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East Maine School District 63

Empowering all students to succeed in a changing world

Health and Safety

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

  1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
  2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
  3. Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12. A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required). Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

Failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of school of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by their first day of school, the student must present, by their first day of school, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

Eye Examination

All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year. Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Dental Examination

All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months. Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

Exemptions

A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

  1. Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;
  2. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;
  3. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
  4. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
  5. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited 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 a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

No school or district employee is allowed to 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 is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  No student is allowed to 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 procedure.

Self-Administration of Medication

A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler or medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form. 

Students who are diabetic may possess and/or self-administer diabetic testing supplies, equipment, and insulin if authorized by the student’s diabetes care plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students with epilepsy may possess and/or self-administer supplies, equipment and medication, if authorized by the student’s seizure action plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students may self-administer (but not possess on their person) other medications required under a qualified plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

The school 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. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the school 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. 

Administration of Medical Cannabis

In accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program, qualifying students are allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the building principal for additional information. Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver pursuant to this procedure is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.

Undesignated Medications

The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine injectors; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon. No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

Emergency Aid to Students

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

Authorization for Medical Treatment

In the event of a medical emergency and if reasonable attempts to contact me using the telephone numbers listed in the PowerSchool portal are unsuccessful, I, as a parent or legal guardian, understand that medical treatment may be given by a licensed medical physician in the event of a medical emergency that, in the opinion of the attending physician, may endanger his/her life, cause disfigurement, physical impairment, or undue discomfort if delayed. I understand that the transfer of my child to any hospital reasonably accessible will be at my expense. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

Guidance & Counseling - The school provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The school’s social workers are available to those students who require additional assistance.

Under Illinois law, any student 12 years of age or older may receive counseling services without consent of the student's parent/guardian. However, until the consent of the student’s parent/guardian has been obtained, counseling services provided to a student under the age of 17 are generally limited to not more than eight 90-minute sessions.  

Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.

The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.

  1. Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.
  2. In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.
  3. The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.
  4. A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.
Disease Symptoms School Exclusion

Chicken Pox

Red rash, characterized by a blister-like lesion in the center, which becomes a scab; mild elevation in temperature; malaise.

May not return to school sooner than 6 days after the appearance of first lesions, until no fever, and/or before all lesions are scabbed.

Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)

Pink/Redness of the white part of the eye, itching, and burning of the lids, and discharge from the eye.

May not return to school sooner than 24 hours after initiation of medical treatment and/or before all drainage is cleared up. Physician note indicating treatment required for return to school.

COVID-19

Fever (100.4°F degrees or higher), new onset of moderate to severe headache, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue from unknown cause, muscle or body aches from unknown cause

Check with the nurse at your child’s school for further instructions.

Fifth Disease

Low grade or no fever and a distinct facial rash (slapped cheek appearance); frequently associated with a lace-like rash on trunk and extremities. A sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and abdominal complaints may precede the onset of rash.

The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication. If a rash was present, the physician must provide a written confirmation that the rash was due to Fifth Disease.

Fever

Children with temperatures of 100.4°F degrees or higher should not be sent to school.

The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Hand, Foot & Mouth

Fever, sore throat, feeling of being unwell (malaise), painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks, a red rash, without itching but sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles of the feet, loss of appetite.

May not return to school if open weeping sores on hands or until fever-free for 24 hours.

Impetigo
(Common Skin Infection)

Skin infection appearing as fluid-filled blisters with “honey-colored” blisters that form scabs, frequently on the face around the mouth.

Until after completing 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and until the doctor gives written release.

Influenza (Flu)

Abrupt onset of fever, headache, fatigue, chills, cough, sore throat, and/or aching muscles. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are not common.

Fever of 100.4°F degrees or greater, and/or Influenza symptoms listed. The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Measles

Cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, fever, rash that starts at head and spreads down and out on body; sore throat; may have Koplik’s spots

Exclude for at least 4 days after the start of the rash.

Susceptible contacts: Those who do not receive vaccine within 72 hours of exposure shall be excluded for 21 days after onset of last case.

Ringworm

(Scalp) Temporary loss of hair, itching flaking scalp (Body) Small red patch or bump that spreads with the appearance of a red, scaly, outer ring with a clear central area.

