Health Services
Health Services provides basic first aid. The goal of the Health Service office is to keep students in school. In the event that a student is too ill to remain at school, guardians will be contacted to arrange for the student to go home. Clearance to leave school will then be authorized. Any student sent home by Health Services for a contagious illness must be cleared by Health Services before being re-admitted to classes.
- Administering Medicines to Students
- Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs)
- Dental Examination
- Emergency Form
- Health Service Hours
- Hospital/Homebound Instruction
- Insurance
- Physical Education Medical Exemption
- Physical Examinations and Immunizations
- Self-Administration of Medication
- Vision and Hearing Screenings
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(s)/guardian(s) 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 and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication. (School Board Policy 7:270)
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” is submitted by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 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. (School Board Policy 7:270)
The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parents/guardians of students.
Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs)
AEDs are located throughout the District. These defibrillators are automated for use on a victim’s heart during a cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart starts to beat chaotically and can’t pump blood. Early intervention, through the use of an AED, may help restore a normal heart rhythm to the victim. (School Board Policy 4:170)
Dental Examination
All children in ninth grade must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH. If a child in the ninth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of the dental examination requirement as least 60 days before May 15 of each school year. (School Board Policy 7:100)
Emergency Form
All students are to complete an emergency form, which will be maintained in the District computer system. The form must show telephone numbers of the parent’s place of employment and should also include the number of a relative or neighbor to contact when parents cannot be reached in case of emergency. If emergency phone numbers change during the school year, parents/guardians should notify the school (Central Campus Principal’s Office: 815-727-6750; West Campus Room B101: 815-774-1644).
Health Service Hours
Hospital/Homebound Instruction
A student who will be absent for ten (10) or more consecutive school days due to medical reasons may obtain homebound instruction. Parents/guardians should notify the student's counselor and complete the necessary forms required by the program. This includes a physician’s statement indicating that the student will be absent from school for ten consecutive school days or more.
Insurance
At the beginning of school, each student will be given the opportunity to purchase a student insurance policy. There are three (3) plans available. Plan I provides for a nominal fee only for the period of time school is in session and one (1) hour before and after school for traveling. Plan II provides for greater benefits and is a twelve-month, 24 hours per day plan for a higher fee. Plan III is the insurance, which the Board of Education provides for athletes participating in all interscholastic sports. Parents who do not purchase student insurance (Plans I or II) will accept the responsibility for payment of medical bills in case of an accident.
Physical Education Medical Exemption
All students are required by law to participate in daily physical education. Those students who are unable to participate in the regular physical education program must bring a written order from their doctor to Health Services. The doctor’s order must state any restrictions related to medical, surgical or injury and must include an end date or date of next appointment. Parent requests for a one (1) or two (2) day excuse are to be presented directly to the physical education teacher. (School Board Policy 7:260)
Physical Examinations and Immunizations
All freshman students are required by law to have a physical examination and present evidence of required immunizations that are in compliance with state law. A student who is not in compliance with health requirements will be excluded from school day one. Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required from students in grade 12. (School Board Policy 7:100)
All transfer students are required to present evidence of the physical examination and required immunizations.
Self-Administration of Medication
A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and/or asthma medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) 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 or epinephrine auto-injector or the storage of any medication by school personnel. 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 auto-injector and/or medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel.
The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act allows a medical cannabis infused product to be administered to a student. (School Board Policy 7:270)
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication. (School Board Policy 7:270)
Health Services does not dispense medication, including aspirin. A Consent Form for Physician-Prescribed Services must be completed and signed by a physician and parent before a student is allowed to bring medicine to school, whether it is prescription or non-prescription medicine. The Physician-Prescribed Services Consent Form must accompany the medication whether the use of the medication is for a long or short period of time. (Forms are located on the school website at www.jths.org on the following nurse pages).
Central Nurse (Pathways/AVAC/Transition) West Nurse (Private Placement)
Only then will a self-administration schedule, through the health services office, be set for a student taking medicine at school. Physician-Prescribed Consent Forms are available through the campus Health Services office. It should be noted that any student taking medication three (3) times a day should make arrangements to take the medication at home before school, after school, and in the evenings. Medication should only be taken at school if it is specified by the physician on the Physician-Prescribed Services Consent form.
Also, if the medication will be required to be taken beyond the present school year, then a new Consent Form for Physician-Prescribed Services must be brought in for each new school year. A consent form for Physician-Prescribed Services must be completed and signed by a physician and parent before a student is allowed to have unlimited bathroom breaks or access the elevator. The Physician-Prescribed Services Consent Form must accompany the specific request for the length of the accommodation.
Except in emergencies, students will not be admitted to Health Services without the Health Office pass obtained from the classroom teacher. Students without a valid reason for seeking service will be sent back to class. A conference may be arranged for any student in regard to a health problem.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
All special education students will receive both vision and hearing screening evaluations annually. Parents will be notified if any problems or concerns are detected. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to have their children undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required. Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students entering an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof by the first full day of student attendance of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry of the school. A physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, or a licensed optometrist must perform the required eye examination.
If a student fails to present proof by the first full day of student attendance, the school may hold the student’s report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after the first full day of student attendance. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the IDPH. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination. (School Board Policy 7:100)