More on the decision to dismiss Delaware Elementary because of the flu

I wanted to take some time and share my thoughts with you on the decision yesterday to dismiss classes at Delaware Elementary school through the end of this week. I realize this isn’t something we do frequently and that the move carries some implications for students, parents and teachers at that school. We are certainly sensitive to that.

The district consulted the Springfield-Greene County Health Department immediately, and officials there recommended that we close Delaware to prevent the further spread of the flu among students and staff at the school and of sensitivity to the school’s students with additional medical concerns.

For the rest of the week, our custodial staff will be working diligently to clean and sanitize Delaware for when students return next week.

To some extent we’re at the mercy of nature when it comes to influenza, but the district is doing everything possible to minimize flu season’s impact and reduce the interruption to the learning process. You can help us in this effort by doing some simple things like encouraging kids to wash their hands regularly, cover mouths when coughing and not sharing personal items like cups or silverware. Most importantly, if your child has flu-like symptoms, report those to the office at your school, and keep your child home for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away without taking any kind of fever-reducing medicine.

Be sure to visit our influenza information page to keep up to date with the latest news.