Deep Portage Field Trip

Grades 5 and 6 all spent a day at Deep Portage on Wednesday, October 21. 5th grade students enjoyed an ecology hike and a session on survival-including building a shelter and a fire in the rain. 6th graders were also able to learn some basic orienteering skills. Despite the rain and snow, it was an excellent day for learning and adventure.

H1N1 Flu Information

Update:

This past week at school, we have seen an increase in the number of students coming down with flu symptoms. Our local doctors are indicating that in many cases the students probably have H1N1 and are directing them to stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 - 48 hours. We are required to report to the Minnesota Department of Health the number of student absences due to the flu because the number has risen to more than 5% (no names are sent - only the total number absent). The matter is very serious, and it's important that everyone take appropriate health precautions and respond to the symptoms.

The symptoms include:
fever (above 100 degrees)
cough
sore throat
stuffy nose
and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting

If your child comes down with these symptoms, they should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading the illness to others.

I have posted several information sheets to our school district web page (see below). Please take a look at them for further information or guidance. Please call our school nurse, Renata Remington - 587-8310, if your student should come down with these symptoms and she will provide guidance with regard to returning to school.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and please take care of yourself and your families during this challenging time. The steps you can take to protect yourself and others are simple, but cannot be repeated often enough:

• Wash your hands, thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based scrub.
• Cover your face with a sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, or other places where you may expose others to the virus.

Cathy Bettino
Superintendent
Pine River-Backus Schools

Proud to be PRB!

 

Influenza Screening Tool for Parents (pdf)

Flu Basics (pdf)

MN Dept of Health Flu Information (pdf)

Recommended Time to Stay Home (pdf)

Screening Tool for Early Childhood Programs (pdf)

Link to CDC

Minnesota Department of Education