Albany schools closed for flu

By St. Joseph News-Press

Originally published October 21, 2009 at 4:26 p.m., updated October 21, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.

ALBANY, Mo. - Officials with the Albany R-3 School District have decided to cancel all classes Thursday and Friday due to the spread of general flu-related illness throughout the system.

Superintendent Bryan Prewitt told the News-Press Wednesday afternoon that more than 20 percent of the district's 433 students were out with the flu.

Share Your Thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

missouri_mule says...

ONLY after 3 days of 80% attendance..... why did it take them so long?

October 21, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Well when is St Joseph School District going to do something we are over 20% in some schools.Pretty bad smaller school districts take this seriuosly and our district who knows what the heck they are doing nobody seems to have that answer its like the blind leading the blind on this issue downtown.And for those who still seam to think this is a joke and everything is ok well you are sadly mistaken and it is getting bad as well as those who think the district cannot tell us how bad it is in the school guess this therory just got shot out the window,they can tell how many cases and what the percentage is just like this school district did.SJSD needs to be telling familys how bad it is in our schools and quit hiding and running from the situation. Mrs Smith do your job.Other districts administrators get it why doesn't ours.

October 21, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nwmo says...

mm1967
Why does Dr. Smith need to do her job? She has you to count on for advice. Perhaps if you didn't provide so much advice, we would be able to judge her performance ourselves? Just a thought!

October 21, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

nwmo,
If you call this not addressing the flu issue going on in our school here locally doing her job heck anybody can perform this way.This is about the district addressing the issue they know they have a problem but seems like they chose to sit on their hands once more.If you have any children I am glad to see you do not care if your child goes to school and gets this flu and brings it home.This flu if you have not read anything in the last few weeks is attacking the young children and it has killed children as well. Not to mention the fact the risk they are putting our teachers in and school staffs.Lets see the downtown offices move out into the school for a few days and we will see how fast things are addressed.I also think this goes along the lines of the district being open and honest with the community as well.Glad to see they still have not learned anything.

October 21, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nwmo says...

mm1967
I rest my case! You continue to prove you know much more than any paid employee in the district.

October 21, 2009 at 8:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

I'd say most are overpaid for the job performance they have demastrated this year.But they are not worried about any of this they are to worried about getting a severly flawed levy passed in a couple of weeks.Let see I do not think Smith has any children so I guess I do know more then her when it comes to being a parent. I been doing it for 22 years and I have raised,smart,polite,curtious,well mannered,respectfull children.So I have to agree I do happen to know just a little more since I have 4 children I have raised or still have at home.But I guess it takes a rocket scientist to figure out if you have a high percentage of your schools that have the flu and do not know what to do or have a plan and know how to "COMMUNICATE" it to the public.Theres that word again it seems to come up alot when it comes to the administration of this school district.I guess they still are taking communication classes at this point.

October 21, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ajm says...

MM

I understand if you have comments to make, and I am not saying you are right or wrong.. but please practice proper punctuation and spelling.. it makes it very hard to take what you have to say seriously, especially when you run all your sentences together and we can't tell what you are trying to say.

October 21, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ajm,
I do tend to get into a hurry when I type and do not proof read my post but I think the majority can understand what I am saying.I will take your concerns into consideration.

October 21, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

TheShadow says...

You would also be more listened to more if you didn't go on and on every time the district or any district for that matter is mentioned. You have some valid points that no one wants to dig through your long diatribes to find.

October 21, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple I was given number about the percentage of the flu in our school by our doctor because my son that has the sever athsma has gotten it from school so he has been in the hospital and it hit him hard.I would think the doctors in this town would have this info so I would say these would be facts coming from a doctor.Wouldn't you believe a doctor or are you calling them one of your favorite words you like to use?Remember I think I said a few weeks ago this darn district needed a plan for these children who has the underlying health issues that this flu would be determental to them?Well guess what they still do not have one and they still do not have a plan to deal with this outbreak we are having.

October 21, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

TheShadow,
Please explain what the difference is between the Albany school district and their flu issue and our school district and our flu issue?Why they addressed and are trying to stop the spreading of the flu and our school district has not tried to stop the spreading of this flu?
One thing is for sure their district seems to be proactive and our district is reactive.

October 21, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple do you not understand they have to report this to the health deptment here in St Joseph and the Doctors have access to this info so I would say yes they probably do have this info you refer to.Heres another bite of info for you some of the drugs the doctors are perscribing most pharmacys do not have any and the others that do are running out so this would as well tell you it is bad right now.I cannot ever remember being told medicine was on back order and they did not know whaen it would be in.I have waitted a day for medicine to come in but not told this.So apple you see the doctors would have this info avavlible to them thru the health dept.

October 21, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple I was not watching this but was that as a district as a whole or did they report each and every school because they can say we are under as a whole and be very high in some schools which is the case some schools are higher then others.See apple how they put a spin on that they reported the district as a whole not individual schools.

October 21, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kw says...

The high numbers mentioned here are a fact (as told to me by office staff at buildings in our school district). I know at least one of the high schools has been at or above a 20% absenteeism rate for the past couple of weeks. At least three of the elementary schools have had well over 100 students absent every day for several days now. My kid's class has had less than 10 students in it for every day this week.
However, it is not our decision to close the schools. If you don't want your kid to go, keep them at home. But then people would be upset at having to find someone to watch their kids while they work. No matter what the school district does in this situation they will be criticized by some.

October 21, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Let's see apple if you have 400 students in your school and they have 80 students out that is 20 percent and I know for a fact some of the schools have had this.Think what you want but apple the flu is not different here then it is anywhere else.So I would have to say this district is doing a little cover up.Read kw post above as well he/she seems to have some of the same numbers told to them from the school they attend as well.The district may want to go back and get their number correct before they make a public statement like you said they did because some schools numbers prove them wrong indeed if they said no school was above this.

October 21, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

I will just add that I have been told by specific school personel/staff that they are/have been above the 20% mark. It is quite possible and probable that the district as a whole is under-if that what was on the news. But that is just spinning it. It could be that all the schools hit that 20% mark but at different times thus keeping it under the whole district. Personal opinion, but I think if multiple schools are suffering, it would be wise to take that in consideration especially since it is hitting the young and pregnant ladies. I noticed alot of staff being pregnant and I am sure they are also worried.

One last thing here, if it does come to be that they close schools, I think the kids need to stay home...not go to the mall, that defeats part of the purpose. Parents need to take their part of the responsibility as well.

I don't think the district is keeping the public informed about the schools affected...and they should so parents can make informed decisions as well. Many kids live with or close contact with persons that are immunocompromised and it would be in the best interest to have this information.

October 21, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rk92559 says...

Don't panic!! It is really a non issue. Obama told us on TV that it was simply the flu!! It won't even be bad here in the states. There simply isn't anything to worry about. He even chewed out Biden for saying he told his family not to fly. We ever have a national disaster bigger than the swine flu...eerrrr..what is the PC term he came up with..oh yeah..H1N1, we are screwed.

October 21, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Simple apple if a school is losed and children do not attend it is called loss of revenue from the state and this is just my opinion and if there closed the schools in question with high numbers they could stop or slow the spread of it in their school and neighborhoods children.I learned a few months ago not believe anything these folks told me.

October 21, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Rk92559,
I think we are screwed.I also have seen in the last few days how nasty this is in my child and it does not even compare to the normal seasonal flu.This stuff is nasty.

