Southern Tioga School District
Boyanowski Administration Building, 241 Main Street, Blossburg, PA 16912
Phone: (570) 638-2183 or (570) 659-5521 Fax: (570) 638-3512
October 8, 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We believe we have a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in our school district. We have consulted with the PA Department of Health and their primary recommendation is to treat this as any other flu.
Secretary of Education Dr. Gerald L. Zahorchak and the PA Department of Health recommend that schools remain open. Dr. Zahorchack has stated that, “Each situation will be individually evaluated to assure the best course of action is taken to protect the children and school staff as well as minimize the burden and impact on affected families.”
Keep in mind that the seasonal (regular) flu is expected in the fall and winter. With the concern regarding the H1N1 flu, we will continue to monitor student attendance, nurse’s office visits, and number of students sent home ill. If student attendance or illness rates rise to a high level of concern, we will contact the Department of Health for additional guidance.
We ask your assistance in following the PA Department of Health’s “Top 10 Tips for Preventing the Spread of Flu” as follows:
- Keep your child home from school or day care when he or she is sick.
- Allow your child to return to school only when fever-free for at least 24 hours (no longer having a fever without use of fever-reducing medicines).
- Cover your cough. Cough into your upper sleeve or into a tissue and discard properly.
- Properly dispose of used tissues and other soiled items, and wash your hands after doing so.
- Wash hands frequently and regularly, or use hand sanitizers when water is not readily available.
- Regularly clean and disinfect areas and items likely to have frequent hand contact.
- Contact your health care provider when your child or other family member is sick with the flu (symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and body aches).
- If you are not able to stay home with your child, plan ahead for how he or she will be taken care of when sick at home or if school is closed.
- Have your child vaccinated against the flu every year.
- Stay informed through www.health.state.pa.us, www.cdc.gov, or www.flu.gov.
For questions, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. Kalata
Superintendent
