**PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS**
We are now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year.  Please stop by the ALC office to pick-up an application. 

 

**HEALTH UPDATE**

May 15, 2009

UPDATED H1N1 GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS

On Thursday, May 14, the Minnesota Department of Health updated the guidelines for influenza-like illness symptoms. Staff and students experiencing a fever of 100.0 degrees or greater along with a cough and/or sore throat should stay at home for 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner. It is also suggested that students or staff who are developing symptoms of a respiratory illness, including a runny nose, stay home for at least one day to watch for other symptoms.

 

To help prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza and other illnesses, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that everyone continue to:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water;
• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze;
• Limit your contact with others who may be ill, and
• Stay home from school or work if you are ill.

 

May 4, 2009

Updated Guidance from Minnesota Department of Health for Minnesota Schools (K-12)

in Response to H1N1 Novel Influenza (formerly swine flu) Infections

 

We recommend that all members of the school community – staff, parents and students take an active role in limiting the spread of infection. This will require increased vigilance among parents and caregivers, and school staff to identify students and staff with influenza-like illness, in particular looking for respiratory symptoms associated with fever.

 

Recommendations for schools are as follows:

• Each morning, parents and caregivers should assess all family members and especially school-age children for influenza-like illness (defined above).
• School staff should assess themselves for influenza-like illness.
• Students or staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not attend school for at least 7 days even if their symptoms resolve sooner. If after 7 days, the student or staff continues to have acute symptoms, he or she should stay home until 24 hours after these symptoms resolve.
• Schools should observe students and staff for influenza-like illness at school.
• Students and staff who are ill should be removed from the classroom and sent home.
• If a student or staff is ill with other symptoms, they should stay home at least one day to observe how the illness develops.
• Students and staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not go into the community unless they need medical care. Ill students should not attend extracurricular activities, community activities or child care.

 

Recommendations for public health protection for all Minnesotans:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Limit your contact with others who may be ill.
• Stay home from school or work if you are ill