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We expect that we will see more cases of influenza this year than in recent past seasons due to both the typical seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza, which has gained notoriety this year. Influenza of any type can be easily spread from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to reduce the spread of flu in Saint Paul Public Schools. Our highest priorities are to keep our schools safe and our students learning during this flu season. But, we need your help to do this. We are working closely with the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education and the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning schools. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available. Here are a few things you can do to help: • Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol- based hand rub. Set a good example by doing this yourself. • Teach your children not to share personal items, such as drinks, food, or unwashed utensils. Teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues or to use an elbow, arm, or sleeve instead of their hand when a tissue is unavailable. •Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100° Fahrenheit, 37.8° Celsius, or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea. • Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with fevers at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected. • Children under 5 years of age who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms should stay home for at least 7 days after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever. • Do not send children to school if they are sick. Any children who are determined to be sick while at school will be sent home. Plan now for child care in the event your child gets sick. Help Make Your Child’s Day a Successful One Make sure your child eats breakfast at home or at school. Fuel is essential to the body and the brain. Ask to see your child’s planner. Look for HW (homework) and CW (class work). You should be able to tell what has been done in school and what needs to be done in the evening. Provide a quiet place for homework and help establish a routine for working at reading aloud to read to you or to siblings, or find a book to read together as a family. Visit the library together. Studies show that teens need about 9 hours of sleep. For the most part, this means getting into bed about 10:00 p.m. Coach your child in all things junior high—social interactions, school behavior, communicating with adults, learning to navigate in the world, and learning to be in charge of oneself and one’s education.
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1700 Summit Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105 651-293-8860 Webmaster josh.glassing@spps.org | |||||||||||||||||