October 21, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rocketmom says...

mm1967
It is not "loss of revenue" but "loss of education" that is the real concern. Students need to be in school to learn and the district should be very careful before taking that learning opportunity from our children.

October 21, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple heres some number from the district and they have reported these numbers so these are facts.Parkway has had 100 of their 490 students out sick so lets see that's 20.5% so see the district does not even know how to do math because these are the numbers they have reported as of tomight.One of the teachers has also said she has had 20 of here students absent.So know tell me the some schools are over 20 percent Parkway is for sure.Look it up they reported this on KQTV tonight as well just looked at it on their web site.

October 21, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rk92559 says...

Obama last may Qoute...

Obama referred to the flu by its scientific name, H1N1. The World Health Organization has stopped using the term "swine flu" to avoid suggesting there's a danger posed by pigs.

"We don't know for certain that this will end up being more severe than other seasonal flus that we have," Obama said. "And it's been noted, I think, before that you have over 36,000 people die on average every year from seasonal flus. You have 200,000 hospitalizations. It may turn out that H1N1 runs its course like ordinary flus, in which case we will have prepared and we won't need all these preparations."

And what preparations were those Barry? There still isn't enough vacine for everyone. But I bet your kids have it huh??

October 21, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rk92559 says...

Guess it is one way to get troops home from Iraq. i just read a soldier from KC was flown home from Iraq because his little one is fighting for her life with it in the hospital. This is what happens with a "say everything..do nothing" empty suit in the Whitehouse. Maybe if he spent less time on Letterman, stumping for the Olympics or doing 5 speeches in a day and actually ran the country, that little girl wouldn't be in the damn hospital.MM...my thoughts to your little one..hope your kiddo gets well soon.

October 21, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

mm1967- Parkway was one of the schools I had been told about by a very reliable source, so I know what you say there is true. The middle schools have been pretty close as well.

I also was told at conferences that some of the teachers have only a fraction of kids on their class on a given day. Makes it kind of difficult to teach under those circumstances, I would think.

October 21, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

rk92559,
Thank you my child is going to be ok because we caught the symtoms early and our child has athsma as well so it has been harder on our child.What worries me is that our child could get it again before thevacine is avalible for our child.Children with underlying health issues are not allowed to have the vacine avalible at this point in time because they are made with a live virius and these children have to have the shot that is not made of the live virius,so we wait.Thank you for your concern and I really do appreciate your concern.Our child is going to be ok but it is a nasty flu and it is hard watching your children go through this flu.

October 21, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

SuzyQ,
I have some very relieable info as well about Parkway being one of those schools and for the life of me why do they want to continue to put the staff and children in harms way at Parkway.Close it down for a few days and stop the spreading of the flu in this school.Next the staff will be getting sick then what?.
SuzyQ by the way I remember you telling me your child has athsma this flu is hard on them and we did not get our child away soon enough so be careful.

October 21, 2009 at 11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rk92559 says...

EEW...the asthma has got to exasurbate the illness...:(

I am one of the "at risk" people. So the attitude Obama had over this, and the constant downplaying and lack of action ticks me off. I am a healthy middle aged man, but due to a bout weih cancer years ago..my immune system was comprimised. Should I fly, not fly...etc..and I get this crap.

April 30, 2009
White House apologizes for undue alarm over Biden comments
Posted: April 30th, 2009 08:22 PM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

(CNN) - The White House apologized Thursday "if anybody was unduly alarmed" by Vice President Joe Biden's comments that seemed to suggest Americans should avoid air travel or confined spaces of any kind.

"What the vice president meant to say was the same thing that many members have said in the last few days," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. "And that is, if you feel sick, are exhibiting flu-like symptoms:.that you should take precautions, that you should limit your travel."

October 21, 2009 at 11:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dmont91 says...

New guy here. I've been reading comments for the past few weeks to get a lay of the land before commenting. ARGH! mm1967 please, please, please get some facts before you go off on something you don't know anything about. Dr. Smith is a mom and a darn good one.

In general, I don't understand the mistrust of everything the District does. There is a policy in place with the School District on when and how to respond to pandemics. I am not recommending blind trust, I am asking you to consider humanizing the people you are so willing to castigate. I would encourage you to ask yourself why a reasonable, rational, decent person would do what they do before ripping on them.

Just a thought. Now, back under my rock for a while.

October 22, 2009 at 2:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Orliandor says...

I knew it! President Obama and Dr. Smith are in cahoots to sicken the children of St. Joseph! Now it all makes sense.

October 22, 2009 at 5:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rocketmom says...

I read these posts and hardly ever respond, but the attack on Dr. Smith's motherhood really is too much. As dmont points out, she is a mother and a grandmother. I pray her son doesn't know how the people on these posts treat her. I hope people living outside this area don't read these posts. It's bad enough that everyone around here knows the folks of St. Joseph won't support education--for them to know how deep the desire to save a few bucks goes would be truly embarrassing.

October 22, 2009 at 6:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

I said in my post if you read it I said I do not think I did not say she did not have any children.And now that we got that cleared up and she is a mom and a grandmother then she should know better for putting these children in harms way.I give you fact my child with asthma has got this crap and was gotten at school and they know that their is school over 20% for god sake they said 100 of 490 were out simple math says that is around 20.5%.Is it not her decision to decide and to come up with a plan on a school by school basis?The district has brough on the distrust over the last few years themselves by not being open,upfront and honest in their actions.These people seem to try to do things sneaky all of the time.They continue to be their own worst enemys.And so she is a mother then use your mothering skills and do what right by the children,your staff and if these schools have high flu numbers close then for a few days and try to stop the spreading of it in that school.I wonder how many district employees have pulled their children out of school?This also shows how concerned she is for her staff in the schools.

Now rocket mom I do not see your point if Mrs Smith's son reads these posts so be it.She knew when she was taking this job she would be in the public spot light as well as the rest of her family knew this.Know if she would just learn how to communicate she would not get all of this negitive PR. She brings it on herself and if she cannot handle it maybe she should lay her resignation down and walk out of the downtown office.I do not think this would break the community's heart any.

Orlindor,
You just have no clue what the heck you are talking about and as a parent with a child that has underlying issues and has been and is going thru the end of this flu and the schools know they are full of this crap and sit on their hands and are doing nothing,have no plan,and if they do they must think it is top secret info is just wrong as you are. At least you are being a sinicle person on every issue.

October 22, 2009 at 7:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

dmon- I understand what you are saying, but all I wish for a is a little more communication and to be better informed. I want to know what they are thinking,planning, and why, etc. I did see the flu info on their website. I have an issue with the blind returning just a mere 24 hours after being fever free WITH THIS FLU. I have seen this thing come back with an ugly vengence and so many other symptoms other than fever persist. Heck, you can have the flu and not have the fever according to the CDC. Even their own info sheet states that this flu is still contagious for 5-8 days after fever. I dont think that is a St. Joe School district thing, I think it is the general recommendations. Unfortunately, she is probably in a situation where she is for lack of another word "darned if she does and darned if she doesn't". I personally would like to know if I am sending my child into a school that is being heavily affected by the H1N1 or flu, etc. Thats where I think the communication has been too vague on the SJSD part.

A note to parents: Please, please keep your child home if they are still considered contagious even beyond the 24 fever free mark. You can get their homework from school and they can keep up, but keep your kids home if they are symptomatic or contagious. Sending them back simply because you do not have childcare isn't being responsible.

