Dear Glenbrook Families, Students and Staff,
Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! As we return to classes, events and activities, it is important that we work together to promote personal health practices that will reduce the spread of viruses such as seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has offered revised guidelines for schools that are slightly different than last spring. It is the recommendation of the CDC that “Individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are fever free (100 degrees or greater) without the use of fever-reducing medications.” They also recommend a number of simple actions to prevent the spread of influenza and other illness:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
At school, tissues and hand sanitizers will be made available in work areas, classrooms and cafeterias. Our custodial staff will be cleaning surfaces throughout the school on a regular basis with virucidal products. In regards to possible school closings or event cancellation, the school district will be in consultation with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health should the need arise.
Below you will find links to important information regarding the H1N1 virus:
(http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm)
(http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/)
(http://www.idph.state.il.us/)
(http://www.flu.gov/)
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the school health office.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and I wish you the very best for a healthy, happy and enjoyable school year!
Mike Riggle, Superintendent