As is the case in most school districts across the country this week, we are keeping a close eye on developments in the spread of the so-named "Swine Flu" virus. With a probable case causing Brownell Middle School to close this week, we are meeting to discuss ways to continue student learning in the event we are forced to close temporarily. Because so many of our teachers have online learning platforms, available podcasts, and functioning websites, we may be able to continue instruction despite disruptions that could occur. Please monitor the building website for updates.
Below is an excerpted letter from Dr. Suzanne Klein, superintendent of schools:
May 1, 2009
To our school community:
Swine Influenza, formally known as H1N1, is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. It is spread the same way as the seasonal flu, primarily person-to-person by those infected coughing or sneezing on others. People may also become infected by touching a surface with flu viruses on it and then touching their own mouth or nose, though this is less likely. Our facility staff has been briefed on which cleaning products to use and where to concentrate their efforts. Special attention is being given to high touch environmental surfaces such as desks, sink fixtures, light fixtures, phones, and hand rails.
State and county officials have emphasized that the most important thing our community can do is to practice good hygiene:
- wash your hands frequently
- use hand sanitizer
- sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue
- have you or your child stay home if flu-like symptoms start until at least 24 hours after the fever
- seek a medical evaluation if you feel ill
A list of resources and updates is posted on the district website www.gpschools.org under the News tab. Be sure to click on the title of the headline for quick links to local, county and state information.
No cases have been reported in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. If a case is discovered, we will determine what response is needed, i.e., whether we need to close a school or schools. Then the district will notify parents through our automated phone fan-out system, letters/postings in school newsletters, and the e-newsletter feature of our website which you can sign up for under the Parents tab.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 313/432-3010.
Sincerely,
Dr. C. Suzanne Klein
Superintendent of Schools
The Principal's Office is a blog created by Tim Bearden, Chief Academic Officer and Upper School Director at Detroit Country Day School, an independent school in Beverly Hills, MI. While content will sometimes be specific to Country Day, the majority of posts are specific in scope to issues concerning teaching and learning in the 21st century.
No comments:
Post a Comment