eNews Archive

April 30, 2009

Dear Plano ISD eNews Subscriber:

The Collin County Health & Human Services Department has confirmed this
afternoon that a Wilson Middle School student has tested positive for the
swine flu virus. This is the only confirmed case in the Plano Independent
School District.

In order to limit the transmission of the swine flu virus and for the
protection of students and staff, Wilson Middle School will be closed
beginning Friday, May 1, and will reopen on Monday, May 11.

Plano ISD officials are working closely with Collin County Health officials
to monitor any illnesses that are reported in our schools. The district is
asking parents to keep children at home that are not feeling well. If
symptoms are flu-like in nature (fever, achiness, coughing, diarrhea or sore
throat), they should see their physician immediately for a flu test and
report the findings to their school nurse.

Jeff Bailey, deputy superintendent, said “We made this decision for the
well-being of our students, staff and families and as a measure to contain
this virus. Other determinations regarding this situation will be made as
necessary.”

Questions about this flu strain may be addressed to the Texas Department of
State Health Services swine flu hotline at 1-888-777-5320.

Additional District Actions Related to Swine Flu

In light of recent events related to the swine flu, Plano ISD is altering
plans for some student activities.

The district is complying with the University Interscholastic League revised
competition schedule suspending all competitions until May 11.

As of May 1, Plano ISD is suspending all overnight student travel and field
trips that occur both inside and outside of the district. These activities
will resume on May 11, unless otherwise advised. School activities such as
concerts, banquets and PTA events that involve only that school’s students
and families will continue as usual. Wilson will not conduct school
activities while it is closed.

With safety for our students being first and foremost across the district,
Plano ISD has increased the frequency of disinfecting “high contact” areas
at our schools.

Student absences related to the swine flu will be excused. This includes
students whose parents choose to keep their children home as a preventative
measure. These students will receive an excused absence and will be allowed
to make up their work.

The district is monitoring this situation and is committed to making
decisions in the best interest of our students and staff. Updates will be
provided on the district website and through the school and district eNews.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Swine Influenza (Flu)
Information
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Influenza (Flu) Information
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003

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