Parents of PCMS:

 

Responding to the threat of inclement winter weather and health related issues such as influenza, the District consulted with the National Weather Service and Dr. Elizabeth Ford, Director of DeKalb County Board of Health for guidance.

According to Dr. Ford, "As wind speeds increase, heat is carried away from the body faster, which lowers skin temperature, increasing risk for frostbite and hypothermia. In this kind of weather, we are anticipating children would need hats, gloves, coats, and even face coverings, as well as appropriate shoes and socks to protect those areas at greatest risk for damage from exposure:  fingers, toes, earlobes, and the tip of the nose."

  

Regarding the flu and how to contain and manage it, we encourage you to remind students to:  

·         Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

·         Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth;

·         Avoid close contact with those who are already sick;

·         Get plenty of sleep;

·         Eat healthy food and drink plenty of fluids;

·         Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm;

·         Stay home if ill for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.

 

As with all health-related instances, the District and schools will maintain the privacy and identity of individual students and teachers in conformity with applicable privacy laws.

 

Thanks for all you do every day to support the health, safety, and education of our students.

 

 

    

 If you wish to submit an announcement for the next newsletter, please submit it to pcmsnewsletter@gmail.com by Thursday.