Letter To Parents

October 12, 2009 Dear Parent/Guardian, Today, a kindergarten student at Village School was diagnosed with a case of H1N1 (swine flu). The swine flu has similar symptoms to type “A” and/or “regular” flu strains (fever, weakness, coughing, lack of appetite, etc.). With the guidance of the CDC and the Lorain County Health District, it is our intention to keep schools open through the flu season. We strongly encourage parents to keep children home if any flu-like symptoms become apparent. Students should not return to school until they are free of fever and have been off medication for 24 hours. Students who are sent to school prematurely are considered to be the primary cause of the spread of the virus. Also, as always, if at any time you do not feel it is safe to send your child to school, we respect that decision. We are asking your help by practicing good health habits with your family. Washing hands, limiting the sharing of food or food utensils, and refraining or minimizing direct personal contact will help reduce the spreading of any disease, including the flu. If your child or a member of your family becomes ill, you should contact your doctor or health care professional immediately for treatment. Remember, “Knowledge is Power”. We are working with the Lorain County Health Department, our nurses, teachers, and our cleaning staff. Our buildings are being cleaned and sanitized daily and we have been and will continue to teach and practice good health and sanitizing habits by our staff and students. On the back of this letter, is a “fact sheet” from the CDC. In addition, we are providing a communication from the Lorain County Health Department. Sincerely,

Yolanda Little Village Principal

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs Source: www.cdc.gov The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. 6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.