PTHS Student Handbook 2023-2024

Medical/Religious Exemptions and Waivers: ● A waiver may be submitted in place of a dental or eye exam if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician, licensed optometrist, or dentist by completing the State of Illinois Examination waiver form. ● A statement from the MD, DO, APN or PA indicating that an immunization is medically contraindicated is acceptable and needs to be attached to the student’s physical exam form. In case of a disease outbreak, the student must be excluded from school for 14 to 21 days of school, mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Should the condition of the child later permit immunization, the requirement will then have to be met. ● Religious exemption: If a parent/guardian objects to a health examination or immunizations on religious grounds, they must present a signed Certificate of Religious Exemption Form detailing the specific reason for the objections. The Certificate of Religious Exemption must be signed by the health care provider responsible for the health exam confirming education was provided to the parent/guardian on benefits and health risks. The Certificate of Religious Exemption must be submitted prior to entering grade levels K, 6 and 9. Failure to comply with the above requirements at the time of registration will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms and/or immunizations are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. Eye Examination All students entering an Illinois school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an examination performed within one year. Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15. SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION A student may possess an epinephrine injector (EpiPen), Glucagon (or similar), medication prescribed for asthma, or other emergency medications for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a PTHS Medication Authorization Form. Pontiac Township High School District 90 or Livingston County Health Department shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless Pontiac Township High School District 90 and Livingston County Health Department and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of emergency medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel.