Student Health Services

School Health Services believes student education and growth are related to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Having access to nursing care positively impacts student attendance. Healthcare provided in the school health office supports students and allows them to identify students who have become ill during the school day and when to return students to their classrooms, resulting in increased access to education. West Harvey-Dixmoor 147's School Health Services team includes a Certified School Nurse, 3 Registered Nurses, and one Licensed Practical Nurse. Certified school nurses support the special education process in schools every day, allowing for prompt and professional responses to health concerns and medical issues.

Health Services provided at the schools

The Health Services staff believes family is an essential part of good health. Your input is welcome and valued. Please stop by to voice concerns, ask questions, share thoughts, and exchange health information. 

• Allergy & Asthma Awareness

• Care of Illness & Injury

• Communicable Disease Management

• Health & Wellness

• Vision & Hearing Screenings

• Medication Administration & Policy

• Required Health Exams and Immunization Recording

Accidents

Minor accidents which occur during the school day are treated by the classroom teacher or registered nurse. It is the responsibility of the parents to contact a doctor or take the child to the doctor's office or hospital. If the injury appears serious, the school nurse will call a parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the school will call the emergency number provided on the enrollment form. If a parent/guardian or designated emergency contact is not available and the injury requires immediate aid, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital by paramedics. A school administrator will accompany the child while school staff continue to try to connect with parents/guardians.

Activity Restrictions 

In the event a student has an injury or illness that prevents them from participating in recess or physical education (PE), a parent/guardian must provide written notice to both the school nurse and PE teacher. That note is valid for a maximum of three days.

• A student unable to participate in outdoor recess or physical education classes for a period of more than three days must provide the school with an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act.

• A student who arrives at school with a new cast, splint or orthopedic device for a recent injury must provide school with an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act.

• It is recommended that an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act be provided for students returning to school after surgery or a hospitalization.

• Activity orders should specify the student’s injury or medical problem, the activity the student is restricted from, the dates the student is restricted from the activity, and a date to resume activity. 

• Students with an activity restriction are restricted from similar extracurricular and/or interscholastic activities during the activity restriction time period.

• Students may not resume activities until a release from the healthcare provider is provided to the school. The school nurse will call the provider to clarify restrictions, if needed.

Concussions and Head Injuries

Students who experience a forceful impact believed to have caused a concussion, who are exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, will be removed from:

• athletic practices,

• competition,

• physical education class,

• recess,

• other physical activities during the school day, or

• in school-sponsored after-school activities

Students diagnosed with a concussion, or exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion after injury will be immediately removed from these activities. The district's Return to Learn and Return to Play Protocols are based on Physician recommendations and student symptoms. Each concussion is different and is managed individually amongst the student, the parent/guardians, the school nurse/physician, and the educational team. The concussion plan is frequently monitored and updated to allow for the student to progress academically and physically as symptoms improve. The student may resume activities after medical release from the licensed physician who has treated the student.

Please review the CDC Concussion Information Sheet:

ConcussionInfoSheet-English.pdf    ConcussionInfoSheet-Spanish.pdf

CPR and AED Training

Per Public Act 098-0305, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has posted a training video on their website on hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED). School District 15 encourages parents and staff to view it. Click on the image below or visit: http://www.ihsa.org/Resources/SportsMedicine/CPRTraining.aspx to view the video.

Communicable Disease Management 

Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing a large number of students with flu symptoms. To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines. 

Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms: 

• Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough  

• Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep) 

• Headache 

• Mild stomach ache 

• Chills 

• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches 

Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

• Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications) 

• Vomiting (even once) 

• Diarrhea 

• Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough 

• Shortness of breath

• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose 

To help prevent the flu and other colds, please teach your children good hygiene habits: 

• Wash hands frequently 

• Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth 

• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick 

The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.  Colds and Flu are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours.  Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not they should attend school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities upon return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. 

Flu- Guide for Parents  La Influenza- Una Guia Para Los Padres

RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (known as RSV) is a common and highly infectious virus. Most children will get RSV at least once before they turn two. RSV infection is a common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small to medium sized airways of the lung). Symptoms of RSV bronchiolitis may last for up to 10 days. Most children will feel sickest three to six days after the first signs of illness.

