Since Sunday, administration has been working closely with the Scott County Health Department and the Iowa Department of Health related to the Swine Flu situation.  We wanted to take this opportunity to update our families on what we have done to date and the next steps in addressing the potential for Swine Flu in our community.

Earlier this week parents, teachers, nurses, principals and custodians all received a letter outlining Swine Flu symptoms and prevention techniques.  Further, a memo went to principals directing them to allow students to wear a mask in class if they brought it from home.  Also, our district web site has a Swine Flu button on the home page that holds a copy of the parent letter as well as important links for the Scott County Health Department, Iowa Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.  District representatives attended the community crisis team meeting to establish procedures and a collective information resource center that will be managed by the Scott County Health Department. 

The operations department is currently working with food service staff and custodians on extra disinfecting procedures including hand sanitizers, extra cleaning throughout the day, opening windows to encourage air flow throughout the classroom, as well as other precautionary measurers.  The nurses, secretaries and teachers are all educated on the symptoms of Swine Flu and the protocol implemented when a student presents such symptoms.  The district staff also received a memo on best practices relative to mitigating the potential for an outbreak.  First Student, the district transportation provider, is also implementing extra sanitizing procedures and educating their staff on symptoms and prevention. 

We ask for your support and assistance during this time.  Please familiarize yourself with the following symptoms of Swine Flu –fever, sore throat, headache, body ache and extreme fatigue.  Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.  Please understand that students who are ill with these symptoms are strongly encouraged to stay home and prepare for a back up child care plan in the case of an illness.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Please contact your medical provider if you have concerns that you or your family may have Swine Flu.  The following web sites also provide updated information:  www.scottcountyiowa.com, www.idph.state.ia.us, www.cdc.gov/swineflu, http://www.nasn.org/.

Sincerely,

Julio Almanza
Superintendent