A new initiative that prioritizes our students’ mental health has begun in the State of Illinois that
will support the work being done by our school counselors and social workers. Governor
Pritzker signed a new law that started in January 2022. Students ages 6 to 17 years old across
Illinois can now take up to five excused mental health days per school year.
When a student wishes to take a mental health day, a parent must call the student to the main
office. When you speak with a secretary, please make them aware that a mental health day is
being used. A mental health day is not the same as a sick day, and students do not need a
doctor's note. Students will have the opportunity to make up any missed work, and the missed
day will not be used against the student's consideration for Cum Laude with attendance.
As advised in the bill, when a mental health day is requested, a school counselor or social
worker will reach out to the student and family to offer additional help and resources. After a
student takes two mental health days, school personnel will schedule a meeting with the student and parents to create a support plan.
We know the previous two years have been tough on students navigating their education
through this pandemic. We are happy to offer a process that prioritizes their mental health.