Mental Health Days

About 

Public Act 102-0321 (Senate Bill 1577) allows students to take up to five mental or behavioral health days per year. A student is not required to provide a medical note and must be given the opportunity to make up any schoolwork missed during such absences. Students are not allowed to call themselves in; a parent must contact the school for the absence to be considered excused. In summary, Mental Health Days are simply excused absences in the same way as if a student were physically ill. A student may be referred to the appropriate school personnel following the second mental health day.

Student Mental Health Support Expectations

• Attendance on these days will be coded as an “illness” or sick day that is specifically taken to support mental and behavioral health. These days will be distinguished from traditional sick days. Parents/guardians should select ‘Other’ when entering the absence in the Parent Portal and provide ‘mental health day’ as the reason.
   
• District staff will monitor when a student takes a mental health day. After the second Mental Health Day, a member of the Student Services team may contact the student’s parent/guardian to discuss the appropriate support services needed for the student. If a counseling or support session with a Student Services team member is requested, both parents and students will be informed. District staff will continue to monitor and communicate with the student's parent/guardian when additional mental health days are taken.
   
• Parents and students are encouraged to maintain open communication with school-based mental health professionals for ongoing support.
   

Excused Absences & Missed Coursework

As outlined in Public Act 102-0321 and according to our current practices for managing excused absences, students will be given the opportunity to complete missed school work during a mental or behavioral health absence, without consequence.