Dear School Community Members, 

This past week I was reminded that we are in the middle of the cold and flu season with several members of our student body and staff needing to phone in sick. Please see the CDC website regarding symptoms of the flu and a cold.  

I spoke with Dan Stapleton, the Director of the Niagara County Department of Health, last week regarding the cold and flu season.  He recommended that anyone who has a cold or flu remain home to not spread the virus. We reviewed our procedures on completing regular deep cleaning of hard surfaces, door handles, faucets and such.  I am pleased to share that our maintenance and custodial staff have these procedures in place and are following them closely. I was reminded that we are ahead of the normal cold and flu season and that it may last through May.

A couple of recommendations from our nursing staff:  

• HAND WASH with hot soapy water or USE HAND SANITIZER!  The flu virus  is actually killed relatively easy with those two things alone.  It can't last on surfaces long but is very easily transmitted from person to person.   Wipe common surfaces and items and encourage hand washing/sanitizing throughout the day.  Things like mouthwash (containing alcohol) will kill germs in the mouth.
• Try to refrain from touching your NOSE, MOUTH and EYES.  Germs enter the body through those moist mucous membranes.  It's often a habit that you need to be more conscious of. Feel free to reach out to our school nursing staff for additional recommendations.

I encourage everyone to visit the Upcoming Events section of the District’s Website to receive real time updates specific to the District.  As always, I hope that you will make an effort to reach out and say hello when you see me around the schools and town, or follow me on Twitter @DrStopinski

Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski
Superintendent of Schools