October 22, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

dmont91,
Some of those so called rational things have been tried with these folks and they do not seem to understand rational anything.So when you talk to these people and get their standard form answers it makes you think they have no clue.Imight add the district seems to know how to put a spin on anythingand every situation to their advantage.I hope they can live with themselves for not making good rational decisions on this flu issue on the schools that have high numbers of children missing school and let be real if a school has 20% or 18% do they think this number is going to go down anytime soon they are mistaken.Have they not been paying any attention it is climbing.

October 22, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

mm1967-to answer your question, the asthma is out of control right now and we are monitoring it carefully, treating it, extra inhaler or treatment use. So far only one near-ER run, but we are not out of the woods yet. I am on pins and needles...hoping for the best. I have drilled and drilled on prevention precautions, but you can do all the precautions in the world, and you still cannot control another kid walking by and coughing on my child and parents who won't keep their sick ones at home. My kids come home every day telling me their friends are "dropping like flies" going home sick, and one time last week, there were 6 kids within an hour that went home sick at their school-who knows how many in the day overall left.

I hope yours is on the mend.

October 22, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

thanks suzyQ our child is doing better but it will be a few days till they are 100% but with the current situation even returning to school is goingto be dangerous and the flu shot for our children has seemed to be delayed and even after it is recieved it take 2 weeks for this shot to protect them.I personally do not believe I will be sending my child back to school till shot is recieved and has some type of protection.The normal flu seasons were ruff but this is just crazy.

October 22, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

I guess if one thing once they are recovered, I think by having had it, it will act in of itself as an immunity booster for it. But boy what a way to get it.

Im not sure if mine actually had H1N1, so I am a little uncomfortable still waiting for it to REALLY hit.

October 22, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

noodelsgranny says...

OK... If this is just "the flu", then why are so many kids sick? I have three children and they are 7 years apart, I have never seen this many kids sick during flu season. My daughter has been so sick. None of my kids have ever been as sick as she was last week. Maybe some people need to get their priorities in order. Yes, education is very important, however, if your child is sick and misses class, they are going to get behind. If they do not feel well, they will not get what they need from the lesson. Their health and well being is more important in my opinion. So I think they should close school and let these kids and families get better. Clean the schools, get the vaccination to those kids , then go back to school.

October 22, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

noodelsgranny,
I could not agree with you more.They need to do something in the schools that have high number of this flu in them.But our district has taken the reactive approach instead of proactive approach.But you know the ones of us who express concern are labeled by some for just wantingto stir the pot but it in reality is concern for the welfare of our children as well as the schools children and school staff.Pretty bad when the district admin cannot see this and show concern for their staff and students.

October 22, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nwmo says...

mm1967
"the ones of us who express concern".....believe me, I can express my own concerns. And I think it best I speak for myself and for my children. I am not called on to speak on behalf of "all the other parents" that feel the way I do. They can speak for themselves. Believe me, there is not much you have said regarding the district that could not be construed as "stirring the pot." But, again, I am not saying anything that has not been pointed out to you a multitude of times.

October 22, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

If the school distric is saying that they have not had any schools above a 20% absentee rate, then I do not believe they are being truthful. If they are saying the district is under 20%, then that might be the case.

Is there anyway we can get the absenteesim rate for the last couple of weeks PER school?

I am sure the SJSD is monitoring this, I just don't want too little to late. Is it going to take a local tragedy before people take this seriously??

I think especially in light of the vaccine situation, they ought to take that into consideration. I truly do understand hesitancy, but they really need to keep the parents informed about whats going on in their child's school in regard to this.

October 22, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

TheShadow says...

I apologize for not getting back to you right away mm1967. Unfortunately for me I have a life and a job so I can't sit by the computer 24/7 looking for ways to complain about the school district.

To answer your question above, there is no difference in the flu that is in Albany and the flu that is in St. Joe. Hope that makes you feel better. Don't have any idea what that has to do with what I posted last night?

My point, which you validate over and over is that your constant harping about anything you can come up with about the school district absolutley marginalizes your arguments. Nobody wants to sift through your long messages filled with run-on sentences and mispelled words to understand what you are saying. Anyone can look through your posts and understand you are mad at the District and think they do everything wrong. Really ... we get it. Occasionally you have a valid point that is really hard to hear through all of the noise you post on here.

As far as the flu goes, it really doesn't matter what direction the district takes, people will be on here complaining. If they close everyone will be upset about having to stay home and take care of thier children. Give it a rest already.

October 22, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

...and to just clear the air in regards to my concerns possibly being misconstrued. I am a "yes" voter. That has no bearing on my concerns over not enough communication or my worry in regards to the H1N1 affecting our schools. I think the SJSD is in a tough spot, because either decision they make will not be popular with different types. But in the end, they have to keep the welfare and safety of the children first. If the schools that are being heavily affected are not being closed, then they owe it to those kids' families to notify them of situation so the PARENTS can make the best choice for their own family on what to do with their child.

I also think the higher state/fed govt should be monitoring this too. I know with the ice storm they were able to work with the counties that missed alot of school. The same should be applied here and maybe the district would not be as hesitant if they schools *need* to close.

October 22, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

noodelsgranny says...

mm1967

I do not think your messages are long at all. I guess some people do not understand what this "place" is for. It is for everyone to be able to voice their opinion.

October 22, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Orliandor says...

mm, it seems that you think you are the only person here who experiences hardships. I doubt that anyone here is without trouble, they just don't choose to complain about it all the time.

October 22, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

heritage_sarahhochschwender says...

suzy, excellent point on the ice storm and attendance issues.

October 22, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple,I do not think elementary school students are going to be driving themselves to the mall and their friends houses and most of the sickness is in the elementary schools.I do not think middle school students will be driving themselves either.And what we can protect ourselfs from we would not to intelligent if we did not.Times have change we are not living in the early 1900's.

October 22, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Apple- SJSD closed schools a few years ago due to a bad outbreak of regular flu. They went and sanitized EVERYTHING at the schools, gave the kids an extended break in hopes it would cut down on the transmission and spread.

I might have been the one with the kids at the mall comment. I would encourage parents to take their part in responsibility to keep kids home should they dismiss school for this reason. And I also stated before parents need to take care of their sick kids and not send them back too soon for lack of a babysitter. Thats part of parental responsibility. I've put a hold on letting my kids have or go to sleep overs, birthday parties, extra events. Heck I am even not having them ride the school bus during this time if I can avoid it, just to try and reduce their risks. I've seen all to often selfish parents doing what they want and letting sick kids go everywhere and putting others at risk without regard.

October 22, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

robschmidt (Rob Schmidt) says...

Just an update.

I have been on the phone with Eileen Duty just about every day for the past few weeks.

There was a period last week when districts numbers climbed above 20% in some of the elementary schools, including Parkway. That's for total number of students out with illness, not just flu-like symptoms. I did a story on St. Joe NOW about that on Friday.

This week, the numbers have been in decline.

Tuesday, the total percentage out with any illness for the entire district was 10%. Yesterday it was down to 9%. In a normal year they average around 5% a day.

Currently, no school in the district is above 15% out with illness.

October 22, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Point when it climbed above 20% that is when a plan should have been put into action but you have thave a plan first.And if there is a plan it must be top secret.Because there is no COMMUNICATION with the parents.Also people could becarriers of this for several days before it shows it ugly head and it could as well kids have been sick and have had the test and it has been negitive and the next day or so see their doctors and the test shows positive for the flu.Lets see the normal is 5% and some schools are at 15% and in the case of parkway that would be 74 children are out sick.Last week that was around 100 students thats when they should have taken action to protect our children and teachers sorry but if you have a child with underlying health issues that just is to many children to be around that possibly has the flu. The 5% would equal around 25 students for parkway since they have 490 students. And in years past this was the normal flu which we have had vacines for several years unlike this H1N1 flu.If you had t 15% of parkway children out that would be 74 and if this is a close number of enrollment in each of the 16 elementary schools this would be over 1100 children out sick and this at 15% So I would say this is a cause for concern.I would hate to see it if this number goes much higher then 20% because some of the medicines doctors are perscribing for our children the pharmacys do not have or are running out of and medu+icinces are on back order as I was told yesterday.

