Beginning 2024-2025 school year, a new version of the Certificate of Child Health Examination may be utilized. Any child health exam that occurs after January 1, 2025, for the school year of 2025-2026, must utilize the updated child health exam form.
Here are a few guidelines to help you determine whether your student is too ill to go to school.
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Rapid COVID-19 Testing Letter & Consent Form: https://tinyurl.com/5xk3skrn (PDF)
NCHS's Revised COVID Policy: http://www.newarkhs.k12.il.us/pdf/5_Day_Guidance_Letter_1-10-2022.pdf
IL Revised School Health Guidelines: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/school-guidance.html
Also, you can still order your free thermometer through the Kinsa School App. Text JOIN to 24020 to start the process or visit https://kinsahealth.com/kinsa-for-schools for more info.
The following letter from the Illinois Department of Health provides information and guidance for K-12 schools regarding the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus: Illinois Department of Health Letter (PDF)
School nurses supervise the administration of medications, maintain school health records, and administer emergency first aid when appropriate. When students become ill or injured during the day, they should report it immediately to the teacher and request a pass to the health office. The nurse will contact parents as situations require. Please be sure to keep the school office updated on current phone numbers.
Taking medications during school hours is discouraged. 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, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing the *Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication Form and providing the permitted medication. The information on the form must be the same as that on the medication container label. NCHS will not accept medication sent to the school in any container other than the container provided by the pharmacy. This policy applies to prescription and over-the-counter medication, including cough drops.
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 Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non- prescription medication, including medical marijuana, on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure. Students who retain controlled substances on their person on school grounds are subject to the disciplinary policies of Newark Community High School. If a change in type of drug or dosage is warranted, a new form is to be completed by the parent/guardian and presented to the high school office.
Students with asthma who need an inhaler at school must have an Asthma Action Plan and a *Physician Request for Self-Administration of Medication form. A student may possess and self- administer inhalers prescribed for him/her by their licensed health care provider if these forms have been signed by their health care provider. All other inhalers will be kept in the Health Office.
Please be sure to notify the school nurse if your student needs an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q) at school. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan must be completed and turned in to the school along with your student’s epinephrine auto-injector. A student may possess and self-administer epinephrine from an auto injector if a Physician Request for Self-Administration of Medication Form has been completed. If Benadryl is needed for allergies, parents must provide it according to the NCHS medication guidelines as outlined above.
Students with diabetes who need insulin injection at school or who have an insulin pump must have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan completed and turned in to the school along with a Physician Request for Self-Administration of Medication form.
All of the above forms, indicated by underline, are available on the Newark Community High School website under the Student Resources tab. Follow this link and click on School Nurse. Downloadable forms are on the right of this page.
*Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication and *Physician Request for Self-Administration of Medication are now on the same form. Only one signature is required for the physician.
Physical Exams are required for all incoming 9th grade students and all students entering school in Illinois for the first time. Physicals must be dated within one year from the first day of school and must be completed on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Exam, not IHSA Sports Physical form. This is due on or before the first day of school. Students without a physical exam will be excluded from school attendance.
Illinois State Law requires all 12th grade students to provide proof of having received two meningococcal vaccines prior to entry into school. If the first meningococcal vaccine was received after 16 years of age, only one vaccination is needed. Please contact your student’s health care provider if you are unsure of the status of your child’s immunizations.
These screenings are mandated by the state for all students receiving special education services, students new to the district, or teacher or parent referrals. Testing will begin on or after October 15 of the school year and continue until all mandatory screenings have been completed. Parents will be notified if there are any abnormal findings. These are only screenings and should never replace a thorough exam by your doctor. If your child already wears (or should be wearing) glasses or hearing aids, please let the school nurse know.