MOUNT VERNON – In a letter sent home to parents, Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent William Seder cited a large number of absences due to influenza at Columbia Elementary forcing it's closure on Friday, January 31, 2020. Below is the letter:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The intent of this letter is to inform you that Columbia Elementary School has seen a large increase in absences over an extended period of time related to Influenza (flu). We have been monitoring attendance trends across the district during the past couple of weeks and Columbia Elementary has continued to see absences of 20% and greater for the past four days.
We have been in contact with the Knox County Health Department and greatly appreciate their support. We believe it is in the best interest of staff and students to CLOSE Columbia Elementary School on Friday, January 31st. We do not take this decision lightly as we understand that closing school can create additional burdens for families. We hope that providing this information in a timely manner will allow you time to plan accordingly.
The virus is easily transmitted from person to person. The following are recommended to prevent and limit transmission:
• Frequently wash your hands, especially after toileting and before eating and preparing food. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. Proper hygiene is the best way to prevent Influenza. • Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication before returning to school. • Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting by using a bleach-based household cleaner. • When possible dedicate one bathroom in the home for use only by the ill person. • Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens that may be contaminated with feces or vomit (use hot water and soap). • Persons who are experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness should stay home from school until 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Additional information related to the Flu can be found on the website: WWW.MVCSD.US
In order for us to take every precaution necessary for the students and staff, Columbia Elementary will be CLOSED Friday, January 31st. During this time, we will be following all protocols provided by the Ohio Department of Health to sanitize surfaces throughout the building.
Sincerely William Seder Jr.
The intent of this letter is to inform you that Columbia Elementary School has seen a large increase in absences over an extended period of time related to Influenza (flu). We have been monitoring attendance trends across the district during the past couple of weeks and Columbia Elementary has continued to see absences of 20% and greater for the past four days.
We have been in contact with the Knox County Health Department and greatly appreciate their support. We believe it is in the best interest of staff and students to CLOSE Columbia Elementary School on Friday, January 31st. We do not take this decision lightly as we understand that closing school can create additional burdens for families. We hope that providing this information in a timely manner will allow you time to plan accordingly.
The virus is easily transmitted from person to person. The following are recommended to prevent and limit transmission:
• Frequently wash your hands, especially after toileting and before eating and preparing food. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. Proper hygiene is the best way to prevent Influenza. • Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication before returning to school. • Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting by using a bleach-based household cleaner. • When possible dedicate one bathroom in the home for use only by the ill person. • Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens that may be contaminated with feces or vomit (use hot water and soap). • Persons who are experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness should stay home from school until 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Additional information related to the Flu can be found on the website: WWW.MVCSD.US
In order for us to take every precaution necessary for the students and staff, Columbia Elementary will be CLOSED Friday, January 31st. During this time, we will be following all protocols provided by the Ohio Department of Health to sanitize surfaces throughout the building.
Sincerely William Seder Jr.