April 28, 2009
Dear Parents:
In both local and national media there has been significant coverage of Swine Flu infection. The school district wanted to take this opportunity to provide you, as community members, with some basic information and resources that you might find helpful.
The school remains in constant communication with our school physician, Department of Health personnel and our safety and health consultants as they monitor this situation for any potential concern as it relates to our community. The school district has been told that epidemiologists at the state and federal level are gathering information about the flu cases identified in the Queens area of New York City. At this time, no restrictions or specific recommendations for change have been called for in terms of school district or community interaction. The school health office staff, and buildings and grounds, are taking extra steps to enhance student hygiene and the cleanliness of our school facilities. Parents should speak to their children and all family members about the basic preventative measures that are used in preventing the spread of flu. These measures include:
Hand-washing – teach your child to wash his/her hands frequently during the day, using warm water (where available) and soap. Children should wash their hands for 20 seconds or approximately the length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. If hand-washing facilities are not available, hand sanitizers may be appropriate.
The Yard Stick Rule – stay 3 feet (a yard stick) away from somebody who is coughing or sneezing.
Cough and sneeze etiquette – do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Use a tissue or cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.
The New York State Department of Health has posted a website to provide community members with information on Swine Flu, as well as a phone number that can be called for more information or with questions. The page can be found at:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/
The school will continue to monitor any changes or information related to Swine Flu, and work closely with our County Department of Health. In the interim, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at 518-794-9016, ext.2001.
Sincerely,
Karen D. McGraw
Superintendent of Schools