Meet the Nurse
My name is Michelle Kozelka (Nurse K), and I am proud to serve the students and families of Emerson Elementary School. I have been part of District 89 since 2023. I earned my Master’s Degree in Nursing from DePaul University in 2020.
As the school nurse, I provide care and support to students through first aid, health plan management, medication administration, and health education. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where students feel supported and empowered to learn healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
I look forward to partnering with families to support the health, well-being, and success of every student.
If your child will be absent due to illness or a medical appointment, please contact the nurse so we can best support them during the school day.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 708-450-2002
Illinois Immunization Requirements by Grade
Kindergarten
Students entering Kindergarten must provide:
- 5 DTaP doses
- 4 Polio doses
- 2 MMR doses
- 2 Varicella doses
- School physical examination
- Vision examination
- Dental examination
2nd Grade
Students entering 2nd Grade must submit:
- Dental examination form
Due: May 15 of the school year
6th Grade
Students entering 6th Grade must provide:
- Updated school physical
- Tdap vaccine
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Dental examination
Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines must be given on or after the student’s 11th birthday.
Important Reminders for Families
• All health forms and immunization records are typically due by October 15.
• Students who are new to Illinois schools must provide updated immunization records regardless of grade level.
• Medical and religious exemptions must follow Illinois state requirements.
• Students missing required records may be excluded from school until the requirements are completed. (Cook County Department of Public Health)
Information for Students with Asthma
Students who have asthma and wish to carry their inhaler at school for self-administration must:
- Have an Asthma Medication Authorization Form on file at school.
- Have a pharmacy prescription label attached to the inhaler.
- Ensure the inhaler is not expired.
| Symptoms or Illness | When to Stay Home | Ready to Return to School |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Temperature of 100.4°F or higher orally. | 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medication. |
| Vomiting | Child feels nauseous or has vomited within the last 24 hours. | 24 hours after vomiting has stopped and the child is feeling better. |
| Diarrhea | 3 or more watery or loose stools within 24 hours. | After stools are normal for at least 24 hours and the child feels better. |
| Rash | Undiagnosed or contagious rash, especially with fever. | After evaluation by a healthcare provider, symptoms may improve. |
| Coughing / Sore Throat / Strep Throat | Persistent cough, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, or stomachache. | When symptoms improve. If prescribed antibiotics, after 24 hours of treatment. |
| Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) | Redness, swelling, drainage, crusting, or eye discomfort. | 24 hours after treatment begins or when cleared up by a healthcare provider. |
| Flu-like Symptoms | Fever, body aches, chills, excessive fatigue, or worsening symptoms. | When fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. |