Health Information

IL Health Requirements by Grade Level

PRESCHOOL

Full physical , including immunization records, done within one year prior to school entry - due by start of school. A dental examination due by May 15th.

KINDERGARTEN

Full physical, including immunization records (even if previously done in PreK) - due by start of school. An eye examination. A dental examination due by May 15th. Note: This is required prior to entering first grade if your child did not attend kindergarten.

SECOND GRADE

A dental examination due by May 15th.

SIXTH GRADE

Full physical , including immunization records, done within one year prior to school entry. Immunizations must show proof of receipt of one dose of Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diptheria, acellular pertussis) and one MCV4 (meningococcal vaccine) - due by start of school. A dental examination due by May 15th.

NINTH GRADE

Full physical , including immunization records, done within one year prior to school entry - due by start of school. A dental examination due by May 15.

TWELFTH GRADE

Immunization records showing proof of receiving two Meningitis (only one dose is required if the first dose was received at 16 years of age or older) - due by start of school.

NEW TO DISTRICT

Full physical , including immunization records, done within one year prior to school entry - due by start of school. A dental examination and an eye exam.

NOTE: Failure to provide the required physical/immunization or eye exam (or proof of appointment) by October 15 could result in exclusion.

Guidance Regarding Sickness

Guidelines regarding various sickness:

Fever or vomiting - If your child is sick, s/he should stay home, and if they have a fever or have vomited, it must be 24 hours after the fever or vomiting has ended that they can return to school. Your child cannot remain at school if they have a fever or vomiting.

Conjunctivitis ("Pink eye") - This usually presents as itchy red eyes with discharge and is very contagious. Students must be put on antibiotic eyedrops before returning to school.

Strep throat - Symptoms include sore throat that can start very quickly, pain when swallowing, fever, red & swollen tonsils sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, petechiae on the soft or hard palate (tiny, red spots on the roof of mouth). The tiny spots are not a telltale sign of strep, so if you suspect it, take your child to the doctor to get tested. If diagnosed with strep, a student must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to make sure they are no longer contagious.

Respiratory Virus/Covid-19 - In March 2024, the CDC updated the guidance for Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses. Below is the guidance received from the Stephenson County Health Dept.:

CDC announced that they are streamlining COVID-19 guidance for isolation to be in line with all respiratory viruses, and to make guidance simple, clear and easy to understand.

  • If you are sick, stay home

  • Seek testing and treatment (particularly if at high-risk for severe disease)

  • Return to normal activities when symptoms have been getting better overall for 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone for 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.

    • Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take precaution for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as:

      • Taking more steps for cleaner air,

      • Enhancing hygiene practices,

      • Wearing a well-fitting mask,

      • Keeping a distance from others, and/or

      • Getting testing to inform your actions to prevent spread to others. 

  • If you have no symptoms but tested positive for a common seasonal respiratory virus then please take precautions such as masking, enhanced hygiene practices, social distancing for the next 5 days after the positive test.