The main signs and symptoms of RSV include: 

• runny nose 

• Cough

•  fever 

• sore throat 

• headache

Children’s symptoms often worsen in the first two to three days of sickness. They may also experience wheezing, difficulty breathing and dehydration.

What causes RSV?

RSV is a virus. The virus can cause inflammation and mucus to build up quickly in children’s airways which can make it hard to breathe and cause lung infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.      

How is RSV diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose bronchiolitis by examining your child. Tests like a nasal swab may be done to confirm if the bronchiolitis is caused by RSV, but this is not usually required, particularly when there are high rates of RSV in the community. Please notify your school nurse if your child tests positive.

Treatment: Most cases of RSV are mild and can be treated at home with rest. Very young children, children with pre-existing lung diseases or children with severe bronchiolitis may need to go to hospital to get help with their breathing or feeding.  

Care at home: Give your child small amounts of their usual fluids to drink regularly – this may help to relieve the build-up of mucous (congestion) and prevent dehydration.

• Work with your health care provider to determine the proper over the counter medication if your child is uncomfortable with a fever (in doses recommended on the bottle).
• Keep your child at home until their symptoms have stopped.
• Wash hands regularly – RSV can easily spread from person to person, regular hand-washing for 20 seconds with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading to others.

When should I see a doctor?See your local doctor or visit your nearest hospital emergency department if you are concerned about your child’s breathing or feeding. 

Call 911 immediately if your child:      

• Appears very unwell and lethargic  
• Is having severe difficulty breathing                                    
• Is making a ‘grunting’ noise,
• Has blue-coloured lips or skin.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal diseases, frequently referred to as meningitis, are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of these serious diseases.  It is important to be aware that the symptoms of meningococcal disease can resemble the flu and may progress quickly to high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and a purplish rash. Students with these symptoms should be examined as soon as possible by a healthcare professional.  To prevent the serious complications of a meningitis infection, Illinois state law requires 11-year old students receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. As with all communicable disease occurrences, the district works closely with the public health departments to ensure the safety of our community.

Administering Medicines To Students: Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication. No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form (SMA Form) is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication. The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parents/guardians of students.

Self-Administration of Medication: A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector, e.g., EpiPen®, and/or asthma medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an SMA Form. The Superintendent or designee will ensure an Emergency Action Plan is developed for each self-administering student. A student may self-administer medication required under a qualifying plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an SMA Form. A qualifying plan means: (1) an asthma action plan, (2) an Individual Health Care Action Plan, (3) an allergy emergency action plan, (4) a plan pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or (5) a plan pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The District shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan, or from the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan, or out of the storage of any medication by school personnel. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section.

Diabetes Medical Management Plan 

A Diabetes Care Plan will be developed and implemented for students diagnosed with diabetes, per the Care of Students with Diabetes Act. When parents/guardians submit a medical Diabetes Medical Management Plan to the school district, the plan will then be incorporated into an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a certified school nurse with protocol for implementation and staff training. As outlined in the Care of Students with Diabetes Act (105 ILCS 145/), District 15 nurses, in partnership with a certified diabetic educator will provide specific training to delegated care aides to support students with diabetes during the school day, as well as at school-sponsored activities. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

The type 1 diabetes informational materials for parents and guardians of students are now available on ISBE’s School Wellness Student and Family Resources, via the link Understanding Type 1 Diabetes for Parents and Guardians.

Asthma Awareness & Action Plan

An increased awareness of asthma and allergies is needed to keep students safe at school.  The Health Services staff maintains a list of students with asthma to share with staff on a need-to-know basis. Asthma information and recommended actions for responding to emergency events, including emergency medication, are provided to staff. Illinois law requires students with asthma to provide an Asthma Action Plan that guides staff response. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section.

Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan                        If your child has life-threatening anaphylactic allergies (including food allergies), please notify your school nurse, and print the Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan for completion by your physician, and submit to your school's health nurse. The nurse maintains a list of students who have anaphylactic allergies to share with staff on a need-to-know basis and can assist you with the necessary documents needed for school. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

Seizure Action Plan                                                                                                           For students with epilepsy, a Seizure Action Plan is needed to provide appropriate care while the student is at school. All school employees receive training in the basics of seizure recognition and first aid and appropriate emergency protocols.  A delegated care aide may be trained to perform the activities and tasks necessary to assist a student with epilepsy in accordance with the student's Seizure Action Plan, in accordance with the Seizure Smart School Act, should a seizure occur during the absence of the school nurse. If applicable, a Seizure Action Plan will be provided to any school employee who transports a student with epilepsy to a school-sponsored activity.  In accordance with his or her Seizure Action Plan, a student will be permitted to possess on his or her person, at all times, the supplies, equipment, and medication necessary to treat epilepsy. All accommodations, personnel, training, and emergency planning will be determined to meet the individual student's specific needs during the IEP or 504 meetings. WHD 147 school district in compliance with Section 25 of this Act is not liable for civil or other damages as a result of conduct, other than willful or wanton misconduct, related to the care of a student with epilepsy. The School District shall incur no liability arising out of the administration of prescribed rescue medication or the storage of the medication by school personnel nor from any injury connected with providing the school standing protocol or prescription for rescue medication on the Seizure Action Plan, except for willful and wanton conduct. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

Undesignated Epinephrine Auto-Injectors                                        The schools in WHD 147 school district will continue to have undesignated epinephrine auto-injector and a standing protocol permitting a school nurse or trained personnel to administer epinephrine to any person whom the school nurse or trained personnel in good faith believes to be having an anaphylactic reaction. WHD 147 School district and prescribing physician shall incur no liability arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine auto-injector and/or medication or the storage of the medication by school personnel nor from any injury connected with providing the school standing protocol or prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, except for willful and wanton conduct.

Health Exams and Immunizations

For the purpose of safeguarding the health of children, West Harvey-Dixmoor School district 147 enforces Illinois student health requirements. These requirements consist of physical (health) exams, dental exams, eye exams, and immunizations specific to grade and age.

Pre-Kindergarten/ECE

• Physical (Health) Exam Form with current immunizations

Kindergarten:

• Physical (Health) Exam Form with current immunizations
• Eye Exam Form
• Dental Exam Form 

Second Grade:

• Dental Exam Form

Sixth Grade:

• Physical (Health) Exam Form with current immunizations
• Dental Exam Form 

TRANSFER students (from another school in Illinois):

• School health requirements for grade level, as stated above

NEW students (from out of Illinois or country):

• Physical (Health) Exam Form with current immunizations
• Eye Exam Form

Interscholastic Sports:

• A current sports physical is required, before trying out, for participation in an interscholastic sport. Physicals are valid for 13 months. Please check the date of the physical and plan for updates accordingly as some may need to take place mid-year. 

Physical Health Exams

Physical (Health) Exams are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade, and those who are new to the school. The Certificate of Child Health Examination form, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, must be dated within one year prior to the first day of school and must include: lead screening for children who are six years or younger, diabetes screening, and age-appropriate social, emotional, and developmental screenings. A tuberculosis (TB) skin test is recommended.  According to Board of Education Policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students and the Illinois School Code,  students who do not provide proof of receiving the required immunization and/or exam are excluded from school on October 15. Students new to Illinois schools, who register midterm, are allowed 30 days following registration to comply with the health requirements. Each school nurse is able to provide community resources to families needing assistance with locating a provider to meet this state health requirement. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

Immunizations

Immunizations against major infectious diseases are required for the following:

•  Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)
• Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten—Have received 4 doses of DTP/DTaP at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday.
• Grades 6, 7, & 8—Have received 1 booster Tdap on or after the 11th birthday.

Polio (IPV)

• Pre-Kindergarten—Have received 3 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals.
• Kindergarten—Have received 4 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Pre-Kindergarten and Grades 6, 7, & 8—Have received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine at the recommended intervals. 

