October 20, 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Greetings! More confirmed cases of Influenza A and strongly suspected cases of H1N1 influenza are being reported to the school district. These students, ill with Influenza Type A and/or novel H1N1 influenza, are being treated and are being recommended by health care professionals to stay home for at least seven days. As the number of suspected cases continues to increase in our district and in other neighboring districts, some parents/guardians believe that the schools should close. This belief is contrary to the recommendations of the PA Department of Health (PADOH). According to the PADOH, school district policy related to H1N1 under the current conditions should be as follows:

- Recommending that students and staff stay home when sick for at least 24 hours after the fever ends naturally (without the aid of fever-reducing medication). The local medical community is recommending students/staff stay home for seven days after the onset of the symptoms.
- Separate sick students and staff. Once ill students and staff are identified by district personnel, they are sent home.
- Promote good prevention techniques. District faculty and staff are promoting cough etiquette and hand washing and encouraging students to stay home when they are ill.
- Clean routinely with the schools regular cleaning supplies. The district is focusing greater efforts than ever before on cleaning desks, tables and computer equipment.
- Treat vulnerable students and staff early. As soon as the vaccine is supplied to the school district, priority will be given to the district’s most at-risk students and staff.

Concern among parents/guardians about their child’s safety is only natural and completely respected by the school district. However, the district will not close its schools unless the incidence of the novel H1N1 becomes rampant with the schools and the district is advised to do so by Pennsylvania Department of Health officials.

Please continue to recommend hand washing and cough etiquette with your child. Should your child have a fever and/or flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and do not send your child to school. I look forward to your continued cooperation as we work together to address the novel H1N1 influenza.