Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff:
 
We anticipate an increase in flu activity as we move closer to the flu season, which is typically October - April.  The Pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is already the cause of many absences among staff and students since the start of school.
 
With school back in session, it is even more important for us to take precautions so that the spread of germs is kept to a minimum.  We want to keep our schools open and functioning as normal as possible.  We need your help.
 
If your child currently has or develops symptoms of influenza, please tell your health care provider.  Students appearing to have an influenza-like illness on arrival or who become ill at school will be sent to the nurse.  If an assessment by the nurse indicates an influenza-like illness, the student’s parent/guardian or emergency contact will be called to take the child home.
 
You can help by using the following guidelines and encourage your student(s) to do the same:
 

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze


• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer


• Stay home if you are sick.  This can greatly help prevent the spread of influenza (and many other germs)
  Students and staff with an influenza-like illness should stay home from school, avoid after-school activities, and limit exposure to uninfected people until symptoms dissipate and there is no sign of a fever for at least 24 hours.
   

We are working closely with the Department of Education & Early Development and the Department of Health & Human Services to monitor flu conditions so as to make the best decisions about student health and safety.  We will use our pandemic flu plan as a guide to limit the spread of flu within our district.
 
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Maureen Kauleinamoku, FNSBSD Nursing Coordinator at 452-2000 ext. 253.  In addition, you can email questions to flu@northstar.k12.ak.us or visit our Web site at www.k12northstar.org/H1N1flu
 

 
Sincerely,

Nancy Wagner
Superintendent of Schools