Superintendent's Newsletter - May 2009

Franklin Public Schools

Central Office Update From the Superintendent’s Desk

MASSACHUSETTS CONTINUES ITS RESPONSE 20 confirmed swine flu cases in United States;

May 2009

Wayne R. Ogden, Superintendent of Schools

TO OUTBREAK OF SWINE FLU none in Massachusetts at this time

BOSTON – State health officials continue to work closely with partners at the federal, state and local level to respond to the swine flu outbreak in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the outbreak of swine flu a public health emergency. As part of that declaration, federal officials have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states prepare and respond to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies that may be needed if the current situation changes. Massachusetts will begin receiving initial quantities of these materials in the coming days. “This is understandably a concerning time for Massachusetts residents who have heard so much about swine flu over the past couple of days,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “However, I want to assure everyone that our team is working overtime on this matter and I am confident that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the people of the Commonwealth.” DPH officials continue to take steps to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness in Massachusetts, asking health care providers and hospital emergency departments to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms -- especially in people who have recently traveled to Mexico or any of the U.S. states which have confirmed cases. If a provider suspects a patient may be infected with swine flu, DPH requests that they perform and submit a swab test for laboratory testing. Even though no cases have been identified in Massachusetts, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza: wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands; and if you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products. Pupil Personnel Services For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visitPoint of Sale Update / Cafeteria Program  www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph by Lindaand Waters, Director by Miriam Goodman, Finance Director Changes in Ma Department of Public Health (MDPH) regulations now Recently, Franklin’s School Food Service Department evaluated several require a student transferring into the Franklin Public Schools from another different computerized Point of Sale (POS) systems to increase the level of school system to provide a current physical exam, unless the schools health service and provide greater accuracy with school meal accounts. After records transferred with the child show adequate health appraisal in the reviewing these systems a decision was made to purchase the school year of transfer. NUTRIKIDS® POS System. We are currently preparing to implement this MDPH regulations now also require schools to measure heights and weights new system in the Franklin Public Schools with a launch date of May 11, in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. BMI (Body Mass Index) score and percentage will 2009 be calculated on each measured student and the information will be provided For the first few days after the start our lunch lines may be a little to parents/guardians in writing. Parents are allowed to request, in writing, not slower, but as the students familiarize themselves with the system, the to have the BMI screening completed, should this be an issue. lines should move much quicker than before. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child appears to have a problem Every student uses a seven-digit ID number to log onto the computers in with pediculosis (lice). Because of the incidence of pediculosis (lice) and for school. Your child will enter this ID number or swipe a barcode as he/she other hygiene concerns, the wearing of hats in school is generally not goes through the lunch line. For lower grade students, we can also use an permitted. electronic classroom roster for identification and adults will be available to Postural Screening: As mandated by MA state law, postural screening for help as needed. scoliosis (curvature of the spine) is conducted annually on all students in You may deposit money into your child’s account by sending in a check Grades 5 through 9. Students will be exempt from the school screening only with your child’s ID number written on it. This ID number remains the if a physical exam is received during the academic year starting in June same for your child each year. Students can still pay in cash. specifically documenting the results of a postural exam (i.e. “postural If your child has qualified for free or reduced meal prices, this screening negative” or “scoliosis negative”) or a note is provided from the information is securely contained within the system, and the meal will be physician indicating the results of a postural exam done during that school processed just as it is for all other students without any special indication year. All other students will be screened. to the child. There is no need to be concerned for a potentially Initial screening will be conducted in physical education classes in late uncomfortable situation for your child. You will not need to fill out a new February or March by the school nurse or the physical education teachers free/reduced application for this school year, although if your status has who have been trained to conduct these screenings. All students with changed, please feel free to do so. Please note that federal funding coming questionable findings will be referred to the school nurse. Re-screening will to the district is based on free/reduced eligibility across the district, so if be completed by the school nurse, after which recommendations will be you think you may be eligible, please complete an application. An made. application can be found at your child’s school. Screenings: All children are screened for vision and hearing annually in Thank you in advance for your patience in implementing this new grades k-5, 7 and 10. Parents of these children failing to pass either of these system. screenings will be notified. It then becomes the parent’s responsibility to seek additional professional follow-up.