The Levittown Public Schools has developed comprehensive Emergency Plans to cover all major emergencies, both natural and human made. Included in these plans is an Avian Flu Preparedness Plan.

Here in Levittown we have made a commitment to monitor a potential medical problem that could affect all of us. The Avian Flu, known medically as H5N1, is looming as a possible future problem. We do not know for sure whether or not the Avian Flu will come to the United States and if it does whether it will be a threat to humans or merely to wildlife. Since we do not know, our school district is preparing to deal with the problem in many ways, including the implementation of reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the disease in our schools if there should be a serious outbreak. We are also preparing for continuing the education of our students should a temporary closing of schools become necessary, as some officials have predicted.

Recently we started emphasizing basic hygiene procedures including the covering of sneezes and coughs, proper disposal of tissues and preventive hand cleansing. Taking these simple measures can be very helpful in preventing the spread of Avian Flu and other contagious diseases. While this is a basic approach, it is extremely important and its efficacy will be measured by our success in keeping students healthy. We ask that you reinforce these same practices at home with both young and older children alike. Early next year it is likely that you will learn of additional precautions that will be taken including, but not limited to, the use of antimicrobial hand cleaners in classrooms for the duration of any Avian Flu threat, should it occur. I want to emphasize that these are precautionary measures based on sound hygiene principles and on the advice of national and international health professionals. Currently we are not in any crisis situation and no child in the Levittown community is presently at any risk for contracting the Avian Flu.

Should predictions from public health authorities change, we will keep you apprised as best we are able by means of summer mailings, our district web site and listserv* alert program, the district calendar and/or the fall district newsletter. In our future plans, be assured that our primary concern will always focus on the health and safety of our students and employees and the continued education of your children, even if congregating in a school building is not possible.