October 2009— 2009—Published OnOn-line Monthly Shawnee Mission Public Schools
Lancer Newsletter
East Lancers 51 Years
Shawnee Mission East High School www.smsd.org/schools/smeast
Message from the Principal The Influenza Season is Here – Simple Guidelines to Follow to Keep Everyone Safe The influenza season is off to a fast start, and the experts are predicting this year could be one of the worst years on record. Not only is there concern for the seasonal influenza bug, but health officials throughout the United States are concerned about the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu. As a result of this additional threat, we are asking parents/guardians to be especially diligent in monitoring the health of their children. Even though it may be inevitable the H1N1 virus will strike our building, all of us need to follow the two guidelines listed below in an attempt to reduce contamination and spread of the illness.
Key Dates: 10/2 10/3 10/5 10/6 10/6 10/8 10/14 10/14 10/14 10/16 10/20 10/21 10/24
from the Centers for Disease Control. Any student who becomes ill at school MUST be seen by the school These guidelines ask schools to isonurse before leaving the building. late ill students and staff until they are picked up from school. In addiThis simply means what it says. In tion, the school district plans to disthe past year we have dealt with seminate information from the Johnmany students and parents who cirson County Health Department. cumvent the process. Students would either phone or text parents, Some parents might be asking at indicating they were sick and needed what point (if it occurs) schools will to be picked up. Often, the student be closed as a result of the H1N1 would meet the parent at a desigvirus. School closure will NOT ocnated location and leave the building cur unless there is a large number of without checking out through the either teachers or students absent office or seeing the nurse. This which impedes the normal function year, more than ever, it is critical for of the school. What that exact numevery sick child to see the nurse be- ber is we do not know. All decisions about school closures will be made fore leaving school. by administrative personnel at the If your son or daughter is diagdistrict office. nosed with the H1N1 virus please We urge all parents to visit the notify our school nurse (Susan school district website Varner) by phone and advise accordingly. Obviously, we will want (www.smsd.org) or click on the SME the child to remain home until she/ link to get the most up-to-date information about the virus. You will he is released to return to school find helpful hints on how to recogby your healthcare provider. nize the symptoms of the influenza It is important to know if we have as well as suggestions on how to students in the building who have handle ill people and avoid contamicontracted the virus. Your student nation. We appreciate the concerns name and situation are confidential – of all parents – know we plan to do nevertheless it is important to notify everything we can to create the most us if confirmed cases exist so we can safe and germ-free environment posmonitor the health of all students. sible. The most important piece of this guideline is to keep your child at home until recovery has occurred or Karl R. Krawitz, Ed.D she/he has been released by your Principal healthcare provider.
Lancer Day Parade 2pm Homecoming Dance 8-1030pm NO SCHOOL, Improvement Day LATE START, 9:40am PTA General Meeting 11:30am Picture Retake Day PSAT/NMSQ, Plan Tests 10th, 11th grades, 7:40am-12pm No School 9th, 12th grades College Clinic 6:30pm NO SCHOOL, End of Quarter Parent/Principal Coffee 7pm Parents should know the school disCulvers Night 5-8pm trict will receive continuous updates ACT Test Date on the guidance given to schools