Nurse's Office

The Maine South Health Office is staffed by 2 full-time registered nurses, Certified School Nurse Mrs. Kathy Tomassi and Mrs. Peggy Kendrick and a full-time secretary. The health office manages both acute and chronic illness and injuries. The nurse acts as a liaison between the medical community and the school community and is available to students, parents, and staff for counseling, education, and referrals for health related issues and concerns. The Health Office is open weekdays from 7:30am to 3:30pm.

• Physical Examination Form

  A Health Office packet will be mailed to all incoming freshmen in the spring of their 8th grade year (or given to parents of transfer students during initial registration process), outlining the forms and procedures needed for registration. These forms must be completed and filed with the nurse before a student can attend classes, purchase textbooks, or receive a class schedule. All students entering 9th grade as well as all transfer students are required by the Illinois Dept of Public Health to have a complete physical examination and provide proof of immunizations.  Effective January 1, 2008, an eye examination will be mandated for any child enrolling for the first time in an Illinois School.  Eye examinations are required to be performed by optometrists or by physicians who provides eye examinations. 

  The physical examination must be current (completed within one year prior to the first day of school) and submitted on the “Certificate of Child Health Examination” form. The physical examination form must be signed by the physician, and stamped with his office and phone number. The physician must also complete the section regarding participation in “Physical Education” and “Interscholastic Sports.” Parents/legal guardians are required to complete, sign, and date the “Health History” section of the physical exam form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted and will delay or prevent purchasing books and/or starting school.

• Immunizations

  By law, the immunization section on the physical examination form must indicate each immunization date for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Hepatitis B.

• Emergency Card

  The Emergency Card (enclosed with the packet) must also be completed and signed by parent/guardian. Both names and daytime telephone numbers of 2 additional adults must be provided as emergency contacts in case we can’t reach a parent/guardian. Please keep your work/cell phone numbers up-to-date and notify our office of any changes.

• Athletic Permit Card

  The Athletic Permit Card is also included with the Health Office packet. If your student plans to participate in any interscholastic sport, this card must be completed and signed by your child’s physician before he/she can try out, practice or participate in any district athletic program. If your student is planning on participating in a spring sport, it’s a good idea to schedule physicals in June to remain current throughout the year. Please note: the Athletic Permit card will eventually be filed in the Athletic Office; additional questions about the card should be directed to the Athletic Director: Mr. Steve Adams.

 Health Office FAQ'S

1. Q.   If my child is sick and will not be in school, whom do I call?

   A.   Call the Attendance Office immediately and let them know your student will not be attending as well as the reason for the absence. Call the Attendance Office Recorder number and leave a detailed message: (847)-825-7712. Messages are received 24 hours a day. Calls reporting student illness must be made by noon on the day of the absence to be regarded as “authorized.” Please note: If your student will be out for an extended period and/or is hospitalized, please call the nurse in addition to the Attendance Office.

2. Q.   My child is on medication but doesn't need to take it during school hours. Does the nurse still need to know?

   A.   Yes!   Please provide the nurse’s office with this information so that it can be included in the student’s file in case of an emergency.

3. Q.   My child needs to take medication at school. What do I do?

   A.   The nurse cannot dispense over-the-counter medication (including aspirin); however, if a student is required to take prescribed medication during school hours, a form must be signed by parent and physician detailing dosage and directions and submitted to the nurse's office. All medication brought to school must be in its original container. Containers will remain under lock and key in the health office — students will then report to the office to take their medication at the prescribed time. Additional questions about medication and procedures should be directed to the school nurse.

4. Q.   My child was injured and is on crutches for the next 6 weeks. What do I do?

   A.   Obtain a doctor's note; and submit it to the nurse who will make arrangements for an elevator key, PE excuse, etc.

5. Q.   My child was injured/is ill and can't participate in gym class. What do I do?

   A.   Notify the nurse's office. The nurse will make the necessary arrangements with the P.E. teacher, counselor, etc.

6. Q.   My child will be hospitalized for a week or more. What do I do?

   A.   Call attendance (847-692-8203), call the nurse (847-692-8199), call your student's counselor.  E-mail teachers directly to request assignment . If your child will be hospitalized for more than a week, home/hospital tutoring may be arranged. Please talk to your child's counselor.

7. Q.   What if my child gets sick during the school day? What's the procedure?

   A.   The student reports to the school health office to be evaluated by the nurse. The nurse will then contact the parent/guardian if the student is too ill to stay in school