Dear Three Rivers Community Schools Families,

The closure of Three Rivers Community Schools on Monday, February 3, 2020 was in response to a significant level of students and staff being out due to being sick (flu & stomach flu) last week. There were several factors that went into our decision to close school. The most important factor being the health and safety of students. In addition to a high student/staff absenteeism rate, the number of students who were coming to school ill was high enough to cause us added concern. 

This past Friday evening and weekend, our custodial staff completed a deep cleaning and disinfecting within all of our buildings and buses. Working in this manner within our buildings and buses, over and above our typical cleaning and disinfecting measures, we hope to reduce the continued spread of the flu within our schools. 

The Health Department reports both stomach flu and flu as a highly contagious virus spread through casual contact or airborne particles. The symptoms of stomach flu usually last 24-48 hours. The symptoms of flu last for 3-4 days. 

The Health Department recommends the following ways to prevent and limit transmission:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

If your child comes down with a fever or the common stomach, and/or flu symptoms please keep them home and contact your family physician for guidance. Together, we can maintain a safe and healthy school environment for all learners and educators.

Thank you for your support

Ron Moag- Superintendent