H1N1 Flu Virus - District Response

UPDATES Prevention for Fall 2009 ,pdf (586.17 KB) SCHOOL CLOSINGS Wisconsin School and Day Care Guidelines for Closure.pdf (28.17 KB) Guide to School Closures (HMONG).pdf (74.74 KB) TALKING POINTS Milwaukee Public Schools(17.15 KB pdf)  FLU FACT SHEETS Center for Disease Control (83.71 KB pdf) Franklin Public Schools PowerPoint.pdf (76.19 KB) Letter from US Dept. of Education.pdf (414.45 KB)   STUDENT ASSESSMENT Flu Student Assessmnt.pdf (167.64 KB) SAMPLE LETTERS Sample 1-Parents(62.49 KB pdf) Sample 2-Parents (62.49 KB pdf) Sample 3-Parents (7.62 KB pdf) Sample 4-Parents(Spanish (7.13) KB pdf) Sample 1-Staff (20.36 KB pdf) Sample 2-Staff (32.94 KB pdf) Sample 1-Parents & Staff(67.42 KB pdf) Sample 2-Parents & Staff (Spanish) (67.84 KB pdf) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ English(pdf 75.60 KB) FAQ Hmong(pdf 74.74 KB) FAQ Spanish(pdf 77.51 KB) WEB SITE RESOURCES Franklin Public Schools Beloit School District Madison Metropolitan School District WASB Information for School Districts NEA Health Info Network(143.27 KB pdf) Wisconsin DPI Influenza Web site State of WI Pandemic Resources Web site

The national news media have been covering the story of the public health emergency declared in relation to the recent outbreak of swine flu.  According to the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), "while most school communities are not affected at this time, the national awareness and monitoring of the virus provide an opportunity for proactive communication about your district's emergency preparedness plan in the event of school closures."

As the state chapter of NSPRA, the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) is responsive to district communication needs for all types of issues.  The following resources are being provided as districts prepare and deliver their responses to the current communication opportunity.

Facts about H1N1 Flu Virus

When the community is concerned about an issue, facts can help to prevent rumors and even panic.  National health organizations have provided fact sheets such as the following that districts can share with their publics:

Communication by Letter

Many districts have taken steps to communicate with their parents through letters sent home.  The following links provide sample communications that districts have used.  Note the similarities among the letters.  In their communication, districts:

• acknowledge swine influenza as a national issue
• indicate that there are no known swine flu cases in Wisconsin
• assure parents that the district is working proactively to provide information
• provide information about swine flu and how it is thought to be spread
• describe the symptoms of swine flu
• offer suggestions for prevention
• assure parents that the district has a plan in place to deal with any outbreak
• provide a national source of further information
• provide a district contact for further questions

Communication by Web Site and Cable Television

When communicating with the public it is critical to use a variety of media.