Dr. Hoffman's H1N1 (swine flu) update

Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman shares the following update on the H1N1 virus:

As we prepare for the 2009-2010 school year, one of the concerns we are addressing is how we respond when students contract the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as “swine flu.” We will follow guidelines given to us by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The CDC recommends (view the plan) that school NOT be closed if relatively few cases are found. Rather, they recommend that we deal with cases promptly, carefully, and with caution. That will be our direction this year on this topic.

Steps will take place include:

• Encourage students to wash hands frequently and thoroughly;

• Send students with flu-like symptoms to the nurse immediately;

• Use masks on students exhibiting symptoms until they are sent home, and encourage parents to have their children tested as soon as possible;

• Ensure common areas (classrooms, cafeterias, media centers, locker rooms) are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis;

• Above all, encourage parents to keep ill students home.

According to the CDC, these actions will be sufficient to protect students from an unchecked spread of the H1N1 virus. Obviously, if the situation changes, and large numbers of students are ill, we will re-examine our processes, and respond accordingly. We also want to hear from you if you have any information that you feel would be helpful to us in helping us keep our children safe.