May 5, 2009
Dear Parents,
As many of you know, The World Health Organization has elevated the alert level for
the spread of the H1N1/Swine Influenza to a Phase 5. While we hope this alert level
will be adjusted downward in coming days and weeks, our Emergency Action Plan
Team (EAPT) has met to formulate a plan of action should the H1N1/Swine Influenza
affect our school community. The plan for Salisbury that I outline in this letter closely
resembles those of many peer schools with whom we are in constant contact. We also
are heeding the advice of the CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health.
The guiding principle of our plan dictates a response to protect students and members
of our school community. The School is not equipped to provide the comprehensive
health care necessary to effectively manage a widespread outbreak of the Swine
Influenza on our residential campus. Thus, in the event of a suspected or probable case
of H1N1, we will consult with local and state public health officials to determine the
most appropriate actions based on the specifics of the individual case or cases and on
the related capabilities of our health services program. While our preference is to keep
school open and operational, we might have to consider closing school for the
remainder of the year should a confirmed case of H1N1 be identified on campus.
In the unlikely event that we have to close school before the intended end of the
academic year, parents should determine the steps they will take to pick their children
up from campus. Parents of children who reside outside of driving distance should
investigate travel options that would have to be initiated on short notice, or should
make arrangements for their sons to stay with friends or relatives who live within
driving distance of the school. Gina Tierney, our Assistant to the Deans Office, (860)
435-5722, is available to facilitate travel through a local travel agency. Deans will be
available to coordinate short term residence for students in the homes of Salisbury
families: Bobby Wynne, X5719 bwynne@salisburyschool.org, David Smith, X5725
dsmith@salisburyschool.org or Brent Barbato, at X5812 or
bbarbato@salisburyschool.org. In the event of any school closure, we will provide
families with up-to-date information regarding how best to gather your son’s personal
belongings and to answer other questions you may have.
We are fortunate that only a few weeks remain in the academic year and continue to be
hopeful that none of the measures we describe will be employed. However, we want to
make our planning clear to all Salisbury families. If we are forced to close school early,
we will determine spring trimester grades using the assessment of assignments already
completed, and trimester examinations will not take place for any students. We are
investigating with the College Board, the best possible way of dealing with Advanced
Placement examinations and will communicate our findings to you as soon as we obtain
them. In addition, we will make every effort to hold graduation for the Class of 2009 on
May 29th as scheduled, or as soon after as it is safe to do so. Be assured of timely
communication regarding a revised date.
At this time, we have no suspicious cases of H1N1. In an effort to keep our school
community as healthy as possible, we will have interim recommendations regarding
weekend activities and travel for students. Visitors to campus must not have been ill
within the last seven days or exposed to someone who has been ill. We also ask those
who reside in a community where multiple cases of the H1N1 virus have been
documented to refrain from visiting the School.
This is an evolving situation regarding H1N1/Swine Influenza, and we will adjust our
plans as official information is made available. We are hopeful that the remainder of the
school year will unfold as scheduled and none of our emergency plans will need to be
initiated. However, it is prudent to be prepared with necessary steps to ensure that all
members of our community are protected. Appropriate and prompt communication
with our parents will be ongoing. As always, our number one concern remains the
welfare of your sons.
Should questions concerning the H1N1/Swine Influenza remain, please feel free to
contact our Medical Director, Dr. Adrianna Bravo, (860) 435-5748,
abravo@salisburyschool.org,. Additionally, current detailed information is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine or the Center for Disease Control at 800-CDC-INFO.
All my best,
Chisholm S. Chandler
Headmaster