September 11, 2009

Marie H. Doyle
Superintendent
978-369-4102


Dear Carlisle Community:

One cannot write a letter today, look at a calendar or recall today’s date without a deep sigh. Long shall we remember 9-11 as the memories of that day are etched into our minds and hearts forever.  We pray for those that we lost, and we salute the many heroes who taught us what courage really means.

H1N1 flu continues to dominate the news.  The good news is that we have no reported cases within the Carlisle community and continue to be proactive to keep our children and staff safe.  The bad news is that state health officials believe that we will see a rise in cases, particularly of school age children.  Kathy Horan, Linda Fantasia and I participated in a statewide conference call this past Wednesday where officials from Massachusetts Department of Health partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to bring us the latest news and recommendations.

Facts are important right now so that we understand what to expect.  Children from the ages of 6 months to 24 years are most susceptible to the flu, so remaining proactive is important.  Here’s what we know: the virus is transmitted through saliva and can live for up to six hours in moisture.  So how can our school reduce the potential of transmission right now?

At School:

Kathy Horan, our nurse, is meeting with all students to discuss hygiene etiquette.  This includes:
• Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home if you are sick

• Disinfectant wipes are available for all classrooms for teachers/students to wipe their desks/ materials
• Posters have been hung reminding everyone of the importance of proper respiratory hygiene
• Every classroom has Purell for students and staff
• Bathrooms and the cafeteria have added soap dispensers
• The soap dispensers and paper towel holders in all of our bathrooms were replaced this summer
• All staff will reinforce good hygiene with students and watch for illness

At Home:
• Review and practice good hygiene as taught in school to reduce the spread of germs
• Watch for a quickly developing fever of 100.4 or higher
• Report all illnesses of students to the absent line or health office at 978-369-0261
• Keep the child home until fever is gone for 24 hours WITHOUT any medication (Medicines such as Tylenol or Advil may temporarily reduce the fever)
• Read and follow Flu Symptom Checklist (Attached)
• If you would like more information, please refer to the CDC link for updates as needed:   http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
• If you would like more information, also refer to the Department of Health website: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=7&L0=Home&L1=Provider&L2=Guidelines+and+Resources&L3=Guidelines+for+Services+%26+Planning&L4=Diseases+and+Conditions&L5=Influenza&L6=H1N1+%28Swine%29+Flu&sid=Eeohhs2
• Consider having your child vaccinated for flu and H1N1

In the Community:

• Linda Fantasia, our Board of Health Agent, is working with the Department of Health at the state level and the Board of Health at the local level.
• The Board of Health will be discussing whether or not to hold local clinics for vaccinations
• CPS and the Health Department are working closely together to share information that helps keep our children healthy and safe
   
Thank you for your cooperation as we face this unusual flu season.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call an administrator, the nurse, a counselor or me.





                                        Sincerely,

                                        Marie Doyle
                                        Superintendent