Apr 29, 2009 5:58 pm US/Central
MN Schools Teach Prevention To Stop Flu Spread
EXCELSIOR, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Administrators at Minneapolis Public Schools have told staff to sanitize anything that students and teachers come in constant contact with, including computers, keyboards and phones.
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Schools in Minnesota want their students, staff and parents to take precautions against the swine flu. They're preaching calm, not panic as this virus spreads and they're talking with children about it.
"Boys and girls, do you know what's happening in the world today," said Rebecca Johnson to her class at Excelsior Elementary in Excelsior, Minn.
She knows her kindergartners are impressionable and she believes her lesson just might stick. It's about staying healthy.
"Wash our hands! That's our number one thing you can do to keep from getting sick," she told her 17 students Wednesday afternoon.
"When things like the swine flu, when it comes into their picture, so they're not afraid, to review with them and tell them, 'Hey, this is what you need to do,'" said Johnson.
She's doing what Minnetonka Public Schools administrators recommend all their teachers do, especially the elementary ones.
"We've asked all our staff to remind students of basic infection prevent issues and practices," said Janet Swiecichowski with Minnetonka Public Schools.
The district's nurses are tracking what happens to the virus and teachers are watching to see if any children show symptoms. None has so far.
Other districts also have plans in place.
Administrators at Minneapolis Public Schools have told staff to sanitize anything that students and teachers come in constant contact with, including computers, keyboards and phones. Everyone's been told to wash their hands frequently, and staff is watching bathrooms closely to be sure there's always enough soap and towels.
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools sent a letter home Tuesday talking about how the district's nurses are "preparing for a potential health crisis." The letter also notes how they're staying in "frequent communication" with county and state health departments.
Administrators at St. Louis Park Public Schools are posting updates on the district's Web site to let people know what they're doing to deal with the swine flu.
This lesson in Ms. Johnson's class is one she hopes her students will remember now and the next time some bad virus shows up.
"The kids know, and they feel empowered, like I can prevent that from coming," she said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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