October 22, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

It was also reported that 198 schools closed in 15 states Wednesday and 88 the day before that would total 286 schools closed due to the illness.Point of this is the number of increase school closings from one day to the next this is how fast this flu travels.

October 22, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

heritage_sarahhochschwender says...

all the united states would not be 15.......the point is the steep increase.

October 22, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Thank you Mr. Schmidt.

I bet though that most of that percent were nearly 100% flu-like even though it is stated all kids out. Heck when I called in for my child, they didnt even ask why or what for-it could have been for a hang nail for all they knew. LOL.

Anyways, I do wish that at least when they reach 10-15% in a particular school they would consider communicating that with the parents/guardians of children in that school. You know, kind of like they do when there is a case of head lice or two. I mean seriously, this flu bug is much more serious than head lice, but yet you get a couple of those lice heads and letters are printed and shipped home post-haste!

I appreciate you getting us some of the information we have been wondering about, and that the SJSD should have been more forthright with.

If the numbers are down this week, I hope it is not the calm before the storm, so to speak.

Just how long is the incubation period for this? It could be that numbers will climb in the next week, maybe not-I HOPE not.

October 22, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Speaking of which, did you happen to find out from Ms. Duty why the staff at Parkway "got a talking to" for cancelling their school event last Friday due to high absenteeism- because they put that out on the school channel-they were afraid it would alarm parents? Just to get at point, the parents aren't blind, they were worried about the high absenteeism long before Friday rolled around.

October 22, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple this is only in 15 states not the entire country.Also look at the map of the states and see how wide spread this is.This is not a laughing joke like you may want to think it is.And this 198 not 188 was a increase from the day before which was only 88.

October 22, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rocketmom says...

Apple, they don't care about the facts. However, I thank you for trying.

October 22, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

let me give you some facts chidren with health issues are getting this crap in the schools and it is determental to thier heath.

October 22, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple you do not seem to understand on this issue at all.Sure those things happen but this is something that can be controlled to some extent.But it must start with the district having a plan and it does not seem to have a plan.That Is what I am addressing you can call it what you want but this is for the health of these children as well as all other children and the schools staffs as well.Might I also add they should be putting reports out to the public on each school and the percentage of students missing not combining the district as a whole.It is kinda hard for parents to make decisions if they do not have the info.

October 22, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

I have been reading where some hospitals are limiting children visiting sick relatives only in the cases of terminally ill patients while this flu is going around.

October 22, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

drbjr says...

mm1967, you appear to the the all time expert on anything remotely touching the sjsd. I'm sure their decisions and decision making guidelines are not based on mere conjucture or some last minute seat of the pants thought. Rather I'm sure they are getting frequent guidance from national and state health officials on what levels require what reaction. I'm sure mrs duty did not mean to forget to COMMUNICATE with you personally to get your expert decision based on your years of training I'm public health.

October 22, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

drbjr,
Question do you think it to much to ask for what their plan is for the school and what their education plan may be for children with underlying health issues where this flu is harder on them and they may miss some time in school?
I guess all of you district lovers and think they have done no wrong think everything they do to keep the public in the dark is just fine!!!!!!
Well from a parent that cares about our children we want to know what these plans are no a line of B.S from them.
They seem to forget they work for the public are paid by the public and answer to the public.I also pay my fair share of taxes and have the right to ask these question and demand answers if you like it or not.
Also Mrs Duty answers to our fearless leader Smith and when Mrs Duty is asked a question she will give you a standard answer and then will tell you Smith makes all of the decisions.So when a school has like one other person posted have one case of head lice and they send hundreds of memos out about it but I guess it is too hard to send a memo out about the flu in each school and whattheir plan of action is and what persentage is has to be before they take action.
I think the schools would but they have their hands tied by the administration.Here's some expert advice for you learn to see and have a open mind to other people opinions drbjr.

October 22, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

As Smith has not insulted the public with allowing her staff to say things like some of the things that have came out od Mrs Pattersons mouth in the last couple of months.And apple Smith challenges our rights as parents everyday in here piss poor management style running our schools.For a mother she should also know what theeeeeee heck she is doing by letting children and her staff go to a school with the numbers above 20%.I have no issues like you have addressed above I have had a corp engineer as a boss before and I have no issues with that.I have issues with not performaing your job and communicating with the public when you are in a public jopb that requires it.And I do believe men do have the right to challenge a mothers love for children because there are some mothers who do not care and the fathers do.And apple you need to get out of your tunnel vision and love affair with Smith she does wrong no matter what you may think.

October 23, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

So what you are saying then apple the next time Colemen,or Hyde,or Lindberge per say have a case of headlice we will see it on the district website? Because this is how you say they are going to inform parents about the flu.So why not the above mentioned health concern?See the problem with that now apple?

October 23, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

10377586 says...

Not enough vaccine. Canada, with their "second rate socialist medicine" apparently has plenty. Wonder what happened to the "best health care system in the world"? Gee, maybe it's not anymore and needs to be reformed.

October 23, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

You are correct apple she was hired to do a job and look at the mess the schools are in.Great job performance isn't it.I cannot ever remember our schools being in this much of a mess.And the ones who hired her will be replaced and as soon as April election it will start with 2 newly elected members.

October 23, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

This is just to funny apple well it looks as if the TF force may just have some opposition after all now doesn't it.Hey at least they did not leave your part of town in the darl and are sending corespondences unlike the TF.
Apple I do not know Reeder at all and would not know him if I passed him on the street so I could care aless what you think of this man other then to say we are not supose to Hate anybody.
I also do not believe ACE had anything to do with this at all.

October 23, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

heritage_sarahhochschwender says...

ACE has no formal opposition to the levy and has made no contribution in sweat or money to this group. first i have even heard of it, actually.

we are grass roots, and would never use any formal group to get our message out.

October 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Well it looks as if someone in town has some money and opposes this levy and is backing this group and sending flyers out to the community.Just goes hand in hand with the TF waiting till the last minute to start campaigning for the levy and now this group is campaigning against it.

October 23, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dillygent1 says...

I still believe that if this issue fails, it WAS NOT the fault of Ken Reeder. It may be a bad strategy on the part of the task force or bad correspondence with the community on the part of the school district. But it WILL NOT be the fault of Ken Reeder. Actually, Apple, I disagree with you on one thing. The superintendent was not elected, but she works for an entity that depends on the people for more revenue. She IS a politician. Maybe a bad one, but she IS a politician.

October 23, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Actually apple no I do not suport this group at all as I do not support the TF.And for as the support of the TF Heartland is not a locally owned corp is it?But right now this group may just make the district to work with the commnity on a levy proposal if this one fails here in a few days.I just find it quite funny the TF thought it was not going to have any opposition and if this is a true statement that you recieved this flyer in the mail from citizens against tax group it must mean they have more opposition then they thought they had.To touch on the sucker comment this is exactly what the TF is doing because they know this levy is not right and they know the district will be back before it expired in 5 years asking for more money.Also apple I did not say it is a bad thing for our community to finance this campaign but as several people have told you they must engage the entire community and that is still a hit and miss throughout the town.Time will tell what this group is doing and how many flyer they actually sent out if indeed they did.

