Welcome to the H1N1 website sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education. The purpose of this website is to provide Kansas districts and schools information on the H1N1 virus that is especially relevant to schools. We are also providing links to other state and federal resources. Contact person for information on the H1N1 virus for Kansas State Department of Education is:

Mark Thompson Project Director, Kansas Coordinated School Health Phone: 785-296-1473 Email: mathompson@ksde.org

Clean hands can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as flu. This podcast explains the proper way to wash your hands. Created: 5/1/2009 by Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Influenza Division (CCID/NCIRD/ID). Date Released: 5/1/2009. Series Name: CDC Featured Podcasts. More info on this topic>>

Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu  posted 5/1/2009

Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80% of all infections by their hands. From doorknobs to animals to food, harmful germs can live on almost everything. Handwashing may be your single most important act to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy.

Read the Transcript >>

Staying Healthy Every Day A Sesame Street Video Series Covering: Hand Washing Covering your cough or sneeze Staying Home when you are Sick

When both grown-ups and children practice simple everyday actions, it leads to staying healthy and keeping germs away, especially those that can lead to the flu. Young children may not understand exactly how germs spread, but they will understand that there are certain things that they can do to stay healthy, especially when they do them with the adults who care for them during their everyday routines!

Children Flu Guidance Featuring Elmo from Sesame Street:

• "Wash your Hands"
• "Sick With The Flu"
  
  

KSDE is collaborating with the Kansas Department of Health and Enviorment on preparations for the H1N1 influena. KSDE and KDHE are following CDC guidance on the issue.

Your state and local public health professionals, together with Kansas health care providers, have been preparing and training for the arrival of a new flu virus in our communities for years. Collectively with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the goal is to monitor the activity of this new infectious agent and take all the necessary steps to curtail its spread.  

• School Absenteeism Surveillance  (PDF Document)
• Guidance for School Transportation Regarding H1N1 Influenza  (PDF Document)
• The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act - Vaccination Liability Document  (PDF Document)
• School Dismissal Monitoring Letter  (PDF Document)
• Seaman School District Flu Plan
• Latest Guidance for Schools from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• CDC H1N1 Updated School Guidance
• Pandemic Tool Kit developed by KASB

	Sample Letter to Administrators posted 8/13/2009
	Sample Letter to Parents posted 8/13/2009
	Sample Letter to Parents (Spanish) posted 8/13/2009
	Poster - Color posted 8/24/2009
	Poster - Black and White posted 8/24/2009
	Bookmarks - Black and White posted 8/24/2009
	Bookmarks - Colorposted 8/24/2009
	Business Cards - Color posted 8/24/2009
	Business Cards - Black and White posted 8/24/2009
	Postcards - Colorposted 8/24/2009
	Postcards - Black and White posted 8/24/2009

	Message to Child Care Providers from the State Health Officers  posted 8/13/2009
	A Message for Educators from Secs. Sebelius and Duncan about H1N1 Preparedness for Autumn posted 6/13/2009

Pandemic Flu Update posted 9/4/2009

United School Administrators of Kansas -
Offers the dates for a series of meetings that will include a session on H1N1
http://www.usakansas.org/content/19001800.php

H1N1 posters -
Use the following posters in your classrooms, hallways, and around the school to educate students, teachers, and staff about ways to prevent the spread of flu.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/toolkit/posters.htm

Recommendations for Schools on How Learning Continues in Case of Flu Outbreak -
CHHCS News Alert, August 25, 2009 - U.S. Department of Education Announces Recommendations on the Continuity of Learning in Case of Flu Outbreak.
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08242009.html

Guidance for this topic will be updated as it is provided by the CDC. Please check back frequently for updates.