October 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we enter flu season and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus has the potential to become more severe, I want to remind you that we are aware of the concern posed by the illness and are taking every appropriate step to protect students. Their health and safety remains a top priority.
Among the action steps we have taken or are taking:
We continue to report student absences daily to the Winnebago County Health Department. Currently, the number and nature of absences in Rockford Public Schools has not risen to a level that would require taking precautions beyond basic flu]prevention measures.
Parents will immediately be advised if the number of flu cases being reported to local health officials reaches a level that requires more vigorous action.
Educational videos about H1N1 and flu prevention are being broadcast on Comcast cable channel 20.
Posters illustrating how to cover your cough are being distributed to every classroom.
Temperature strips are being purchased for distribution to teachers and possibly to parents.
Electronic notifications have directed parents and employees to rps205.com for guidance. If you have not signed up to receive alerts via e]mail, cell phone, etc., click on the ENS link on the home page of our Web site.
Our cleaning staff is wiping down frequently touched surfaces (including desk tops, light switches, doorknobs, cafeteria tables and water fountains) with EPA]recognized germicides effective against H1N1.
Here are steps you should take as a parent:
Talk to your children about how they feel each morning.
Keep home any children who show flu]like symptoms including fever, cough or sore throat, body aches and vomiting or diarrhea.
Donft send your children back to school until they are fever]free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever]reducing medication.
Remind your children to wash their hands frequently and use their sleeve to cover their cough.
Finally, the Winnebago County Health Department will be providing H1N1 vaccinations at all schools during the next few weeks. Please watch for consent forms, which will be sent home with students. If you have any further questions, please contact the nurse at your childfs school.
Respectfully,
LaVonne M. Sheffield, Ph.D. Superintendent |
