Health Services
Children's health is a key element in positive educational outcomes. The goal of the School Nurses is to work in conjunction with school staff and families to promote optimal health, emotional well-being and safety of our students. Our school nurses keep track of the peaks and valleys of the variety of illnesses that make their way through our student populations every day.
Please reference the following links for detailed information on the Influenza and Meningococcal Vaccines:
Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet
Illinois Department of Public Health Meningococcal disease information
To assist in preventing the spread of illness, we give parents guidelines to help with decision-making on whether or not to send children to school.
We ask that you keep your child home if he or she has:
- Fever of 100.4 (oral) degrees or higher
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
- Sore throat or severe sore throat (could be Strep throat even without fever. Other symptoms of Strep throat in children are headache & stomach upset. Contact your pediatrician to assess for or diagnose Strep throat.
- Persistent cough (dry or productive)
- Rash or open and draining sores, drainage from eyes (Pink eye)
- Symptoms that prevent him/her from participating in school, such as:
- Excessive fatigue or lack of appetite
- Pain such as headache, earache or body aches
If your child has recently been ill, please be aware of the following guidelines before returning to school, athletic or social activities:
- Should feel well for at least 24 hours.
- Fever free for at least 24 hours (without medication)
- Absence of vomiting and diarrhea for at least 24 hours
- For Strep throat and Conjunctivitis = 24 hours on prescribed antibiotic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the seasonal flu vaccine for all those over six months of age and especially those with asthma and diabetes. In addition, to keep children healthy, make sure they have plenty of rest and a nutritious diet. Show your child the proper way to wash their hands and assist them to do it frequently throughout the day. Remind children to limit touching areas such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Teach your child to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their arm and avoid sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, combs, lip balms or towels. Please notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with an infectious condition such as Strep throat, Conjunctivitis (aka Pink Eye), Chickenpox, Scarlet fever, Pertussis, Head Lice, etc.
During cold and flu season, it may be helpful for parents to review the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (available by clicking here).
The requirements for immunizations, physicals, dental examinations, and other items pertaining to school health (including any related forms) may be found in the link below.
School Health Information
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