October 23, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Also apple did you see the Heritage posted ACE has nothing to with this group as you indicated or asumed.

October 23, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

So, on a Wednesday 20% of an individuals student population calls in sick. Let's say, for the sake of discussion, that 100% of those students didn't come to school because they have H1N1. Of course they don't take roll until after everyone is comes to school (you really can't assume every parent called in ahead of time). So now they know, they are at 20%. So when do they notify parents and what does that do for the parent? Should they close the whole district?

Or should they call all the parents an say, "We are closing your child's school down today, because the sick kids stayed home and you need to come pick up your well child today or get home as the bus will be dropping them off in a few minutes to an an hour." There's another damned if you do, damned if you don't moment.

If the kids that are sick stayed home, they aren't being exposed to them now. If those kids were at school on Tuesday, they were already infectious. Is the school district supposed to turn back time??

Let's say they close the doors for a day or two, and "sanitize" and "fumigate". Looks good for the paper, but that is totally a dollar spending PR event. In that aspect, they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. The minute the doors are open and kids are back in school, there are still infectious kids coming right back in the doors, "contaminated" all over again. Simple standard cleaning methods of surfaces such as door knobs, railings, and counter tops are all that are necessary.

And closing the doors puts a lot of kids at other places, the malls, hanging out at each others' houses, Wal-mart. More than likely nothing has been gained.

So if you get the call that the sick kids are staying home, attendance is down 20%; what are you going to do? Take your kid out of school that day (they were exposed yesterday)? Not send them to school the next day (so how do you know some other infectious kid isn't going to school)? Keep them out until the flu is over (when is that going to be)? Are you going to stay home and avoid going anywhere to avoid exposure yourself to prevent carrying it home (probably not)?

October 24, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Appaerently So,
First children with underlying health issue are more at risk.So the district need to have a plan and communicate the high percentage to the public for decisions can be made for our children wit hthe health issues.We can take extra percautions but have to have the info to make decsions.By closing a school for a few day does help with the spread of this flu but Ia see you think a elementary student must hold a drivers licence to get to the mall if school was closed for a couple of days.I also do not see the middle school students having drivers licences.As for the high school students if they have this flu believe me after see it in my child they will not be leaving the fron t door of their homes and for the other that are not sick it is the parents responsibility to make sure they are not out running aroundd when the school would be closed.But these numbers of the flu are higher in the elementary schools not high school.If parents are going to send their children to school sick the district must take step to help stop the spread in each of its schools.

October 24, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Apparently so, the district could either send home notes or robocall when the abstenteeism is reaching the 10-15% and those parents that are concerned for whatever reason can work with the school and make a plan accordingly. The idea is not to wait until it is 20% for those kids especially with underlying conditions. If it reaches a number where the district chooses to close the schools (as the HAVE done in the past for regular seasonal flu) then I am sure they have a process in place. Usually, at least in the past, they do not close it when roll call is taken. They will devise a plan, close on certain days to allow to sanitation and for kids to stay home and diminish or slow down the transmission albeit it will obviously not totally stop it.

Now on the flip side, when the district steps up to the plate, the parents need to also, like keeping their kids home when the should and not send them to the mall for a babysitter, etc.

Also apparently so, alot of these kids have at-risk relatives, they need to know when their childs' school is being highly affected so they can monitor and take more care. For instance, someone whose parent is taking care of a grandparent who is severely immunocompromised like mine was in the past, I would prefer to know this so I can take steps accordingly. And yes, if my childs pediatrician recommended taking my child out of school for a time, I would do so without hesitation. The thing is, I have to know there is a problem at the school. No problem in them sending home notices about head lice, or bringing jackets to school and other common sense things, (heck I was robocalled a couple weeks back with a reminder for parents not to send sick kids to school) why is this such a big problem to just alert when it gets to a "watchful level" like Ms. Duty said, it rasises a flag for her at 10-15%, then WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW AS PARENTS. Nuff said.

October 24, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

Neither one of you gave an intelligent if even an intelligible response. You know that it is going around, see that is a given in the scenario. So how does it affect you? How is your decision any different? Especially if the sick kids are staying home?

You are treating it as if the problem in the school is only a serious threat to your child because their is some percentage of kids who stay home sick. They are staying home, yet they were probably infecting people the day before they were sick. So the exposure has occurred already. How does your magic note or robocall, after the fact, change that? Which is worse, the 20% of kids staying home sick? Or the one kid that comes to school sick and spends the day next to the other kids? The reality of the percentage does boil down to economics not health. But no matter what, some of you are either too dense to realize this or just want to make an issue of it since it is the school district.

When it comes to your children's health; the only plan that you should be worried about, is does the school identify children that appear to be ill and send them home if they are.

October 24, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo,
I out mt childs health in front of anything related to economics.If a parent is home taking care of a sick child and the employer wants this person who has been exposed to the flu at work it makes no sence at all.Take it to work and spread it around further.And you are intitled to your opinion as well as I and others are but if they can send all of these memos out about head lice in the schools then it is not to much for them to send out info on the % of flu in our school to all parents.Parents should keep their sick children home and away from other and yes some may be carriers of this flu all day and not show signs of it.So there in itself is more of a reason for the district to have a plan and what percentage will they close the individual school for a few days to stop the spreading?Just my opinions and nobody has to agree.

October 24, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Well folks for all of you who think the H1N1 flu is just something to laugh offfor the health of our children the UNITED STATES GOVERMENT just declared it a NATION EMERGENCY.people are dying from this.So now I say for damn sure our school need to get a plan together and release it to the public and what their education plan is for our children and what percentage before they close for a few days to stop the spread of it in our schools.
Question for Mrs Smith does money mean more to you from the state for our children attending school then their health? It sure seems like it.I know if the percentage gets high in our schools and they do not act they are opening themselves up to a lot of option for the parent to come after them.

October 25, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

MM, you still don't get it. If the sick kids are not in school, they can't be spreading it around. And the percentage of kids doesn't make a difference. It has no bearing on your decision as to what you do protect your children.

Your opinion is nothing more than trying to find a way for the district to be responsible for your decision. If the district isn't allowing sick children to come to school, then they are doing what they need to do to protect your child. Your argument that they should shut down if they reach a magic number has nothing to do with the risk of exposure to any other child.

That is how dense you are: The sick children staying home is an indication that the policy is working. Yet you are still arguing that if they reach some magic percentage they should shut down. School isn't the only source of exposure and every kid isn't going to get it and over it in a matter of two days. Again one kid without symptoms at school who sits by yours all day, is more of a hazard than the 80 kids that are at home. The reality is the district is can't protect your kid, closed or otherwise.

We all get it: you hate the district, you hate Dr. Smith, and you hate the BOE.

As far as the declaration: We've been in an emergency for over a month. Why did it take so long for the President to make that declaration? And as I said before, closure of the schools will only stop any spread in the schools if school is closed until everyone has gained immunity from this virus. Do you really thing a few days is going to suffice? Are you willing to close down everything? Have you asked your employer to shut their doors until this crisis if over? Or have you asked for your leave of absence? What is your employers plan? Do they have one? Probably not. Hopefully, I don't ever have to go there, I'd hate to think that me and my family aren't being protected when I get my kids their Happy Meals.