If lesions can be kept covered, exclusion is not required. If lesions can NOT be kept covered, exclude from school until 24 hours after treatment begins.

Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever

The student should remain home from school until free of symptoms for 24 hours.

Streptococcal Infections (Strep Throat,  Scarlet Fever)

Fever, sore throat, and enlarged glands in the neck. The scarlet fever rash (pinpoint dots) appears 1-3 days after onset of a sore throat and strawberry tongue.

A student may return to school following 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, provided accompanying symptoms have subsided.

If your child has symptoms of a communicable disease and it has been determined they need to go home for treatment or recovery, the parent/guardian or emergency contact will be called. The decision to send a student home from school is based on nursing judgement, the student’s temperature, and any accompanying symptoms.

To ensure complete recovery and prevent the spread of illness:

  • A child with a temperature of 100.4F or greater, must stay home from school until the child is fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication (i.e.: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, etc.). 
  • A child must stay home from school until 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

Emergency: At times, a student’s illness or injury may require emergency medical attention and 911 will be called. Paramedics will then decide to transport the student to the hospital. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian or emergency contact in a timely manner.

Head lice are a common issue among school-aged children and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Our school's policy, based on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), focuses on managing head lice effectively while minimizing disruption to student learning.
Key Points:

  • Identification: If head lice are suspected, the school nurse or trained staff will discreetly check the student.
  • Parent/Guardian Notification: If live head lice are found, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. Information and resources on treatment will be provided.
  • Return to School After Treatment:
    • Students with live head lice must be treated at home before returning to school.
    • Upon return, the student will have a quick re-check by the school nurse to confirm no live lice are present.
    • Students with nits (lice eggs) only, and no live lice, may remain in school. However, parents are strongly encouraged to remove nits and monitor their child's scalp daily.
  • Confidentiality: All cases are handled confidentially.
  • Prevention: Remind your child not to share hats, combs, brushes, or hair accessories. Regular hair checks at home are also recommended.

What Parents/Guardians Should Do:

  • Regularly check your child's hair for head lice, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
  • If you find live lice, treat your child at home and contact the school nurse before sending your child back to school.

Our policy aligns with current health recommendations to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students. For questions or assistance, please contact the school nurse.

Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Threats and acts of targeted school violence harm the District’s environment and school community, diminishing students’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Providing students and staff with access to a safe and secure environment is an important goal of the School and District. While it is not possible to completely eliminate threats, the School and District maintain a Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and a Threat Assessment Team to reduce these risks to its environment.

Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, School, or self. Reports can be made to any school administrator, law enforcement authorities, or the Safe2Help Illinois helpline (www.safe2helpil.com/).

Students and parents are urged to participate in behavioral threat assessment and intervention programs if the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team believes that intervention is necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by the threat maker(s) or parent/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all.

For further information, please contact the Building Principal.

Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

Domestic and sexual violence affect a student's ability to learn. Students who are parents or expectant parents have unique needs. Providing support services that enable students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence (Article 26A Students) to succeed in school are important school and district goals and are required by law.

Requesting Support Services

To facilitate the full participation of Article 26A Students, the school district provides in-school support services and information regarding non-school-based support services. Article 26A Students are also able to make up work missed on account of circumstances related to their status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence.

In-school support services include, but are not limited to, enabling a student to meet with counselors or other service providers, excusing the student from class as necessary for circumstances consistent with their Article 26A status, and assisting students with the development of a student success plan.

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may request a complete copy of the District’s policies related to Article 26A Students and information on support services by contacting the Article 26A Resource Person listed below.

Filing a Complaint

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may file a complaint for violations of this procedure with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. 

Article 26A Resource Person: Please contact the building Principal.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent 

Complaint Managers: 
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Erin Sterling, Director of Multilingual Services 
10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.299.1900

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against an Article 26A Student or their parent/guardian for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under this procedure is prohibited. Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

  • Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

    All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

    1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
    2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
    3. Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

    Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12. A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required). Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

    Failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of school of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

    New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by their first day of school, the student must present, by their first day of school, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

    Eye Examination

    All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year. Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

    Dental Examination

    All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months. Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

    Exemptions

    A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

    1. Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;
    2. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;
    3. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
    4. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
    5. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

  • Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited 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 a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

    No school or district employee is allowed to 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 is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  No student is allowed to 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 procedure.

