Seasonal/H1N1 Flu Season Monitoring and Prevention
Hello Arnold Families -
A number of parents have reached out to our PTA with questions about how Arnold Elementary is prepared for the cold and flu season to include the H1N1 pandemic this year. I have reached out to Ms. Biggart and because Arnold recognizes this as a serious issue, Principal Biggart and our school nurse Ms. Stover were kind enough to meet with me to answer questions on strategy and plans for implementation needed to get through the season. They also shared helpful tips, provided recommendations and a list of resources to help us (parents/caregivers) become more proactive and stay informed on flu viruses and H1N1 that may impact our school family.
As a part of the strategy, Ms Stover visited each classroom and emphasized to the school staff and students the importance of hand washing and cough etiquette. Regarding implementation -- All classrooms and the cafeteria have been equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers to be used by the children before lunch, after visiting the bathrooms and when coming in from recess or as needed. Ms. Stover also stressed the need for parents to help create healthy habits by encouraging your child to wash his or her hands every time they visit the restroom and use hand sanitizer as needed. Please also remind your child to cover coughs or sneezes using their elbow instead of their hand when a tissue is not available and if possible, think about getting your child their flu vaccinations this year.
It is critical that sick children stay home. Arnold's illness policy follows the CDC recommendation that students must be free from fever (without fever reducing medications) for 24 hours before they may return to school. Parents will be contacted to pick up children that return to school before the 24-hour fever-free period has been fully implemented. If you are concerned about class work, communicate with your child's teacher to get lessons sent home or discuss other arrangements.
In the event your child has received a positive test result for the H1N1 virus, please notify the school office/principal the day you are informed of the positive test result. It is critical that the school is informed quickly so that appropriate decisions and actions may be implemented in a timely manner. Please do not send your child back to school until they are fever-free for a MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS to allow the prevention of the spread of the various sicknesses.
We appreciate your help in speaking with your child about taking personal responsibility for good hand hygiene and other healthy practices that help prevent the spread of viruses.
Hope this helps!
- Val
Memo from Kevin M. Maxwell, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools: H1N1 Update