October 20, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I am sure you are aware that a new flu virus, H1N1, has been in the news. We have been closely monitoring information about H1N1 and we have provided families with information in our newsletters.
We have learned that it is anticipated about 30%-50% of people who come into contact with the H1N1 virus will get the flu. With normal flu viruses, 5%-20% of people who come into contact with the virus get the flu.
Already in this school year, at every school in the district, we have had absences for students who have had flu symptoms; however, because the treatment for the flu is the same, whether a person has a flu caused by seasonal flu viruses or the H1N1 virus, the Washington State Department of Health has not recommended testing to identify the virus for every case of the flu. It is likely that many students that have been absent from school because of the flu have had the flu that is caused by the H1N1 virus.
Regarding the H1N1 virus, our goal in the West Valley School District is to limit student and staff contact with the H1N1 virus.
If a student has flu symptoms at school, we will:
- Isolate the student while the student waits for the parent/guardian to pick them up from school.
- Have the student wear a protective mask while they wait.
- The student will not be allowed to return to school until 24 hours after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- If the student experienced severe symptoms (extended, high fever) the student will not be allowed to return to school until 3-5 days after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
We ask that families check their emergency contact information that is listed in Skyward Family Access. School staff members need to have the correct information if they need to contact you. If the emergency contact information needs to be updated, please click on the link that states, “Request Changes to My Child’s Information.”
If you have difficulty changing the emergency contact information, please call our Student Records office at 972-5909. Deb Chronister and Mary Ann Perri will be happy to help you Skyward Family Access.
I want to assure you that our staff follows district policy for the control of infectious diseases. Our custodial staff uses universal infectious disease prevention practices in their work to ensure that the disinfectants that we use in the district are used properly and effectively. If you have questions about these prevention practices, our Facilities Director, Tim Critchlow , can be reached at 972-6032.
District policy provides principals with the authority to exclude students from school if the student is suspected of having an infectious disease.
We would like to remind you of the following information that we have included in newsletters in the past:
Protect Yourself:
- Wash your hands frequently. When soap and water are not available, carry and use a waterless, alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Use it often.
- Avoid touching your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Shaking hands is a common custom. However, this practice spreads germs and can cause you to receive or transmit the flu virus.
- Medically fragile populations, such as those with chronic diseases or the elderly, may want to avoid crowds to limit their potential for exposure to viral illnesses and the flu.
Protect others if you are ill:
- If you are ill with a respiratory condition that includes fever and a cough, please stay home .
- Cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately in a trash receptacle.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often and especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with other people as much as possible.
- Wear a surgical mask if you are in contact with other people.
I would like to emphasize:
If your student is ill with symptoms of the flu, please keep your student home from school.
Our staff in the West Valley School District will continue to work with local and state agencies to monitor the H1N1 virus and its impact at school. We will continue to provide students and their families with information about the H1N1 virus.
If you have any questions about health related issues, our team of district nurses are available at the following numbers:
Lisbeth Kaplan , Elementary, 965-2257
Mary Lou Shean , Middle School, 972-5705
Joanna Dixon , JH/HS, 972-5842
More information about H1N1 is available at the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Information specific to Yakima County is available at: http://www.yakimahealthdistrict.org/swine_flu.html
Information for educational institutions and parents is available at the ESD105 website:
http://www.esd105.org/index.php/educational-services/learning-support/school-nurse-corps/h1n1-flu-information
If you have any questions about our district policies and procedures, please feel free to contact me directly at 972-6007.
Sincerely,
Peter D. Finch, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
West Valley School District ● 8902 Zier Road ● Yakima , WA 98908
8902 Zier Road