    Self-Administration of Medication

    A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler or medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form. 

    Students who are diabetic may possess and/or self-administer diabetic testing supplies, equipment, and insulin if authorized by the student’s diabetes care plan, which must be on file with the school.

    Students with epilepsy may possess and/or self-administer supplies, equipment and medication, if authorized by the student’s seizure action plan, which must be on file with the school.

    Students may self-administer (but not possess on their person) other medications required under a qualified plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

    The school 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. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the school 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. 

    Administration of Medical Cannabis

    In accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program, qualifying students are allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the building principal for additional information. Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver pursuant to this procedure is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.

    Undesignated Medications

    The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine injectors; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon. No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

    Emergency Aid to Students

    Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

    Authorization for Medical Treatment

    In the event of a medical emergency and if reasonable attempts to contact me using the telephone numbers listed in the PowerSchool portal are unsuccessful, I, as a parent or legal guardian, understand that medical treatment may be given by a licensed medical physician in the event of a medical emergency that, in the opinion of the attending physician, may endanger his/her life, cause disfigurement, physical impairment, or undue discomfort if delayed. I understand that the transfer of my child to any hospital reasonably accessible will be at my expense. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

  • Guidance & Counseling - The school provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The school’s social workers are available to those students who require additional assistance.

    Under Illinois law, any student 12 years of age or older may receive counseling services without consent of the student's parent/guardian. However, until the consent of the student’s parent/guardian has been obtained, counseling services provided to a student under the age of 17 are generally limited to not more than eight 90-minute sessions.  

  • Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

    Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.

  • The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.

    1. Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.
    2. In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.
    3. The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.
    4. A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.
    Disease Symptoms School Exclusion

    Chicken Pox

    Red rash, characterized by a blister-like lesion in the center, which becomes a scab; mild elevation in temperature; malaise.

    May not return to school sooner than 6 days after the appearance of first lesions, until no fever, and/or before all lesions are scabbed.

    Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)

    Pink/Redness of the white part of the eye, itching, and burning of the lids, and discharge from the eye.

    May not return to school sooner than 24 hours after initiation of medical treatment and/or before all drainage is cleared up. Physician note indicating treatment required for return to school.

    COVID-19

    Fever (100.4°F degrees or higher), new onset of moderate to severe headache, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue from unknown cause, muscle or body aches from unknown cause

    Check with the nurse at your child’s school for further instructions.

    Fifth Disease

    Low grade or no fever and a distinct facial rash (slapped cheek appearance); frequently associated with a lace-like rash on trunk and extremities. A sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and abdominal complaints may precede the onset of rash.

    The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication. If a rash was present, the physician must provide a written confirmation that the rash was due to Fifth Disease.

    Fever

    Children with temperatures of 100.4°F degrees or higher should not be sent to school.

    The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication.

    Hand, Foot & Mouth

    Fever, sore throat, feeling of being unwell (malaise), painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks, a red rash, without itching but sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles of the feet, loss of appetite.

    May not return to school if open weeping sores on hands or until fever-free for 24 hours.

    Impetigo
    (Common Skin Infection)

    Skin infection appearing as fluid-filled blisters with “honey-colored” blisters that form scabs, frequently on the face around the mouth.

    Until after completing 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and until the doctor gives written release.

    Influenza (Flu)

    Abrupt onset of fever, headache, fatigue, chills, cough, sore throat, and/or aching muscles. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are not common.

    Fever of 100.4°F degrees or greater, and/or Influenza symptoms listed. The student must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever-reducing medication.

    Measles

    Cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, fever, rash that starts at head and spreads down and out on body; sore throat; may have Koplik’s spots

    Exclude for at least 4 days after the start of the rash.

    Susceptible contacts: Those who do not receive vaccine within 72 hours of exposure shall be excluded for 21 days after onset of last case.

