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No school will close without the permission of the Superintendent.
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Schools represent an important point of epidemic amplification. The goal of these interventions is to protect the children while decreasing the transmission of the virus in the classroom setting. Schools will focus on safe hygiene policies and procedures.
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The latest strategy will be to close schools only as a last resort for preventing the spread of infection. According to the CDC, school closure is not advised for a suspected or single confirmed case of H1N1, and is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the schools ability to function.
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It must be acknowledged that closing school during a pandemic would cause significant problems for many families in relationship to child care and work. These considerations must be weighed against the severity of a given pandemic virus to the community at large and the children in particular.
In the event of a school closure due to a pandemic, resuming normal activities may take some time. It is recommended for educational purposes teachers plan for 3 weeks of updated lesson plans.
CONTINUITY OF STUDENT LEARNING
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Maintaining Student Learning in the event of a school closure.
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Students will be able to take workbooks and textbooks for their use at home.
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Learning Packets will be available to support student learning for a period of up to 3 weeks.
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PowerSchool will be utilized to post assignments and class notices.
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E-mail will be utilized so instructors and students can communicate.
Teachers will develop blogs to maintain contact and assist students with their assignments.
On-Line Sites Lessons can be used for instruction.
The above alternate means of instruction during a pandemic can lead to the fulfillment of the 180 required instructional days of the school year.
Once the administrator, in consultation with the Superintendent and local officials, decides the school will be closed for a pandemic crisis the following actions will be taken:
- A Honeywell Alert will be sent to all teachers, staff and parents to inform them of the emergency closing.
- All will be directed to follow up for further instructions on the school website.
- Teachers will begin to log assignments on the school website, PowerSchool and blogs. Links to teachers blogs will be posted on PowerSchool.
Although PowerSchool will enable teachers to share assignments with students, the blog will allow interaction of the class members without the need of physically being in the same room. Teachers who create a blog will post the link on the PowerSchool/School Board for monitoring by the administration.
INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES
Our Lady of Peace has been proactive in the area of infection control and transmission containment.
Student Spacing (Social Distancing) is a non-medical measure intended to reduce the spread of disease by discouraging or preventing people from coming in close contact with each other.
There is limited activities and interaction between classes and, if the need arises, postponing PE classes or other school activities that place individuals in close proximity.
Non-pharmaceutical measures being employed are hand, cough and sneeze hygiene and the disinfecting of surfaces by sanitizing any surfaces that may have been contaminated by hand contact, for example, railings, banisters, door knobs, wall plates, door handles just to name a few. These areas are disinfected more frequently than in the past and will continue to be cleaned more frequently for the foreseeable future.
H1N1 Questions and Answers
Should schools close if H1N1 cases have been identified among the school population?
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, school closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel H1N1 influenza and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the schools ability to function.
How are novel H1N1 cases tested or confirmed?
Currently, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is only testing novel H1N1 cases that are hospitalized or specimens that are part of a surveillance program. Although some private labs are able to test for novel H1N1, the NJDHSS will only classify these cases as probable since those tests have not been approved by CDC.
How can a school verify a student has novel H1N1?
A school nurse should request a copy of the lab sheet from the parent that indicates a novel H1N1 result or get permission to speak with the students physician. Middlesex County Public Health Department (MCPHD) cannot provide case information to the school nurse because of privacy concerns. Verification should occur before making any decision with regards to sending a letter to the school population.
When do we exclude students or staff from attending school and for how long?
Students or staff with influenza-like illness (ILI), fever with a cough or sore throat, should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). A fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 Fahrenheit or 37.8 Celsius or greater. Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in other neighborhood and community settings outside of school. This would include after school programs, competitions and social events.
Can a sibling or relative of a sick student or employee be excluded from attending classes?
Students or employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can attend classes/come to work as usual. The students parents and employees should monitor their health every day and stay home if they become ill. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
What do we do if ill students or staff arrive at school?
Students, faculty and staff who appear to have ILI at arrival or become ill during the day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students, sent home, and advised to contact their physician.
What can schools do to help educate students and staff about H1N1?
Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza including hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Classes can encourage students and staff to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces (such as desks, doorknobs, computer keyboards, toys, etc.) routinely and when they become visibly soiled.
What should a school do if increases of H1N1 cases are identified?
If confirmed cases of novel H1N1 influenza virus infection or a large number of cases of ILI (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) occur among students, faculty, staff, or in the community, institutions should consult with state and local health officials regarding an appropriate response.
What should you do when public health guidance and a physicians guidance has conflicting information?
Public health guidance is based on recommendations established by the CDC in hope to prevent the spread of disease in a community. If a physician sends a note for a student/staff to return to class/work after flu like symptoms, the school can decide to accept that advice; however, a physicians recommendation to send a child or adult back to school/work early may lead to further spread of disease in individuals who have a weakened immune system, are pregnant or have other high-risk factors.
Where can I view State and National Weekly Influenza Activity Reports?
You can view State and National Weekly Influenza Activity Reports by visiting the following websites:
Yes, if you have flu symptoms, please visit your doctor for proper medication and treatment.
NOVEL H1N1 FLU FACTS
What is novel H1N1 flu?
Novel H1N1 (known in the past as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
What are the signs and symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people?
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Fever
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Body aches
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Chills
Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
The virus is spread form person to person by coughing and/or sneezing.
A person can also get the virus by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, and/or nose.
Can I get novel H1N1 flu form eating or preparing pork?
No, you cannot get novel H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products.
How long can an infected person spread the virus?
Infected people may be able to infect others starting one (1) day before symptoms develop and up to seven (7) or more days after becoming sick.
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick
Can novel H1N1 flu be treated?
Yes, if you have flu symptoms, please visit your doctor for proper medication and treatment.
Is there a vaccine to prevent the novel H1N1 flu?
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
You can take the following steps to protect your health:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; germs spread this way.
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Avoid close contact with other people as much as possible
Should I go to work if a family member at home is sick?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take precautions including: washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze.
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