District 88 shares details of bill that provides students with up to five mental health days
District 88 shares details of Senate Bill 1577, which went into effect on Jan. 1.
According to the Illinois General Assembly website, “(The bill) amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. With respect to the exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement, (this bill) provides that absence for cause by illness shall include the mental or behavioral health of a student for up to 5 days for which the child need not provide a medical note, in which case the child shall be given the opportunity to make up any school work missed during the mental or behavioral health absence. After the second mental health day used, the child may be referred to the appropriate school support personnel.” CLICK HERE to read more.
What constitutes a mental health day
- A mental health day may be taken if a student experiences concerns such as anxiety, depression or somatic symptoms (headache, throwing up).
What doesn’t constitute a mental health day
- Mental health days are not to be taken as a result of stress caused by a lack of work completion or test/presentation preparation.
- Mental health days are not to be taken as a result of overscheduling (such as extracurricular activities or work hours).
- Mental health days are not to be used as an extension of a holiday break or a vacation.
Mental health and social-emotional supports/resources
At District 88, the safety, health and well-being of students and staff is our No. 1 priority. We know building relationships proceeds learning, and we continue to focus on connecting with all students to foster an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging to support each child on his or her journey to success. For students to achieve academically, we must first meet their needs outside of the classroom – including providing mental health and social-emotional supports. For information about available supports and resources, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/14478.