    Ringworm

    (Scalp) Temporary loss of hair, itching flaking scalp (Body) Small red patch or bump that spreads with the appearance of a red, scaly, outer ring with a clear central area.

    If lesions can be kept covered, exclusion is not required. If lesions can NOT be kept covered, exclude from school until 24 hours after treatment begins.

    Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

    Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever

    The student should remain home from school until free of symptoms for 24 hours.

    Streptococcal Infections (Strep Throat,  Scarlet Fever)

    Fever, sore throat, and enlarged glands in the neck. The scarlet fever rash (pinpoint dots) appears 1-3 days after onset of a sore throat and strawberry tongue.

    A student may return to school following 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, provided accompanying symptoms have subsided.

    If your child has symptoms of a communicable disease and it has been determined they need to go home for treatment or recovery, the parent/guardian or emergency contact will be called. The decision to send a student home from school is based on nursing judgement, the student’s temperature, and any accompanying symptoms.

    To ensure complete recovery and prevent the spread of illness:

    • A child with a temperature of 100.4F or greater, must stay home from school until the child is fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication (i.e.: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, etc.). 
    • A child must stay home from school until 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

    Emergency: At times, a student’s illness or injury may require emergency medical attention and 911 will be called. Paramedics will then decide to transport the student to the hospital. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian or emergency contact in a timely manner.

  • Head lice are a common issue among school-aged children and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Our school's policy, based on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), focuses on managing head lice effectively while minimizing disruption to student learning.
    Key Points:

    • Identification: If head lice are suspected, the school nurse or trained staff will discreetly check the student.
    • Parent/Guardian Notification: If live head lice are found, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. Information and resources on treatment will be provided.
    • Return to School After Treatment:
      • Students with live head lice must be treated at home before returning to school.
      • Upon return, the student will have a quick re-check by the school nurse to confirm no live lice are present.
      • Students with nits (lice eggs) only, and no live lice, may remain in school. However, parents are strongly encouraged to remove nits and monitor their child's scalp daily.
    • Confidentiality: All cases are handled confidentially.
    • Prevention: Remind your child not to share hats, combs, brushes, or hair accessories. Regular hair checks at home are also recommended.

    What Parents/Guardians Should Do:

    • Regularly check your child's hair for head lice, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
    • If you find live lice, treat your child at home and contact the school nurse before sending your child back to school.

    Our policy aligns with current health recommendations to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students. For questions or assistance, please contact the school nurse.

  • Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

    Threats and acts of targeted school violence harm the District’s environment and school community, diminishing students’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Providing students and staff with access to a safe and secure environment is an important goal of the School and District. While it is not possible to completely eliminate threats, the School and District maintain a Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and a Threat Assessment Team to reduce these risks to its environment.

    Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, School, or self. Reports can be made to any school administrator, law enforcement authorities, or the Safe2Help Illinois helpline (www.safe2helpil.com/).

    Students and parents are urged to participate in behavioral threat assessment and intervention programs if the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team believes that intervention is necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by the threat maker(s) or parent/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all.

    For further information, please contact the Building Principal.

  • Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

    Domestic and sexual violence affect a student's ability to learn. Students who are parents or expectant parents have unique needs. Providing support services that enable students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence (Article 26A Students) to succeed in school are important school and district goals and are required by law.

    Requesting Support Services

    To facilitate the full participation of Article 26A Students, the school district provides in-school support services and information regarding non-school-based support services. Article 26A Students are also able to make up work missed on account of circumstances related to their status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence.

    In-school support services include, but are not limited to, enabling a student to meet with counselors or other service providers, excusing the student from class as necessary for circumstances consistent with their Article 26A status, and assisting students with the development of a student success plan.

    An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may request a complete copy of the District’s policies related to Article 26A Students and information on support services by contacting the Article 26A Resource Person listed below.

    Filing a Complaint

    An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may file a complaint for violations of this procedure with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. 

    Article 26A Resource Person: Please contact the building Principal.

    Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
    Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent 

    Complaint Managers: 
    Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
    Erin Sterling, Director of Multilingual Services 
    10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
    847.299.1900

    Retaliation Prohibited

    Retaliation against an Article 26A Student or their parent/guardian for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under this procedure is prohibited. Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.