Dear Parents and Guardians:
Almost daily we are hearing news reports about H1N1 and how it may reoccur once school is in session. As you send your child back to school, you may have wondered about these news reports regarding the H1N1 virus and how we are preparing as a district. I want to assure you that we have been preparing for this possible outbreak.
Our nurses are in regular and ongoing contact with our school district physician and have been informed about the most recent developments regarding the HINI virus. Since the flu virus can live for a number of hours on surfaces such as desks and doorknobs, as a safeguard, custodial staff will clean classrooms and common areas regularly. Our faculty will be reinforcing proper hygiene etiquette with the students. Although it may appear simplistic, practicing good hygiene and proper hygiene etiquette continues to be the best defense against becoming ill with the flu. To that end, we have installed additional hand sanitizers in each school for students and adults to use.
If the flu becomes more severe, we may take additional steps to prevent the spread such as increasing the space between people (desks), postponing field and sports trips, or closing school for a certain period of time. If the latter becomes necessary, we will notify parents immediately. For planning purposes, please anticipate that possibility and arrange for how your child(ren) could be cared for in your own home.
The district developed a Pandemic Emergency Plan to address issues that may arise. You can find that Plan on our website at www.wheatland.k12.ny.us. I recommend that you visit www.flu.gov to provide you with updated information on how to stay healthy with reminders about proper hygiene etiquette as well as ideas on how to prepare in the event of a pandemic. Thank you for taking the time to read these documents.
Presently, we are doing everything we can to keep our district functioning as usual. We will notify you of any updates as they become available. Please contact me at 889-6247 or email me at thomas_gallagher@wheatland.k12.ny.us if you have questions.
Thank you,
Tom Gallagher
Superintendent
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