Parents

August 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As the 2009-2010 school year begins, I would like to take this opportunity to advise you of the current status of the H1N1 flu virus (also commonly known as “swine flu”). It is possible that we will see influenza-like illness (including H1N1) in our school system once classes begin.

There are steps that can be taken now to reduce the number of students who become infected while awaiting a vaccine for H1N1. The following questions will help you recognize influenza-like illness in your family so you can keep ill children out of school, thereby reducing the spread of the disease.

1. What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus?

The new strain of flu has the same symptoms as the seasonal flu that has circulated in the past. You or your child will experience a sudden onset of fever (higher than 100 degrees), a cough, runny nose, sore throat, and allover body aches. Many people have reported experiencing diarrhea as well. If these symptoms are present, you can assume you have the flu. The symptoms will usually last 4-5 days, but you can spread the virus for up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.

2. How can parents help reduce the number of flu cases in our schools and communities?

Keep sick children at home. If your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, keep him/her home from school and all other activities such as after-school programs, dances, movies, and other events where people gather. Contact your primary care health provider or the health department for further instructions.

Stay home when you are sick. Limit your contact with other people. Again, contact your primary care health provider or the health department for further instructions.

Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes either with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of used tissues properly, and wash hands thoroughly. Practice these steps each time you cough or sneeze.

Wash hands with soap and water. Teach your child to wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Set a good example by doing this yourself.

Teach your child the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes work well, provided they contain at least 60% alcohol. Dispose of hand wipes properly. Always read and follow label directions when using hand sanitizers.

Regular seasonal flu vaccine should be available in September. Although the vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 virus, it will help minimize the chance that the flu will be spread.

3. Is there a vaccine for the H1N1 flu?

We have been advised that a vaccine is being developed to immunize individuals against the H1N1 virus, and the vaccine is expected to be available later this year.

Thank you in advance for working with us this school year to help keep our schools healthy. For more information about H1N1 Swine Flu, visit www.MyFluSafety.com or www.cdc.gov/H1N1. You may also contact the local health department. After August 24, 2009, a toll-free H1N1 Swine Flu information line will be available for Florida callers at 1-877-FLA-FLU1 (1-877-352-3581).

Sincerely,
Martha Butler
Superintendent

Physical Education Waiver

The 2008 Legislature passed Senate Bill 610 which was signed into law by Governor Crist on June 2, 2008. It included changes in statute as it relates to physical education requirements for Florida students.

Section 1003.455, Florida Statutes, requires 150 minutes each week of physical education for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, and beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year for students in grades six through eight. The physical education requirement shall be waived for a student in grades kindergarten through grade eight who meets one of the following criteria:

The student is enrolled or required to enroll in a remedial course.

The student’s parent indicates in writing to the school that:

1. The parent requests that the student enroll in another course from among those offered as options by the school district, OR

2. The student is participating in physical activities outside the school day which are equal to or in excess of the mandated requirement.

This statute requires each District School Board to notify parents of the options available prior to scheduling a student in physical education. Unless your child meets one of the waiver criteria listed above, he/she will be enrolled in physical education for 150 minutes each week while in grades kindergarten through grade five, or for one semester of each year while in grades six through eight.

Please contact your school administration if you have questions or concerns regarding the physical education requirements or waiver criteria.