H1N1 Information Page
Additional Resources
STM Response Plan
- Promoting a Healthy Environment in School
Classroom Resources
Parent Resources
- Promoting a Healthy Environment at Home
- Department of Education Flu Guide for Parents
- Tips for Preventing the Spread of the Flu
- Recent Communication to Parents from the Dept. of Health and Education
Website Resources
- CDC website, H1N1 Questions and Answers
A Message from Dr. Carl Weber, Principal of St. Thomas More School
St. Thomas More School continues to monitor the pandemic H1N1 flu in our community and schools. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that the pandemic H1N1 flu may continue to be high in children ages 5-19 years when school starts again. Therefore, St. Thomas More School is taking measures to prevent and respond to the occurrence of this disease in our school.
Successfully preventing the spread of the pandemic H1N1 flu in our school requires your cooperation. St. Thomas More School is following the Department of Health guidelines for students and staff with flu symptoms.
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- Students/staff who are ill with influenza-like symptoms should not come to school for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Students/staff who appear to have influenza-like illness on arrival at school or who become ill during the day will be promptly sent to the health room and sent home as soon as possible. These sick students/staff may be given a mask when near others or until he or she is sent home.
- Parents of students and staff who have influenza-like illness will be encouraged to contact their health care providers for prompt and appropriate treatment and recommendations.
- Our Certified School Nurses will be aware of student and staff populations that are at higher risk for complications. Staff and parents/guardians of students in these groups are encouraged to notify our building nurses:
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- Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be encouraged. Ample hand-washing supplies will be provided in the school. Hand-washing education will be reviewed with all the students.
- Students and staff will be taught the following routine health information:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;
- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise.
- Routine cleaning of all areas and items that are likely to have frequent hand contact is important at home and at school. If these items are visibly soiled, additional, immediate cleaning is required. Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent cleaners is not necessary.
- Administration and Certified School Nurses will closely monitor the patterns of school absenteeism on a daily basis.
St. Thomas More School remains committed to the safety and health of our students and community members. We will continue to notify students, families and staff of additional measures as recommended by the Department of Health.