August 25, 2009
Dear Parents:
With all the reports about the H1N1 virus (“Swine Flu”) in the media, we wanted to let you know what steps we are taking within Darlington County School District to protect our students and staff.
• First and foremost, we are following all guidelines issued by the South Carolina Department of Heath and Environmental Control (DHEC).
• We’ve spoken to all employees and instructed them on proper sanitary methods.
• Our nurses have been teaching our students the proper hand washing and coughing techniques.
• We are encouraging students and staff to wash their hands frequently.
• Our custodians are cleaning our schools as directed by DHEC for the prevention and control of disease.
• Any children and adults exhibiting flu-like symptoms are sent home.
Flu spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else, such as group childcare, the mall or sporting events where other people would be exposed to flu germs. It is also important to teach your child how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection:
• Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep hands away from face and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs & sneezes with tissue, or cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.
• Eat healthy foods, exercise and get plenty of rest.
• If you get sick, stay home until you have been fever free (without medication) for at least 24 hours.
According to DHEC, all current cases of the flu are being considered “Swine Flu”. The latest guidelines from DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control advise schools with any flu cases to remain open but to send affected children and staff home. We are working closely with DHEC to monitor the situation and determine any district or school actions to be taken in regards to this health situation.
The well-being of our students is our top priority. Our school district will post regular updates and information for parents on our district website at www.darlington.k12.sc.us. Please check it often for up-to-date information.
Sincerely,
Rainey H. Knight, Ph.D.
Superintendent
H1N1 Vaccination Permission Forms:
H1N1 permission forms.pdf
Useful Links:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)'s H1N1 information website
SC Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) H1N1 information website
US Department of Health & Human Services' H1N1 information website
CDC's Frequently Asked Questions about the H1N1 virus
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