October 2, 2009

Dear Oyster Adams Parents and Teachers,
 
Fall has begun and with the cooler weather comes the seasonal flu and the flu known as H1N1. Please note that there have been confirmed cases within our school community.
 
That being said, it is of the utmost importance to maintain proper hygiene, especially hand washing. This is also a good time to remember to keep sick children home and to remind your children to cough or sneeze into their sleeves, as well as not to share food, drink, and personal items like lip balm.
 
Our approach is to stay informed while also reminding everyone in the school community how to best stop the spread of germs and viruses. Our Oyster Adams community actions provide guidance in this regard as well. "Thinking of Others" includes not divulging specifics on who has H1N1.
 
If you suspect your child has the flu, notify your primary care provider. Once confirmed, notify the school. Families might want to consider purchasing a thermometer since an accurate reading is important.
 
Also important to note is our multi-pronged approach: Nurse Hoffman has been and will continue to provide information to faculty and staff. Ms. Villegas, Nurse Hoffman and a small group of Oyster Adams parents who are physicians and public health advocates have met to share information and strategize how to best continue to inform the school community regarding what is known thus far. Ms. Liang-Aguirre will also keep everyone abreast of what information becomes available through DCPS.
 
Without a doubt, the best web site for the most reliable and current information is the one belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu
If you are also part of the health profession or public health community and would like to get involved at either campus, please contact Ibis Villegas.  For specific questions about both the seasonal flu and H1N1 contact Nurse Hoffman at the Primary Campus (671-6130) and Nurse Murphy at the Intermediate Campus (673-7311). We look forward to working together to address the health issues that we will be facing the school this year.
 
--Ibis Villegas, Assistant Principal