News from the Superintendent: August 31, 2009

August 30, 2009

Good morning.

By now you know that APS has recorded its first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus (a.k.a. the Swine Flu) in one of our students. I would like to point out that the student’s family handled the situation exactly the right way. If you or your child is sick, stay home. Work can always be made up later. The virus typically runs its course in 3-5 days.

This is only the beginning. The state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control say this virus will be all around us this winter. We should expect to see H1N1 and seasonal flu cases in large numbers. It is not meant to cause a panic; we should just be aware of doing all we can to keep from spreading the virus. Remember to wash your hands frequently and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

Beyond telling students to wash their hands and having custodians disinfect the schools, this is a public health issue. APS will not be directing schools to close or setting mandatory policies. We are taking our cues from the Department of Health and CDC and will follow the guidelines they recommend for whatever our circumstances are.

There is one other thing we ask of parents, and that includes APS employees who have school-age children. Please make sure your child’s school has your updated contact information. It is needed for the ParentLink system and for personal contact in case your child becomes ill at school. Don’t assume that because you are an employee that the school automatically can reach you.

It also would be wise for you to have a back-up plan in case you are unable to pick your child up immediately. Make arrangements with a family member or friend to pick up your child if you cannot, and give this information to your child’s school.

Picking up and dropping off students at schools is always a traffic challenge, so last week APS joined with the city to help answer those challenges in the new Northwest Education Corridor. Look for changes soon.

Speaking of changes, I attended opening ceremonies at the new Northwest Soccer Complex and Desert Willow Family School last week. The soccer complex looks fantastic and it’s exciting for our high schools teams to have a new place to play that’s a little closer to home. The new Family School is a beautiful facility and the people I met at the event seemed thrilled to have a permanent building for the first time. The next celebration is at Rudolfo Anaya Elementary on Thursday.

Have a great week and a safe Labor Day weekend.

Winston Brooks
Superintendent