September 2, 2009

Dear Members of the Narragansett Regional School District Community,

Flu season is here. We are beginning to see cases of influenza in our schools.  During this year we will communicate continuous up-dates regarding information about swine flu (H1N1) and seasonal flu.  Throughout the school year, we will continue to offer guidelines to families, students and staff about ways to maintain health.

Each year students, staff and family members contract seasonal flu.  Seasonal flu is the term used to identify the typical strains of flu that are common each year.  Swine flu or H1N1 is the strain of flu that appears to target children and young adults 6 months to 24 years.  In addition, adults at risk are pregnant women and adults with health issues through the age of 64.  This flu appears to be less of an issue for healthy senior citizens.

It is important not to panic about this flu.  In most cases, health is regained within three to five days.  If a flu-like symptoms are reported as positive in our district the policy, as set by State guidelines and our local health departments, is to have the child or adult stay home for three to five days or longer if symptoms continue.  Students and adults may return to school if fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. We will not be closing school unless absolutely necessary. Our goal is to keep school open.

Given the fiscal climate, I will be meeting with Parent/Teacher  presidents to coordinate the effort to collect the following supplies:  boxes of tissues, Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer with 62% alcohol content for all classrooms.  If you wish to donate any of these supplies for your child's classroom, your generosity will be appreciated as we partner to work toward a healthy and safe school year.

The most important preventative is frequent hand washing with hand-sanitizer.

The Narragansett Regional School District will be make every effort to have the following in place.

1. extra care taken to disinfect bathrooms especially toilet handles and door handles.

2. a box of tissues in each classroom and office.

3. hand-sanitizer in each classroom, cafeteria and office (Health Department guidelines suggest sanitizer contain 62% alcohol content in order to an be effective deterrent).

4. clorox wipes in each classroom and office for teacher/custodian use in sanitizing areas.

5. encouragement students and staff to bring a clear water bottle from home as an alternative to using water bubblers.

6. continuous communication provided via the District website and/or informational hand-outs given to students to bring home. Informational hand-outs posted on the website.

Good hygiene is our best prevention option.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school district administrators, nurses or staff for further information.

With Best Wishes for a healthy, productive, and safe school year.

Roseli S. Weiss

Superintendent of Schools

Narragansett Regional School District