October 25, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo
You do not get it some children are still being sent to school sick and this is how it is getting spread.
And it is not about hate I ill tell you the same as I do APPLE I do not hate.
I just want some accountablity from our district.I think that is in the ocof groups commercial accountablity.
Yes employers have a plan to deal with this issue if there is a hugh outbreak.Wake up.

October 25, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apple I guess yuo choice not to do as I said I would in the atricle about the flyer getting mail out that is ok it just shows what type of person you are.

October 25, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Well, I don't hate the district, so what would my motivation be? Hmm, could it be concern for the kids? My Family? Yes, we all know it is going around...that is true...but if I know that my child's school was at an above average rate (or a rate that is causing a red flag) because of a particular illness, I would be that more careful about taking them around certain family members that are compromised. Virtually all families either have immunocompromised family members, new babies or pregnant relatives, or family that works in healthcare.

Let me ask you this, why does the district send home notes for head lice? Its because the parents can be more diligent with their kids and to minimize the spread of it. Same applies here.

Then there are additional reasons, for one those kids who do have underlying conditions, those kids who has family members especially susceptable. Many parents also take care of grandparents. I for one, if I knew my kids school was at the 10-15% rate, would find alternative place for my kids to be when I took care of grandparents. Also, I would consult with my kids' pedi if I felt it necessary for the child who is compromised. There could be preventitive or precautionary measures put into place that one would not consider if the school was not running rampid with it. Not to mention, many parents send their kids to school sick. Maybe they would be more careful considering. Maybe they would seek medical help a little more sooner before complications arose. Maybe parents would keep their kids home a tad longer to ensure they are not contagious before returning. If the parents are not informed, much of this would be ignored.

What do you have against parents being armed with the most appropriate information available to better care for their children and family?

You cannot tell me it is because I am a district hater because that is furthest from the truth. In the past, I have volunteered countless hours (mentoring and with a past levy) and although I am currently unavailable to do so, I hope to do more in the future.

Noone has provided a good reason for not at the minimum letting parents know when their childs school reaches a 10-15% absentee level as opposed to the usual 3-5%. The only reason I have seen people respond is mm1967 hates the district and will find any reason to get at them therefore this has to be another attack on mm part. Flame each other all you want, that does not get at the issue at hand.

I have a right to know what kind of school conditions I am sending my child to!! If it is at a level where the district says it raises a flag for them, I should have that knowledge too. Truly, it could only serve the district and public better to keep the parents informed.

October 25, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

MM, it is getting spread by all people who are sick that insist on going anywhere. Okay, fine. I do get it. It's not hate: it's abhor, loathe, despise.

Your absenteeism percentage has to account for a time frame. If I say that 100 kids were ill in one school over the last two weeks and there are 490 children in that school. Yes, you had a 20.4% absenteeism. However, over two weeks you may have only had 15 kids out per day. That would only be 3%.

That, and sick children going to school, is why I posed the question: Why does a percentage out ill make any difference to your decision as a parent? You already know there is a virus being spread. You already concede that sick children go to school, you understand that the virus can be spread before a child is sick, and you already know that children are missing school because of illness.

Just wtf do you want from the district? A gold embossed card that may or may not make it home because junior didn't give it to you? You are getting the message, because you are obviously reading the news and commenting on it.

October 25, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

In addition for what its worth, I believe the district has a plan when to close or not, all I want or ask is that I be clued in when the school my kids are attending is considered "at-risk". When it is a red flag for them (10-15%) the parents need to have that info. Like I said, it could only work to serve them, and even just might help the parents be that much more diligent, just maybe help to prevent it from reaching that 20%.

And yes, I have recently kept my child home an extra day or two when normally I would have let them attend school (since they weren't feverish), but yet they still were symptomatic in other ways. That worked both ways, stopping spread and allowing more healing and rest for the child to reduce risk of a complication.

October 25, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

SuzyQ ,
I do not hate the district I have disliked what they have done to our schools,children and the issues they have caused for our children and familys'.We also donate time to our school and help several ways.We support our school to in anything they may need or help they may need as well as if familys in our school need.Our school as well has been above the 10%-15% rate and we knew it but the district failed to tell us and send letter home stating that their is a issue with this in the schools and the rate is high for we can make rational decisions on what our actions may need to be.I am not asking for no more then you have and people attack me because I do not suipport our administration downtown for the actions they have demostrated toward the community,children and familys since April.I have seen our school go from 340 students or so to almost 500 students. I have seen the added stress this has put on our teacher,priciple and staff at our school.It is not right what they have to indure everyday.I sometime get a little ruff around the edges when I post but I just want what is right for our children and schools,teachers and our schools staff even though people have a hard time understanding I do not Hate I dislike the direction of the district at this point.SuzyQ i sincerly hope your children are doing ok and it will not be any harder of a flu season for the children with underlying health issues and for all of the children for that matter.

October 25, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Orliandor says...

Did you people ever think of picking up the phone and calling the school nurse for information on your child's school?

October 25, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo,
I only have one comment for you you do not get it and never will you cannot see pat my dislike for what the district has done to our children,school,teachers,principle,and our schools staff.This about the health and welfare of the children and the schools staffs nothing more. Like SuzyQ has said what is the difference sending a letter home with the students telling them what percentage of the flu is in our schools vers sending mass letter home when they find one single case of the headlice and they do this because they do not want for it to spread.And you point above is exactly what I am talking about what is the percentage for the days and the week. Its not that hard for these people to do and I think the local schools want to do this but the downtown people stop them they do not want to deal with the concerned parents questions.I weant to stress to you again this has nothing to for my DISLIKE NOT HATE toward the district for the other issues I talk about this is simply about the children.

October 25, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

parent4 says...

Why do we make our sick children go to school? If they don't go to school grades go down hill fast. Because the child has to be class or points are taken off. They can make up there class work but they cannot make up what is said in class that they missed. My child was out of school four days in a roll because of flu. Doctors note in hand excusing her for those days. She got her work done but got points off because she wasn't there to hear what the teacher said and interaction with the rest of the class. So I have to send my child to school. I don't want her to fail because of the flu.

October 25, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Sorry MM, I didn't mean for that to come across like it was a fact that you hated the school district or anything, I was meaning it in a way that it seems to be the only argument against those seeing the point we are trying to make, like they are making the concern invalid because of that perception they have. I'm just saying that whatever or however you feel or unrelated experiences you have had with the SJSD really has no bearing or argument over this issue.

I don't believe the SJSD would want to have the bulk of calls they would receive if parents felt they have to go on offense to find this kind of information. A reasonable assumption would be that every thing is going status quo unless otherwise notified. This is where it would be expected to be alerted if it reached their level of concern. And yes, I have talked to the school nurse about this.

This is about a health and safety issue, plain and simple.

For those of you who don't get that, you either have lack of experience with these issues or just refuse to concede for arguments sake.

Mm- you notice how noone has an argument as to why they send home notes for head lice? Heck, I have had notes sent home to remind the general masses to send coats or jackets with kids to school, and you talk about common sense parenting skills.

Still no real argument for valid reason for NOT alerting parents when it gets to a certain level of concern. This should be a no brainer.

October 25, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

SuzyQ ,
I took no offence to any of your comment I just want to point out I was not a district Hater just fustrated and dislike what has happened to our schools and children and that this is a issue about the health and welfare of our children not anything elese.
Yes I also see that nobody want to tackle the other issues such as the head lice and sending coats to school memos that are sent home on a constant basis.It almost sounds if your children and my children attend the same school.

October 25, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

No but H1N1 such a more serious medical issue than head lice, it doesnt make sense.

