Flu Season Precautions

Flu season is near and this year in particular we need to be especially diligent in our efforts to prevent illness in our schools and our communities. The experts at the Centers for Disease Control are working day and night to prepare all of us for the H1N1 flu. Please refer to the RCS website (www.rcs.k12.va.us) for updates regarding guidelines and preparations related to this flu season.

All of us at NMS are taking every opportunity to educate our students about staying healthy and helping to prevent the spread of any infection but especially the flu. Remember that handwashing (frequently and thoroughly) is the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS to control the spread of infections.

I will be assessing any student or adult in our school who displays flu-like symptoms, i.e. fever >100 degrees, chilling, body aches, cough. RCS protocol requires that we remove anyone with these symptoms from the school environment.

In order to reduce the spread of infection, and to minimize the risk to the other children and adults in the school, please keep your child home until he/she is symptom free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication. Although we recognize that attendance in school plays a direct part in a child’s academic success, the safety and well being of all our students is a priority. We appreciate your willingness to comply with these guidelines as we strive to maintain a healthy environment. For any questions you may have, please feel free to call me at 562-3900 Ext 33039.

Thank you for your understanding and your commitment to a healthy school environment for all of us.