Staying Healthy during the 2009 - 2010 School Year

Attention Parents – This information was shared with your child(ren) last week as part of a preparation plan for helping our students and families stay healthy.  It was shared both within the classroom and by the principal at lunch.  Feel free to call our main office if you have any questions.  Thank you for helping us keep Meridian Park healthy!

Re: H1N1 Flu Concerns and Classroom Script

September, 2009

As part of the Shoreline District Flu Plan we are sharing this information with you and your students so that we all will be aware of ways that we can try to avoid catching and spreading the both the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.  We are asking every teacher to share the information below either by reading it over the PA system and/or discussing it in your classes as appropriate for your age group. Each building nurse is available to answer questions that your students may come up with in your buildings. 

1. The H1N1 flu virus is expected to appear in our classrooms and school buildings soon after we all return to school in September. The peak of the outbreak could come as soon as October and there are many ways we can attempt to limit the spread. Since schools and especially school children are primary in the spread of both types of flu we need everyone from youngest students to our graduating seniors and all staff to limit the spread of the flu in every way we know how.

2. Here are the things we expect you and your families to be doing so that everyone can stay healthy:

·       It is VITALLY important for everyone to stay home if you are sick with a fever of 100 or more, feel hot, feel chilled, have a sore throat, a cough, or are miserable with body aches or headaches. These are signs that you might have the flu. Even if you have a test, a presentation or an important assignment, we expect everyone, teachers, staff and students to STAY HOME, if you have any signs of illness. Then STAY HOME until you are not sick any more and your fever has been gone for one whole 24 hr day without fever reducing medications. (For your younger students we will be communicating this directly to parents.)

·       If you begin to feel sick during the school day, tell your teacher right away, and go to the nurse to get checked out.  Do not try to ‘tough it out’ till the end of the day as we might have encouraged you to do in the past. Generally with flu symptoms you will begin feeling really sick in a short period of time.

·       Washing your hands often and scrubbing them well is now the most important way to keep from getting sick. Your teachers may remind you and you can remind your classmates. EVERYONE should be washing much more often than you have in the past. Using an alcohol gel, like Purell is Ok, but hot water and soap is better.

·       If you sneeze or cough, be sure to use your elbow to catch the sneeze. If you do sneeze or cough into your hands, go wash them very well immediately. If you sneeze and use a Kleenex, throw the Kleenex in the trash and wash your hands immediately.

·       Do not share your lunches or snacks, drinks, water bottles, lip balm, & lipsticks. Also sharing other items like pencils, pens, and other school supplies are discouraged. Sharing these things are other ways flu viruses can spread, so don’t share any food, drinks or cosmetics.