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Marshfield Public Schools
76 South River Street – Marshfield, MA 02050 (781)834-5000 FAX (781)834-5070
Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin
Superintendent of Schools
Scott L. Borstel
Asst. Supt. of Schools
Thomas J. Miller
Director of Business & Finance
Susan D. Dupuis
Director of Special Education
August 28, 2009 Dear Marshfield Parents: As you are aware, the Novel H1N1 (previously referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus that causes illness in people. This virus, first detected in the United States last April 2009, can be easily spread from person to person. As a result, the Marshfield Public Schools, working closely with the Marshfield Board of Health and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has established plans and protocols to help prevent the spread of this new influenza. The Marshfield Public Schools is committed to take the appropriate steps to ensure the health of all students and employees. However, to accomplish this, the Marshfield Public Schools needs your
help.
Please help child(ren) understand the importance of following these protocols: Cover up coughs or sneezes using their elbow, shoulder, or sleeve instead of using their hands when a tissue is unavailable. Practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Do not share personal items such as drinks, food or unwashed utensils; Additional things to prevent the spread of H1N1: Know the signs and symptoms of the flu: Temperature that is equal to, or greater than, 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffing nose, body aches, and headaches. Signs of a fever include chills, feeling very warm, a flushed appearance, or sweating. Keep sick children home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of fever, without using fever-reducing medications. Keeping a child with a fever at home will help reduce the number of people who may become infected with this virus. Please note: any child who is determined to be sick while in school will be sent home.
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Please be aware of the following changes that will be in effect starting on September 1, 2009, the first day of school: 1) A moratorium on “perfect attendance” for all Marshfield students. Students who have a record of perfect attendance will be held harmless if they miss school due to illness. This moratorium will remain in effect indefinitely. 2) School closures or dismissals as a result of a suspected or confirmed case of H1N1 will not occur unless there is a magnitude of absenteeism that interferes with our school district’s operation. 3) If the H1N1 virus does cause a magnitude of absenteeism that interferes with our school district’s operation, the 2009-2010 winter and/or spring vacation periods may be cancelled to make up the missed school days. If this is to occur, I will seek parental input to help identify the most appropriate option.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your child’s school nurse, or Ms. Anne Kelly, Marshfield Public Schools School Nurse Leader: Ms. Anne Kelly, R. N., M.Ed. School Nurse Leader 1-781-834-5020, ext. 319 akelly@mpsd.org
Additional information regarding H1N1 can be accessed through the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
In conclusion, please be aware that this information, and protocols, will be subject to change. As a result, please expect to receive further updates as they become available. Thank you. Yours truly,
Middleton K. McGoodwin, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools
Marshfield Public School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Marshfield Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age in programs, activities, or employment.