Did you know...
You can have your child's school physical done anytime within one calendar year of the first day of school. Beat the rush and get your child's exams done now, so they will be ready to start school next August! Students new to District 61 must present a medical examination conducted within one year prior to the date of entering or provide a health form that is comparable to the Illinois requirements only at the time of first entry into an Illinois school. New students to the district must also provide dental and eye examinations. Dental examination must be conducted within 18 months prior to May 15 for students in kindergarten, second grade, and sixth grade.

Health Requirements by Grade

PreSchool & Early Childhood Education

• Physical Exam (dated within one calendar year of the first day of school)
• Immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health
• Lead Screening
• One (1) dose of varicella vaccine

Kindergarten

• Physical Exam (dated within one calendar year of the first day of school)
• Dental Exam (dated within 18 months of the first day of school)
• Vision Exam (must be completed by October 15)
• Immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Health
• Lead Screening
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Four (4) doses of polio vaccine

Grade 2

• Dental Exam (dated within 18 months before the first day of school)
• Two (2) doses mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine

Grade 6

• Physical Exam (dated within one calendar year of the first day of school)
• Dental Exam (dated within 18 months of the first day of school)
• Immunizations as required by the IL Department of Public Health
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• One (1) dose meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)
• One (1) dose of Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (Tdap) for students aged 11-12

Grade 7

• Sports physical prior to participation in athletic practice or event
  (noncompliance with requirement will result in Athletic Ineligibility)
• Evidence of receiving the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine 
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine
• One (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)

Grade 8

• Sports physical prior to participation in athletic practice or event
  (noncompliance with requirement will result in Athletic Ineligibility)
• Evidence of receiving the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine 
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine
• One (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)

Grade 9

• School Physical Exam Form (R-01-12) dated within one calendar year of the first day of school
• Immunizations as required by the IL Department of Health
• Two(2) doses of varicella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• One (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)

Grade 10

• Sports physical prior to participation in athletic practice or event
  (noncompliance with requirement will result in Athletic Ineligibility)
• Evidence of receiving the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine

Grade 11

• Sports physical prior to participation in athletic practice or event
  (noncompliance with requirement will result in Athletic Ineligibility)
• Evidence of receiving the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine

Grade 12

• Sports physical prior to participation in athletic practice or event
  (noncompliance with requirement will result in Athletic Ineligibility)
• Evidence of receiving the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine
• Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of mumps and rubella vaccine
• Two (2) doses of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)

Vision & Hearing Screenings
Our department has 2 certified vision and hearing technicians. They travel to all schools during the year.

As required by the IL Department of Public Health, children in the following grades are screened yearly:

• Preschool, Kindergarten, and grades 1,2,3,6 and 8
• All students in special education programs
• All students new to Decatur Public Schools
• All students who teachers and parents ask us to screen

If you would like your child's vision or hearing checked, call your school nurse.

Medication at School

Medications are given at school only when failure to have the medicine at school would jeopardize the child's health.

Medicaitons at school are only given to students with long term, chronice health problems. See your child's school nurse for the District Medication Form. This must be completed by the child's doctor and parent. All medicaitons must be in containers labeled by a pharmacist or prescriber.

• Over-the-counter medications are not given at school. This includes pain relievers and cough syrups.
• Herbal and homeopathic preparations are not given at school.
• Antibiotics are not given at school.
• Lunch time medicaitons are not given on half days.

Keeping Your Child Home From School

If you keep your child home, please call the school before 9:00 am!

Keep your child at home if he/she has:

• Fever: a temperature of 100 or higher
• Colds: If your child has a constant cough, constant runny nose, cannot stay awake or pay attention
• Vomiting & Diarrhea: Keep your child home until the illness is over
• Toothache or Earache: If your child can't pay attention due to pain. Call your child's health care provider
• Injury: If your child will have trouble moving without the use of pain medication, call your child's doctor

Wellness Policy

Our District's Wellness Policy was created to help children stay healthy. It includes guidlines for:

• Nutrition Education
• Physical Activity
• Nutrition Guidelines
• Guidelines for other school-based activities including a list of healthy snacks and non-food rewards and incentives
• View the Wellness Policy and other forms here: Health Document Library