I'd bet, if there were a survey, more parents would want to be informed than those who didn't.

There is something to be said to know what you are dealing with and reacting to accordingly, than be left out of the loop, that in of itself could set of undue panic probably just as it is currently.

Lets be clear, we are not asking for anything above what the district already states is a level of concern. If it is something they are concerned about, parents need to be aware. I'm not talking about general expected absenteeism here. I am talking about when it is above normal at a level of concern, especially during a pandemic when parents are already anxious.

October 25, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

apple, I see your point about it could create some panic, but I just think the panic will be there already, knowing where your kids school stands just arm the parents with accurate info to make the best decision for their kid and to be more diligent regarding illness.

Maybe for some parents it might be best to be kept in the dark or they may even prefer it that way, or they might simply not care, but I do not think that is how the majority is.

My family has a strong medical background and SJSD background, so I'm not just blowing smoke here. I prefer to have the knowledge and feel it should be provided when they are concerned, its okay if we agree to disagree. I mean no disrespect, we just have a different approach. The benefits of knowing when the rate gets up there far outweigh a few panic-stricken parents who are going to be that way regardless.

October 25, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tydej says...

With the comments I read on here, I can't help but laugh at the cheap personal insults many have towards the school district members, school officals and community members. I understand you want you want your child to get an education in a safe enviornment. I have a suggestion, if you think you can do it better...stay home and teach your children yourself. I scoff at people say our government this our government that. I am sure they are using H1N1 to kill your kids and old people, oh I forgot the mothers to be. They had a meeting at the White House where they discussed population control and they all agreed we can just let everyone die we don't make a vacine and only give out a few doses to help. If you think this then I suggest you go to Frederick Blvd and check into the State Mental Hospital, they can provide you with your own anti government foil hat.

October 25, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

Apples,
People are a;ready in the panic mod.Did you see it is a declared a National Emergency.
SuayQ you arecorrect and the others are just lost on the issue.Like I said the district needs to be proactive instead of reactive on this issue.Open and closed case.

October 25, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

drbjr says...

mm1967, your use of the national emergency declaration is overblown. "Administration officials said the declaration was a pre-emptive move designed to make decisions easier when they need to be made." NP today. This is as much a bureaucratic rule making order as anything. It allows the government to waive certain rules, etc. Please do make things more than they are you are just feeding hysteria.

October 25, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

drbjr,
I will look at it however I see fit to and protect my children from this crap however I see fit to.This crap is serious and if it has killed one child it is 1 to many.But the above is just sad that our school can send out memos on headlice and reminder to send a coat to school with your child because it is cold then by damn they can get off their butts and keep the parent informed to how bad the flu is in esch of these school they have the report made up anyway for downtown district offices.So what does it take maybe a couple of minutes to type up a memo?I do not buy the panic mode therory neither parent know it is here is a mtter of knowing how bad it is in our schools.

October 25, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

They not only did send out letter, it is posted on their website. Case closed.

The fact is, that you don't get it and you will never see past your dislike for the school. Do they send notes home everyday with an incident rate, every time there is a headlice outbreak? No. Does that note say exactly how many children have headlice and give you a percentage so that you can decide what to do with your children? No and no.

You were sent a memo at the onset. I don't think you ever conceded one was sent out. You'd deny getting one now, even if it was stapled to your forehead.

The fact is that you refuse to see that they did provide you with information regarding this issue. The fact is that the information you are whining about doesn't do anything for you as a parent. Children are already exposed by the time you get the information, too late to make a timely decision. That is closing the barn door after the horses are out.

And the fact is that you aren't using this as a concerned parent trying to protect your kids; you are using this as an example of why Dr. Smith and the BoE should be replaced and as an example of how the administration is overpaid. And if you think I'm wrong. I'll refer you to your first two posts in this thread alone, let alone the dozens of others. You still act as if it is only being spread at schools. Are you really that dense?

October 25, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo
Maybe you should share your letter since some of us seem not to have gotten that letter sent home with us.And before you say look through our children papers they bring home that is done on a nightly bases.
So lets repeat that again we did not have anything sent home with us or our children.Got it.maybe like I said you can copy yours to your computer and post it here for all of to read.
This is also about the health of the children and that is all.
I am not the only one in this community that thinks the board and the admin needs replaced read these post from some people who do not post on here on a regular basis.Some of those people think the same.Heck for all I know you are one of them anmd if you are does the truth hurt.

October 25, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

http://web.sjsd.k12.mo.us/PDFs%20Misc...

http://web.sjsd.k12.mo.us/PDFs%20Misc...

From their website; in other words, I'm not "one of them". Apparently the truth hurts you. Notice the web address. It is so strange that someone that has access to the web, can't get any of the info he keeps crying about. All of the "lies" and the "lack of communication" have been there all along, but you are obviously incapable of getting it. Again, you'd deny you ever got it, even if it was stapled to your forehead.

Of course your children are perfect, and I bet they never misplace anything.

October 25, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo I will only ask you once do not say anything about my children.I also have nmore then one child at school and you betcha they are very responsible children and I stress very responsible.
Oh you mean that outdated web site that some time things come up and sometimes their site is broken or this or that is not avalible.

October 25, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

noneya says...

It amazes me how people on here get way off the subject and how the person who has all the time talking bad about the schools really should be back in school learning to spell and proper grammar...I laugh as they try to sound so smart, but cannot spell or talk correctly..that person knows exactly who they are above....let me assure you my responsible children brought home letters from the district...I also got info last week at teacher conferences and as am employee of the ditrict that you bash so much, we are taking every precaution plus more at my school to make sure kids are not their sick and that we are stressing extra hand washing, sanitizer etc....BUT we cannot control what these kids come in contact with between 3:00 when they leave and the next day...so give the bad mouthing a break, and lets all work together to keep our most prized possessions ( our children) safe and healthy...I dont think some would be satisified if we closed all schools and letters were hand delivered to their front doors, they would still complain...

October 26, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

You'll ask every time it happens; because obviously you are naive, if not oblivious.

You asked for the letter. There it is. It's on the site. Now you want to blame it on "sometimes". Again, you asked for it. I provided the link directly from their site. Copy and paste it into your browser. Hit send. And STFU.

See even in all of that, you won't concede that a letter was sent, or even that the letter exists. Within the week, you'll probably reference the letter as if it doesn't exist. It's what I told you before, communication is more than just one side saying it, the other side has to be able to understand it.

Amazing how some people got it. Just not you. I know, maybe it's conspiracy against you personally.

October 26, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

Are you saying you received general information about symptoms and care for H1N1 or did you receive info regarding the high rate of infection in your child's school?

I have received info about H1N1 in general and common sense info (and I received it again at parent/teacher conferences). I did not receive anything in regards to how it is directly affecting my childs' school. However, I would not expect anything in that regards unless it was at a rate alarming to them (i.e. 10-15% range).

I haven't checked the website since late last week, is this the same thing that has been on there for awhile or something new regarding the high rates of absenteeism. I will check it out here shortly.

I suspect the info you are referring to does not elaborate on the particular info I am referring to and request, but I will check it out to be sure.

October 26, 2009 at 8:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo
you are lost on this issue and if you have a child with asthma I would be asking the same questions not throwing all of my support behind the decsion makers in the admin offices.

October 26, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

You can't receive information about a high rate of infection at the schools, the shools don't know. They can only give you a rate of absenteeism, which doesn't provide you with anything useful.

MM, says nothing was sent out or provided. I proved him/her wrong.

