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Flu Readiness Information

 

H1N1/FLU Readiness - REMAIN AWARE AND RESPONSIVE TO H1NI FLU - ESC Region 12 has compiled a list of resources and information to help schools be prepared for handling and communicating about the H1N1 Flu. Texas Department of State Health Services web site,  http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/txflu/default.shtm, has information for families and individuals, health care professionals, child care workers and many more.

Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12) is located at this web site- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/toolkit/ and a products list of cleaners that are registered for use against the Influenza A Virus is listed on this web site, http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-a-product-list.pdf   

Those who want to fine tune their preparations should check out the Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/school/schoolchecklist.html. It’s also a good idea to revisit TEA’s H1N1 webpage from time to time at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us.

With fears about the H1N1 virus putting schools on high alert, eSchool News has compiled a collection of news stories and additional resources to keep leaders up to date on the latest developments in this critical story—and to help them deal with the crisis in their own schools.  Among items available at this special online Education Resource Center are: information on resources to help keep learning going for those who can’t be in class; how some schools are preparing for increased absenteeism; parent tip sheets; the latest updates from the CDC, WHO, and the Department of Education;  and a special toolkit created by U.S. Health and Human Services for administrators and students, as well some badges and widgets that can be used on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word about swine-flu prevention. Titled “Preparing for a Pandemic,” this special resource is co-sponsored by Elluminate. Check it out at http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/preparing-for-a-pandemic/.

MEALS TO CONTINUE AT SOME DISTRICTS EVEN IF FLU CLOSES SCHOOLS (Other Audiences:  Board Members, Dieticians and Nutritionists, Principals)
Several news accounts from around the state indicate that some school districts have been working on plans to serve meals to students in the event of an H1N1 forced shut down. A change in federal policy now allows state schools to provide student meals during a public health emergency and receive federal reimbursement. The move came after an array of government officials voiced concerns that last spring’s school closures because of the H1N1 flu left an estimated 500,000 children statewide without access to breakfast and lunch. Since August a number of school officials have been busy drafting plans that will allow them to distribute food in a way that would less likely spread the flu, said a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Agriculture. For example, meals could be distributed on a "grab-and-go" basis or by school buses. Specifically, schools should create a plan to distribute meals in a non-congregate setting to help minimize the spread of disease.  The food distribution plans must be submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture for approval. ""We are committed to protecting students from illnesses and ensuring nutritious meal services continue," State Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “There are thousands of children who depend on the meals served at school every day, and we want to make sure schools have the option of continuing this crucial service, while still protecting those students from any public health threat." The Brownsville Herald reported that a number of Valley districts have been working out details of their plans. Los Fresnos school officials, for instance, are still looking at busing options to provide students with food in case of school closures and are also considering various community centers that could serve as distribution sites. "It would probably be more than one location," the food services director said. "Our district is very spread out." The Brownsville Independent School District’s feeding plan is still in the works, but school officials say they are likely to submit a proposal allowing students to pick up meals at the district’s five high schools, which would also be serving as vaccination sites. The program is especially important for children of low-income backgrounds, whom usually receive their meals at school, they point out. While there have been no stories about districts in North Texas working on emergency meal plans, surely there are some out there. Those doing so should remember to alert all families of meal service plans, in particular those families of students who are eligible for free and reduced meals. For more information regarding access to school meals during an H1N1 closure, contact the TDA Food and Nutrition Division at 888 TEX KIDS (839-5437) or online at http://www.squaremeals.org/H1N1.

PTO Today’s annual Teach Flu a Lesson event is more relevant than ever this year for obvious reasons.  Usually conducted by school parent groups, the program is a great way to minimize the flu and show the group and school’s commitment to this health issue. With support from MedImmune, a free event planning kit provides the tools and materials needed to organize and run this event, making it convenient for parents to have their eligible children immunized. The kit includes:

Easy to follow, step-by-step planning guide

Colorful flyer to promote your event

Program overview for school administrators

Information about third party health care professionals available to administer vaccines in your area

Educational handout to distribute to parents

Access to online tools featuring customizable materials, informational copy, forms, and more

This beneficial community service can be added to an existing school family event or held as a standalone at your school. Learn more details at http://www.ptotoday.com/tfal/program-faqs. Order the kit from this website, http://forms.ptotoday.com/pto/request.html?request=FLUMO09.

The CDC guidance is available at http://flu.gov/plan/school/schoolguidance.html.  A technical report that includes detailed information on the reasons for the strategies presented in the CDC recommendations and suggestions on how to use them is at http://flu.gov/plan/school/k12techreport.html.

While the commissioner was at the news conference, his office issued correspondence encouraging school districts to review their emergency preparedness plans and offering several recommendations to school leaders and parents. The letter suggested planners review the resources from the Department of State Health Services online at www.texasflu.org, and additional resources at www.tea.state.tx.us. The U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Education and the Centers for Disease Control have also issued new guidance for schools about dealing with an outbreak of the H1N1 flu. The information is available at  http://www.flu.gov/. Guidance and information for schools for the Fall flu season can be found on the School Planning Updates section.

Talking to Children About (H1N1) Flu : A Parent Resource The National PTA has developed a guide that will assist in doing just that. It’s based on the belief that if parents cope with a stressful situation well, their children will also cope better. Parental confidence and a calm attitude will help children ease their worries and feel safe and secure. http://www.pta.org/Talking_With_Children_About_Flu_FINAL.pdf

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES TO HELP RESCUE INSTRUCTION IN FLU PANDEMIC, Education Secretary Arne Duncan recently announced that schools and colleges should prepare to keep learning during the flu season. They could keep going with hard-copy packets and online lessons. (See "Feds issue more guidance on the flu." http://www.eschoolnews.com/safe-center/safe-news/index.cfm?i=60331

Other Resources:

Microsoft H1N1Free Website for Schools
Pearson Education
Scholastic: H1N1 Resources for Administrators
Curriki's "Continuity of Learning" plan
Sample state or district landing page on Curriki
Department of State Health Service (TX Flu)
Region 7 Newsletter - Influenza Season 2009-2010 (PDF file)
Texas Department of Education
Texas Department of Agriculture

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)and Prevention provides information for specific groups.
CDC Poster on How Flu Travels

October 21, 2009 Conference Call Notes on H1N1
October 28, 2009 Conference Call Notes on H1N1
November 4, 2009 Conference Call Notes on H1N1