August 25, 2009
Dear CCS Parents,
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is currently anticipating more cases this coming school year of influenza known as the H1N1 virus than experienced in the spring of 2009. All public and private schools have a recommended response for the 2009-2010 school year. Columbia Christian Schools is currently working within the guidelines recommended by the CDC. The CDC may recommend additional measures to help protect students and staff if global and national assessments indicate that influenza is causing more severe disease. In addition, local health and education officials may elect to implement some additional measures. Although these recommendations and strategies have not been scientifically tested I feel they will be effective deterrents in the possible spread of the H1N1 virus.
The suggested guidelines and strategies can be read at
www.cdc.gov/h1n1/guidance. The following proactive suggestions are some things you can do in your own home as we start this new school year.
1. Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines.
2. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
Thank you for considering everything mentioned in this document, please feel free to contact the school office with any questions you have may regarding the health of your child.
Sincerely,
Bill Hunt, Ed.D
Superintendent
Columbia Christian Schools