Just two weeks into the school year and it’s hopping already. Of top concern to many parents I've spoken to is the swine flu.

Regarding the H1N1 virus (aka "swine flu") ~
We anticipated this one. I'm glad to tell you that our Health Services Department and other key district staff (including myself) are meeting regularly with public health officials from Boulder County and Broomfield. Our last meeting was today.

Here are the two main points:

• Several students have already developed symptoms of flu consistent with H1N1 and, given how much earlier than usual this flu is hitting, most health officials assume it IS H1N1. The good news is that this particular virus has not proven itself to be very life-threatening when compared to other more typical seasonal flu viruses. The bad news is that it is a new variety and most people don't have immunity built up to resist it, which means it spreads easily. So wash your hands with soap and water a LOT and teach your children to do the same. Get details on prevention on our web page devoted to this topic at http://bvsd.org/frontnews/Pages/ColdFluPrevention.aspx
• We are monitoring the situation closely. Children who arrive at school with flu symptoms are being sent home right away. Every precaution is being taken to prevent healthy students from being exposed to this flu virus at school. Our primary concern is that the children who do have the flu stay home while they are sick and get well soon. Our school staffs will work with students to make up the lost educational time later, when they are well. Don't worry about that.

I hope this helps answer your questions. If not, please email me and I’ll do my best to get an answer to you promptly.