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We are attempting to establish good attendance patterns in our students since it has been shown that there is a positive relationship between regular attendance, punctuality, and school success. Some children have been arriving at school after classes have begun in the morning. We open the doors at 8:05 a.m. each morning so that the children can be seated in their classroom and ready to begin instructional time at 8:15 a.m. After 5 unexcused tardies, a student must serve a lunchtime detention. Even though we acknowledge the value of travel, we also recognize the importance of regular school attendance and encourage you to schedule around school vacations. Absences for reasons other than illness can put a child at a real disadvantage. Attendance records are reviewed at regular intervals throughout the school year. The State of Illinois has placed certain responsibilities on its schools to look into the causes of student absenteeism. It has been established by the County and District that 3 days of absences/tardies in a four week period or 10 absences/tardies in a school year shall be the points at which we become concerned about a student's attendance and begin to monitor and explore the situation. ABSENCE REPORTING Please remember that student absences MUST BE reported to the Health Office each day that a student will not attend school. The Health Office phone number is 420-6347. If your child is absent and we did not hear from you, we will try contacting you at home, work or through emergency numbers to make sure your child is safe. KEEPING US UPDATED Naper continues to have many families on the move. Please be sure to update parent work numbers and emergency contact phone numbers. You may do so by sending a note to the Health Office or by phone (420-6347). This is also a reminder to parents who have occasion to go out of town and leave their children in the care of someone else to be sure to put in writing your authorization for emergency care during your absence, and to please notify the Health Office of the person who will be in charge.
Colder weather brings an increase in illness. This is a reminder that the school CAN NOT give medicine, prescription or over the counter, unless we have a signed permission form from your child's doctor. You can find this form in the handbook or you can pick one up in the health office. Medicine should be brought to school in the original prescription bottle (pharmacies will give an extra one when asked), or in the container in which it was purchased. It should be clearly marked with the student's name and dosage to be given. All medicine MUST be given through the Health Office, since it is not safe for other children to have medicine sent in lunch boxes or pockets. FIFTH DISEASE "Fifth Disease" is a mild viral illness with no complications to most children and adults. Most individuals have acquired immunity to this illness by the time they reach adulthood. Women who are pregnant and who work or volunteer in the school are advised to inform their physician and/or obstetrician when this illness has been diagnosed in students because of a concern about exposure during pregnancy. The symptoms of "Fifth Disease" are the onset of a rash on the cheeks, which can become hot and red, often giving a slapped appearance, and later a pale rash that appears on arms, legs and trunk of body. The rash may fade and reappear over the course of several weeks, especially when the child becomes overheated due to exercise. If a child is well (no fever, cough, etc.) he/she may be readmitted even though there is still evidence of the rash if they have presented a note from their physician stating the diagnosis is "Fifth Disease."
Physical exam forms for current FOURTH GRADE students with all current immunizations on file in the Health Office will be given to parents with second trimester report cards. The Illinois Department of Public Health mandates that all students entering Fifth grade during the 2003-2004 school year will have completed the series of three Hepatitis B immunizations. Required intervals for the vaccine are a minimum of 28 days between dose 1 and 2, and 56 days between dose 2 and 3 with at least 4 months between dose 1 and 3. Students entering fifth grade in the fall of 2003 must also have a physical exam done within one year prior to entry into fifth grade. We encourage you to begin the Hepatitis series as soon as possible and to also schedule your physical appointment. Your child may be immunized by your health provider and/or by the County Health Department at their walk-in clinics. The cost of the vaccine at the County clinic is $10.00 per dose. If the child has started the series, you Must bring the dates of previous immunizations to insure that the series is completed in the appropriate intervals. Walk-In Clinics are also held at the Wheaton and Westmont Health Department sites. Call (630)682-7560 for further information. All immunizations are of the same quality as those received in a physician's office. Parents must accompany children and bring their current immunization record. Parents will receive written verification of the immunizations received and should take this verification to their regular physician and update their child's record.
WINTER WEATHER Outdoor recess is held unless the temperature or the wind chill is at 0 or below! The winter winds are blowing making it very cold outside for our children coming to and from school and also going outside for recess. We are constantly dismayed to see so many students not dressing warmly for the weather. Please be sure your child leaves for school each day with a hat, gloves, a warm coat and boots when appropriate. Remember, the children go outside to play when the wind chill is zero and above. Please be sure to dress you child appropriately as everyone must go out for recess unless they present a signed and dated note from their doctor. HEALTH HINTS
Because many communicable diseases occur throughout the school year and because most do not pose a serious threat to the general population, we do not inform parents every time a new case of illness occurs. If you have a special need to know about cases of communicable diseases such as chicken pox, measles, fifth disease, et. occurring in your child's classroom ( a family member has sickle cell anemia, is pregnant is immunosupressed, or has a similar health concern), please inform the Health Office at 420-6347 and I will contact you if such an illness occurs in your child's class. Please advise the Health Office should your child come down with a contagious illness, especially Fifth Disease so that any pregnant teachers or volunteer can be notified. For additional information, please return to the NCUSD203 website and click on Health Services.
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