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

• Pre-Kindergarten—Have received 1 dose of varicella vaccine after the first birthday. 
• Grades K-8—Have received 2 doses of varicella vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday. 

Measles (Rubeola) German Measles (Rubella, 3 Day) Mumps – (MMR)

• Pre-Kindergarten—Have received 1 dose of MMR vaccine after the first birthday.
• Grades K-8—Have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday. 

Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)

• Grades 6, 7, & 8—Have received 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) on or after 11th birthday.

Additional immunizations for students less than 5 years old (Pre-Kindergarten):

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)—Have received the series of Hib vaccines.
• Pneumococcal—Have received the pneumococcal vaccine according to the PCV schedule.

Dental Exams

Dental Exams are required for students in kindergarten, second grade, and sixth grade. The dental examination must have taken place within 18 months prior to May 15 of the school year. A dental provider will schedule visits during the school year. If you would like your child to participate, please reach out to your school nurse. All students in the required grades are required to have either an exam or a dental waiver in their health record. A dental waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to a dentist. If a student fails to present proof of a dental exam or a waiver form by May 15, the school may withhold the student's report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed dental exam, or (2) that a dental exam will take place within 60 days after May 15. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

Eye Exams

Eye Exams are required for students entering kindergarten and entering Illinois schools for the first time. A waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to an optometrist or to a physician who performs eye examinations. The State of Illinois Eye Examination Report and waiver form are available here and in the school office. If a student fails to present proof of an eye exam or waiver form by October 15, the school may withhold the student's report card until the student presents proof:  (1) of a completed eye exam, or (2) that an eye exam will take place within 60 days after October 15. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section. 

Vision and Hearing Screenings

Adequate vision and hearing are important for educational performance. Impaired vision and/or hearing in children can impact learning, and early discovery and treatment can prevent or reduce many of these concerns.  Screenings for vision and hearing concerns are provided according to the Illinois Department of Public Health and District 15 guidelines. Parents/guardians and staff members who have concerns with a student’s vision or hearing are encouraged to contact the school nurse and request a screening. Students identified with potential vision or hearing concerns during the school screenings are referred for medical follow-up. Providing documentation of medical follow-up is required. Community resources can be provided as needed. Parents/guardians who object to screenings for their child on religious grounds may contact the school nurse for additional information. Note: Vision and Hearing Screenings are not a substitute for a complete hearing or vision evaluation by a licensed medical professional. A child is not required to undergo either screening if an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or audiologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months.

Student Health Data- Immunizations

Immunization data: 2024-25 Student Health Data   Lincoln   King  Parks  , as reported to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Guidelines for Health Exemptions

Under Illinois law, parents/guardians who object to immunizations and/or health, dental, or eye examinations, or any part thereof, on religious grounds are not required to submit their children to the examinations or immunizations. When  a religious exemption is requested, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete the Certificate of Religious Exemption form provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The form must be signed by the child’s parent/guardian AND the child’s health care provider (includes physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, advanced practice nurses, or physician assistants) responsible for performing the child’s health examination. All Religious Exemption forms will be submitted for district approval. A letter approving exemption will be sent home and placed in their health file.Families selecting religious exemptions assume full responsibility for their child’s health. If there is an outbreak of one or more diseases from which their child is not protected, their child may be required to stay home from school in accordance with State of Illinois rules and Board policy 7:280.Under Illinois law, a student may be allowed a medical exemption from required immunizations. The examining health care provider responsible for the performance of the health examination shall endorse in a statement attached to the student’s Certificate of Child Health Examination form indicating an immunization is medically contraindicated. Statements from physicians indicating a specific medical condition that predisposes a student to a potential health risk if vaccinated are forwarded to the Illinois Department of Public Health Immunization Program Representative for review. If the Illinois Department of Public Health does not approve the statement, a copy of the explanation will be forwarded to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) informing them that the student must receive the required immunization(s). When a family has submitted a Certificate of Religious Exemption or a Certificate of Child Health Exemption, the district will review the document and then send an acceptance or declination letter back to the family. All forms can be accessed below under the Health Forms Section.