October 19, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians:
During the past several days, we have been carefully monitoring attendance in our buildings to keep on top of the number of students who are absent due to illness. As of last Friday, our attendance rate was similar to the same date last year. Today, we did see an increase in absenteeism, but not all of the absences were due to illness, and not all of the students who were ill were experiencing the symptoms associated with the H1N1 virus. We are working closely with the Kalamazoo County Health Department and will continue to carefully monitor our absenteeism.
Again, as precautionary measures, we have asked our custodial staff to make sure that all areas are being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. In addition, our buses are being sanitized after every run. We are asking staff members to remind students to follow the recommendations of the health department in following proper handwashing procedures, coughing into a sleeve, not sharing food and drink, etc. At the top of this letter, you will also see an H1N1 link that provides additional information. Whether at school, church, the mall, or any other area where people congregate, there is always the possibility of contracting an illness. We are, however, trying to take as many precautions as possible.
Please know that we are carefully monitoring our attendance. At this time, we can't predict whether or not we will have any building closures. If we see a significant increase in the number of students absent, we will not hesitate to close buildings if necessary. Please make sure that you are prepared in the event that we do have a school closing.
With Comstock Pride,
Dr. Sandra L. Standish
Action Steps for Parents to Protect Your Child and Family from the Flu this School Year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you and your family may keep from getting sick with the flu at school and at home:
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Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
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Stay home if you or your child is sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Keeping sick students at home means that they keep their viruses to themselves rather than sharing them with others.
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Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available.
