential.  

    Services include:

    • Monitoring and assisting students with everyday health issues as well as those with more challenging physical needs
    • Administering medications 
    • Maintaining and monitoring student immunization and health records
    • Promoting awareness of health concerns to students and staff
    • Completing and presenting health histories as part of case study evaluations
    • Developing and maintaining healthcare plans for students who need special nursing interventions during the school day
    • Collaborating with Student Support Teams and 504 Teams to address student health concerns
    • Maintaining and monitoring physician's orders regarding mental, physical, or emotional conditions that may limit student participation in a class/extra-curricular activity
    • Processing physical education (PE) medical excuses

     

    Vision and hearing screenings are provided annually to all students in special education programs, students transferring into the District who have not previously been screened, and students who have been referred by their classroom teacher.  Vision screening is not a substitute if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report from indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months and that evaluation is on file at the school.  Please contact the school nurse if you have questions regarding the vision and hearing screening program.

     

     

    Physical Examination/Immunization Requirements 

     

    FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS

    1. A 9th grade physical is required for high school entrance (sports physicals are not acceptable). Use form http://cps.edu/OSHW/Documents/ChildHealthExamCertification_English.pdf  
    2. Immunizations must be included for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap), Polio, MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella), Hepatitis B series and Varicella.
    3. The Health History Section (yes/no questions) is to be completed by the parent/guardian, signed and dated.  This is a requirement.  If not completed, your form will be returned. 
    4. Return the completed physical immediately to Health Services prior to July 15th for processing.  Physicals for 9th grade entrance are eligible for athletic participation for one (1) year.  
    5. Incomplete forms will be returned and your child will be excluded from school on the first attendance day until the requirements have been completed.  School absences due to non-compliance with the School Code of Illinois requirements for immunization and physical examination are considered unexcused.  

     

    SENIOR REQUIREMENTS 

    1. All students entering 12th grade must show proof of receiving two doses of the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4/Menactra/Menveo) unless the first dose was given at the age of 16 years or older in which case only one dose will be required.  
    2. Students who have not submitted proof before the first day of school will be excluded until documentation is provided. 

     

    TRANSFER STUDENTS

    1. Students transferring from an Illinois school as an incoming freshman (9th grade) must have a current physical examination and up-to-date immunization record submitted prior to the first day of school.   
    2. Students transferring from an Illinois school as an incoming 10th, 11th, or 12th grader can use their ninth grade or more recent physical examination and immunization record from the transferring Illinois school.  
    3. Students transferring from out-of-state must have a current physical examination and up-to-date immunization record submitted within 30 days of the registration date.
    4. Students who do not have a completed physical examination and up-to-date immunization record on file with Health Services within 30 days of their registration date will be excluded from school until these requirements are met.  
    5. Students transferring from out-of-country must have a current  physical examination and up-to-date immunization record submitted prior to the first day of school.  
    6. If your student is entering an Illinois school for the first time, they must have an eye exam completed and documented using the State of Illinois Eye Examination Form.  This form is returned to Health Services.  

     

    TRANSITION AGED STUDENTS

    1. All students 18-21 years of age shall provide proof of receiving one dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4/Menactra/Menveo) on or after the age of 16. 
    2. Students who have not submitted proof before the first day of school will be excluded until documentation is provided.

                    

    Health Office Operations

     

    HEALTH CONCERNS  

    1. A student with a special health need (e.g. asthma, diabetes, migraines, seizure disorders, severe allergic reactions, perceptual defects, personal problems or daily medications) should be known to Health Services prior to the student entering school.  To provide for safe daily care and emergency procedures, such health information gathered from the family and health records will be sensitively shared with faculty and staff members with whom the student has contact with.  
    2. Always notify the Health Services office of any changes/concerns in your child's health.

     

    MEDICATION  

    1. All over-the-counter and prescription medications taken during the school day must have a Medication Authorization Authorization form on file in our Health Service office signed by the prescribing physician and parent.  This form must be completed annually.  Students are prohibited from carrying medication or storing medication in their lockers. 
    2. Asthma and rescue epinephrine medication are the only medications permitted to be carried by the student with the appropriate forms on file.  Please indicate on the physical if your child does carry this medication.

     

    HEALTH OFFICE VISIT  

    1. Except in the case of an emergency or obvious illness, a student must have a timed pass from his current period teacher before coming to Health Services.  However, students may stop in quickly during passing periods for a band aid, ice pack, medication, etc. 
    2. If a brief rest will help a student stay in school, a rest may be allowed, but only if the student has a pass from the current class teacher and is not missing a quiz, test, or presentation.  Any student who is ill must come to Health Services to be excused before going home.  

     

    ILLNESS GUIDELINES:  When to keep a Child home from School  

    1.   Fever of 100 degress or higher (temperature must be below 100 degrees for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication    for a student to return to school)
    2.   Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (should be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school)
    3.   Uncontrollable coughing / difficulty breathing
    4.   Rash of unknown origin (should be seen by a physician and be determined to be non-contagious before returning to school)
    5.   Students who have been prescribed antibiotics for an infection (i.e. strep throat, conjuctivitis, pneumonia, etc) should stay home the first 24 hours of their antibiotic course