Schools throughout our district have seen an increase of students with symptoms of influenza (flu) in recent days. The 2019-20 flu season has been complicated by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in Wuhan, China and has now been identified in 37 locations internationally, including the U.S. and one confirmed case in Wisconsin.
Even though there is no reported case of the coronavirus in the Hamilton School District, we are taking steps to protect students and staff from all common winter germs and viruses, including the coronavirus.
The district is:
- monitoring student absences to identify illness trends;
- contacting the Waukesha County Health Department to report trends and seek guidance as necessary;
- using effective hospital-grade cleaning supplies and equipment (including ultraviolet lamps) to reduce the spread of germs, paying special attention to disinfecting commonly touched objects and surfaces during this flu season.
- reminding students about hand-washing and other healthy habits;
- providing additional hand sanitizers to staff and in computer labs, classrooms and other key areas; and
- ensuring that people who have flu symptoms are sent home.
In addition to our focus on preventing the spread of disease, we are reviewing plans that would allow students to continue learning should schools need to close. We ask families to review their contingency plans (childcare, transportation, access to technology) in case schools close.
Families can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu by practicing good personal health habits recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
More information about influenza and the coronavirus are available on the CDC’s website.
The health and well-being of our students is our top priority. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and take appropriate action to protect our students and limit the potential spread of the flu and the coronavirus. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping children healthy.
Sincerely, Paul Mielke, Ph.D