You, MM, don't even have a clue; you're in no position to call anyone lost. See, in none of this, have I thrown my support behind the decision makers. I'm just smart enough to know that what you are asking for is idiotic and makes no difference in you protecting your children (whoops, I mentioned them again).

October 26, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

ApparentlySo,
The schools do know when you call and tell them you child is not going to be at school the first thing they ask is it the flu and or is there any signs of the flu they are keeping the Buchanan County health dept advised to the amount of illness in the schools with the flu or with flu like symtoms.
Sorry you have your opinon about this issue and have have mine and I will leave it at that.
Have a great evening ApparentlySo.

October 26, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

No, you have an opinion, and you try to make up the facts as you go along. Of course you want to leave it at that.

The schools only known what they are told when the parent calls in. One person in this thread or one of the similar threads claims that they weren't even asked why the child was staying home. And then you assume that of all children staying home, it must be the flu and that they must really have it.

You weren't demanding infection rates or reasons why kids were absent anyway, you were demanding absentee rates, see you can't even stick with your demands or arguments Then you can't even address how that information is going to help you. Or when a point of fact is provided to you, you sidestep it or ignore it. You then continue on with your drivel as if you didn't see it.

Read back through your responses, you completely fail to ever address how knowing any of the information really helps you; let alone when that information is after the fact. You have a good evening, dreaming up more falsehoods (lies) and propaganda to support your cause.

October 27, 2009 at 4:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

AS,

You are correct about them not knowing why every single child is out. But I do think they have a pretty good idea especially when the correlate with the local health professionals in the case of an upswing of absenteeism.

As for me, I have addressed over and over why knowing the info would be beneficial for both the families and the SJSD, but some fail to read it or just plain old ignore it for the sake of arguing with MM1967. I'm not going to reiterate it again.

Seriously, some of you need a date with Dr. Phil.

October 27, 2009 at 5:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

I'm not only correct about them not knowing. I'm also correct in that you weren't asking for what they have, but how many are absent. Seriously, do you believe that every kid is out sick, let alone with the flu?. Kids never skip school.

I'm also correct in saying that you have not addressed how it would help. Of course you aren't going to reiterate it, to reiterate would mean you would have had to stated it in the first place. You just say it would help you to make a decision, you don't say how it would help. See the distinction? No, you probably don't.

On one hand you say the information correlates with what the local health professionals know. What correlates with it? The information you say you don't have. How can you cry about not having information; but in the same breath, say you have the information. See, if you have two sets of information that correlates, then you have the information. So are you just crying about the source? Or do you need to hear it from three sources?

October 27, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

I know from talking with the pediatrician, that they do know what is going around by the patients that are seeking treatment. I know they correlate with the SJSD about this. Am I in the "know" of the exact stats - no. That is where the school district comes in - if they are alarmed by it, parents have a RIGHT to know. I suspect it will even come to it in the future that some yahoo will try and sue over this. I have stated why this information would be helpful and what I would do if I knew that it had reached this rate. You have failed to read or just plain incompetent to understand, I have no control over your ability to understand. There were two articles with this same debate, its there in one or ten of them, read it before you spout off. Some parents WILL be even more diligent by the awareness.

I have already made changes to our daily routine by being aware, not that it came from the school -thats the point, not always is there going to be a debate on a forum in the online edition to get the rates out in the open.

What changes you ask? My kids temporarily are not going to sleep overs, where undoubtedly is some kid there somewhere in the process of H1N1/flu. They are not going around pg members in our family, nor going to the hospital to see their new little cousin. They are not going around immunocompromised grandparents or the nursing home. They are not riding the school bus right now to minimize exposure risk in a confined area. One is now actively routinely using their inhaler rather than as a rescue inhaler. I have sought care from the pedi premptively for empiric treatment regarding asthma. I have kept one child out a bit longer than usual to ensure their well being as well as being conscientious of other students. I went ahead and got the family flu shots and some H1N1 vaccines knowing the severity of our particular schools.

If I was under the assumption that we were at a status quo for a normal this time of year absentee rate in our schools, I would not have done much of the above. It would be reasonable to assume that it is at an expected normal rate unless we were informed otherwise. Are my kids exposed at school? Sure. But do the above changes MINIMIZE the exposure and possible severity -YES IT DOES. I did this because I found out on my own accord what was going on. I say the SJSD should be more forthcoming in this regard. Not everyone has the contacts I do. You have not mentioned one valid reason why this knowing this info is a negative. Other than your personal vandetta and daily life mission to fight with mm1967. Whatever trips your trigger man. You would say the sky is green and the grass is blue if MM said the opposite. I find it funny you have disregarded most of my posts because they do make sense so you can pick at MM. That in of itself tells alot about you.

October 27, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

You also should know that by the incessant articles and news reports that are seen daily. Why would you then assume it was status quo, when every article about H1N1 since April has clearly stated otherwise. Hmmm... So go ahead and blame the district as if their information provides anything that you can use (still doesn't since it would be after the fact); especially with children who have asthma, you should already be doing because you have seen the news and you admitted to getting the letter at the first of the year.

I haven't disregarded any of your posts in this thread, where I asked my question. You just haven't said what you think you have. And I sure as hell am not going to go searching through every thread to see if you have a related post.

Why are you not allowing them around individuals such as pregnant relatives, and immunocompromised, or the nursing homes?

I actually agree with MM about "no" on the levy, and have posted as such. So any thing that you thought you got, you are wrong. MM's post, should not have always included how the district is wrong and the culprit in the situations, if he didn't want people to believe that is not his motive.

I only point out your flawed reasonings, which are still flawed. But because you will only believe what you want, it seems to be a pointless venture. Cest la vie.

October 27, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

suzyQ says...

"Why are you not allowing them around individuals such as pregnant relatives, and immunocompromised, or the nursing homes?"

This speaks to your lack of incomprehension and pretty much rests my case that you don't get it. Ignorance knows no boundaries.

Dude (or dudette), go educate yourself. Nothing you said here makes a lick of sense. You keep talking in circles.

And FYI, I never blamed the district for anything. I just asked to be privvy to information that they have when they are alarmed.

October 29, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mm1967 says...

suzyQ we got the H1N1 shot for our child that has asthma and I know it will take a full 2 weeks to protect them so at this point I feel a litte better knowing that they now have the H1N1 shot.
But this is till scary and it is killing yound children.One yound individual died in the kck area I believe yesterday and their family said he felt sick and if I am not mistaken he went to the hospital and in less then 24 hours he had died.The family said he had no underlying health issues.This flu takes on many different forms it seems.

October 30, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ApparentlySo says...

So you don't know then and as such, can't give an answer. Not only is your ignorance limitless, it rivals your lack of intelligence.

I asked "why are you", in other words what is your rationale? Are you protecting your children from them, or are you protecting them from your children? And why these sets of people? Do you think that because they are in these sets that they are a greater risk to your children? See if your children aren't sick and you have been taking those precautions that you touted above, it's not really an issue. So either you are a liar, or you are just too stupid to keep with what you have said yourself.

No where have I spoken in circles, you rarely even answer simple questions (I suspect you don't know the answers), and if you can't make sense out of what I have posted; then I take back what I said about you being a liar. Of course, that only leaves the other option.

October 30, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Advertisement

zip2save.com

Circulars | Coupons | Deals

Olympic Sponsorship:


JOB SEARCH
TOP JOBS
NATIONAL VIDEO

To view this site, you need to have Flash Player 8.0 or later installed. Click here to get the latest Flash player.