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September 14, 2009

Recent health information from families and their doctors has confirmed that West Grand students have been exposed to and have been diagnosed with H1N1 (Swine Flu) this past week. The good news is that these students have been treated and have recovered from their flu symptoms. Students with the earlier cases have returned to school after the mandatory waiting period with no symptoms, and they are not contagious.  By following a few simple guidelines from their doctors and the county public health officials, we have controlled the number of cases, and this allows us to continue with school and activities with as few interruptions as possible.

By preparing early for this inevitable flu season, we were able to follow the recommended procedures to get us through the initial cases of H1N1. Now that we have had a few cases and know the steps to recovery, it will be very important that families and students follow a few basic guidelines. These can be found on the school website (www.westgrand.k12.co.us) and on links provided for more information. The school district will follow these guidelines:

• Students- If you have a fever over 100 degrees with other flu symptoms like sore throat, aches & pains or a cough, you need to stay home. If symptoms persist, see your doctor for medication and follow his/her advise. Stay home until 24 hours after the fever and symptoms have passed.
• Athletes- If you have flu symptoms, it is very important that you do not practice or attend games during this time. You will be contagious during this time and will only spread it to your teammates and other schools that we are competing with. Coaches are responsible for monitoring athletes' health and following these guidelines. Do not come to athletic events, even as an observer. Stay home until 24 hours after the fever and symptoms are gone.
• Teachers and Staff- Staff is expected to follow the same guidelines as the students for their personal health. They are also required to monitor students and send students who show symptoms of the flu to the school nurse.
• Parents- It is very important that you monitor your child's health on a daily basis. Do not send them to school if they have a fever or show symptoms of the flu. If your child is identified with flu symptoms while at school, you will be notified and expected to pick up your child as soon as possible. Your child will be isolated from classmates until you can pick him/her up. Please plan ahead of time how you will care for your child depending on their age and your work situation.
• Homework- Teachers will work closely with students to make sure they get the homework missed and have the necessary time to make it up. Parents and students may check the website for information regarding grades and missing work.

No one knows how often or how long this flu season will last. We must prepare for outbreaks to occur from time to time. School will not close unless we have a severe outbreak of H1N1. We will depend on families and students to monitor their own health and make the necessary decisions to stay home or see their family physician.  By following the guidelines of the public health department and using diligent precaution for addressing flu like symptoms, we will try and keep as normal schedule as possible. Please click on to the links provided and read the recommended steps for addressing the H1N1 flu.

Thank you,

Kevin Chalfant                                                                                     Theresa McElroy

Superintendent                                                                                   District Nurse

West Grand School District                                                                 West Grand School District