September 9, 2009
Dear Parents,

The Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District is committed to keeping all of our students and staff as healthy as possible. We know that uncertainty about the H1N1 flu virus continues to be a concern here and nationwide. Like many school districts across the nation, we are preparing for the possibility of a significant increase in the number of flu cases this fall. We are taking precautions to protect our students and staff, and we need parental support to help keep all of our children as healthy as possible.

You can help your child and all children by taking the following precautions. Please talk with your child about these practices.

  • Stay home when sick. Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
  • Wash hands frequently - with soap and water when possible.
  • Cover noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing, with a tissue or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available.
  • Avoid sharing food utensils or drinking bottles.
  • Plan ahead. Because it is so important for those who are sick to stay home, we encourage all families to start planning alternative child care options so that they can keep their child home from school, daycare, or afterschool programs during an illness.

As part of this proactive effort, SMMUSD will continue to:

  • Maintain close communication and comply with recommendations of the County Public Health Department officials and the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu. Information about the flu is frequently updated and changed as researchers learn more. Marolyn Freedman, SMMUSD’s Director of Pupil Services, and I receive all updates, and we will implement the best practices and policies for optimum student health.
  • Communicate important updates to parents and the SMMUSD community. Parents can get also get updates at our website, www.smmusd.org/health.
  • Encourage sick students and staff to remain at home until they are symptom free.
  • Encourage parents to report suspected cases of the flu to a school official.
  • Monitor students or staff suspected of being ill with the flu.
  • Remind students and staff to use best hygienic practices to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
  • Revise our response plan as information is updated.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping all our children, staff and community in good health.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Matthews, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent

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