April 28, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As you may already know, an outbreak of swine flu has caused the United States to issue a public health emergency.  Although we do not have any known cases in our area, we are doing everything possible to protect the health of our students and limit the spread of any infection.  As always we are encouraging healthy germ stopping habits such as covering your cough, sneeze etiquette, and regular hand washing.  Our custodians are using all possible measures to prevent the spread of germs.

Our school nurses are staying informed and monitoring the situation every day.

Please note the following links to information about swine flu:

·         Swine Flu Information  from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)

·         What is swine flu?  (CNN)

·         U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

·         Update By Secretary of Agriculture (USDA)

·         Pandemic Flu

·         ADPH.org

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following everyday actions to stay healthy:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

·         If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Let me assure you that the health of our students is our top priority and we are doing everything possible to insure their wellbeing.  Please feel free to contact my office, (256) 845-0915, if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jim Cunningham

Superintendent