 Swine Influenza Resources & Updates 
This letter has been updated as of 5/29/09:
May 29, 2009
Dear Parents,
As you know, we have been closely monitoring the health of our students due to the concerns with the H1N1 Influenza A virus. Reports we have received from the Morris County Department of Health indicate that some of our students have tested "probable" for this virus. The students have been recovering at home with relatively mild influenza symptoms. Given the evolving nature of our challenge, it is important that we work together to be as proactive as possible.
As you know, any time a student is absent, we contact the home to determine the nature of the illness. We have refined the usual process by asking very specific questions which include: Does your child have a temperature over 100 degrees? If yes, does your child have a cough and/or sore throat? It is important that you use a thermometer to determine your child's temperature. If you answer yes to both questions, a form is submitted to the Department of Health. Your child will not be permitted to return to school for at least seven days after the beginning of the illness, or 24 hours after all the symptoms disappear, whichever is longest. The only exception will be if you provide a doctor's note that clears your child's return to school. If your child has a fever, but you don't know the specific temperature, I will err on the side of caution and implement the same procedure as if the temperature is over 100 degrees. Our local health departments will be contacting staff and/or parents of students with flu like symptoms to collect additional information and to arrange for specimen collection as needed. Our school nurses will screen all students returning to school.
We will continue to work closely with the local health departments to monitor for new cases. As a precaution, our schools will continue to implement the infection control procedures recommended by our county and local health officials. Our custodial staff will continue with our enhanced cleaning program to insure that all 'high touch' areas are disinfected to the greatest degree possible. Please remind your child to practice the basic rules of good hygiene which include 1) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and 2) Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds (for Primary students -- the amount of time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday Song twice).
Our local health departments and the Morris County Office of Health Management have advised us that schools will not need to close if a case of H1N1 Influenza A is identified in a school. The CDC has advised that in general, closing schools for cases of H1N1 Influenza is no longer effective as the virus spreads through the U.S. The mild nature of the disease suggests it should be treated as we would treat any other influenza. All decisions will be made as a result of collaboration between the Morris County Department of Health, The Dover Health Department, and the Dover Schools.
Please monitor the district websites for updated information. Thank you for your kind assistance and cooperation. I want you to know how much we sincerely appreciate your support as we face these challenges together. We will continue to work with our local and county public health officials to minimize the risk to you and your children.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Becker
Superintendent
For additional information, please see the following links:
 Influenza_Update_from_the_Department_of_Education.doc
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The Dover Middle School student with the support of district staff, family and community will engage in a diversified learning environment that emphasizes the development of strong character, social responsibility and skills necessary for academic success as well as personal growth.
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Learning, Growing, Succeeding Together
Robert Franks
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