Health Services

Our school nurses are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our students. Located in both the north and south buildings, our team is available throughout the school day to provide compassionate care while addressing illnesses, injuries, and chronic health related needs that occur here on campus.

While we are unable to dispense medication, we are here to ensure that every student feels cared for. Our philosophy is students must be educated to be healthy and healthy to be educated.

No appointment needed, but a pass is required during class time. If you arrive during a passing period, you need a pass from your next block's teacher.

When to stay home.

To help prevent the spread of illness, students should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as:

Fever (100.4°F or higher)
Severe coughing
Sore throat or swollen glands
Red, watery eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea
Rash or unusual paleness
Dizziness or fainting
Severe pain (ear, stomach, back, etc.)

Students must be fever-free for 24 hours—without the use of medication—before returning to school.

Going home sick.

If a student starts feeling sick during the school day, they should go to the Nurses' Office to be evaluated.

During class: Ask your teacher for a pass to the Nurses’ Office.
During passing periods: Go to your next class, then ask for a pass to the Nurses' Office.
If you're too sick to get to class: Ask a nearby adult or staff member for help.

If the nurse determines you should go home, a parent/guardian will be contacted to pick you up as soon as possible.

Students should not leave campus on their own if they feel ill. The nurse must assess the student and contact a parent/guardian directly. For safety and accountability, students are not permitted to leave due to illness without nurse authorization and parent/guardian notification.

Returning after illness.

Students must meet health guidelines before returning to school:

You must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
If you had vomiting or diarrhea, wait at least 24 hours after symptoms stop before returning.
If you were prescribed antibiotics (for strep throat, pink eye, etc.), you must take them for at least 24 hours before coming back to school.
If you tested positive for or were diagnosed with a contagious illness (like COVID-19, flu, strep, pink eye, etc.), follow the return guidance provided by your doctor and share it with the Nurses’ Office.

If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to return, contact the Nurses' Office before coming back to school.

Health Forms

State law requires that students submit a physical examination and documentation of the required immunizations to complete enrollment in Illinois schools. A physical and proof of immunizations is required to begin Grade 9, and for any transfer students. Students without these medical records will not be allowed to attend school (including Summer School) until requirements are met.

Completed forms can be emailed to medicalrecords@hf233.org or faxed to 708-335-6993 (South Nurse) or 708-914-7240 (North Nurse).

Physical Exam

A physical exam is a routine health check-up performed by a healthcare professional to assess a student’s overall health and wellbeing. For students, physical exams are required for enrollment and specific activities, such as sports participation.

Incoming Grade 9 students must submit a physical exam dated within one year of the first day of school. Transfer students must submit a physical dated within one year of starting at HF or provide valid medical records from a previous Illinois high school. Note: Students attending Summer School must submit their physical exam prior to the start of summer classes.

IDPH Physical Examination & Immunization Form (required for 9th Graders)

Certificate of Child Health Examination Form

There are many different forms a parent or guardian might turn in with information on their student’s health. However, the Certificate of Child Health Examination Form is the only one that satisfies proper school immunization documentation requirements in accordance with state law.

Immunization Requirements

An immunization (also called a vaccine) is a shot that helps protect your child from serious diseases by strengthening their immune system. Immunizations are especially important in a school setting because they help prevent the spread of contagious illnesses and keep all students, staff, and families safer.

For detailed information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

IDPH Physical Examination & Immunization Form (required for 9th Graders)

Students must complete all immunizations and submit documentation to HF prior to the first day of school. If claiming a religious exemption from immunizations, a Religious Exemption Form signed by a physician is required.

Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus (DTP/Td)
Inactivated Polio
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Hepatitis B
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Haemophilus Influenza, Type B (HIB)
Conjugate Meningitis (MCV4)
Recommended: HPV (human papillomavirus)

Dental Requirements

Additional Requirements

Asthma Action Form (if applicable) Required annually for students with asthma.
Medication Authorization Form: Required for any prescription medication to be taken during school hours. Submit completed form along with the medication in its original pharmacy container.
Self-Administration of Medication Form (if applicable)
Diabetes Medical Management Form (if applicable)
Food Allergy Emergency Plan (if applicable)
Seizure Action Plan Form (if applicable)
IDPH Religious Exemption Form (if applicable)

Physical Exam Requirements

A physical exam is a routine health check-up performed by a healthcare professional to assess a student’s overall health and wellbeing. For students, physical exams are required for enrollment and specific activities, such as sports participation.

IDPH Physical Examination & Immunization Form (required for 9th Graders)

Certificate of Child Health Examination Form

The Certificate of Child Health Examination Form is the only one that satisfies proper school immunization documentation requirements in accordance with state law.

Immunization Requirements

An immunization (also called a vaccine) is a shot that helps protect your child from serious diseases by strengthening their immune system. Immunizations are especially important in a school setting because they help prevent the spread of contagious illnesses and keep all students, staff, and families safer.

For detailed information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

IDPH Physical Examination & Immunization Form (required for 9th Graders)

Students must complete all immunizations and submit documentation to HF. If claiming a religious exemption from immunizations, a Religious Exemption Form signed by a physician is required.