October has been both an interesting and challenging month for the school division. Early in the month we were working with the health department to plan for H1N1 vaccination clinics to be held in schools. As our planning progressed, we saw an increase in the number of students coming down with the flu. During the week of October 19, we saw a significant increase in absenteeism, and by the end of the week over 1,500 students were absent from school. While our attendance is normally around 95 or 96 percent, as illness peaked, our attendance had dropped to 86 percent division wide.  

Things got better. On Monday, October 26, attendance improved, as 1,297 students were absent. By the middle of the week that number had fallen to 973 and we were moving back toward some degree of normalcy. Interesting to note, throughout the two weeks there was a wide variability in the rate of absences throughout the division, with some schools seeing very high rates of absenteeism but others experiencing only a modest increase.  

I am very thankful for the many members of our community who demonstrated great patience and determination during these difficult weeks of illness. Specifically, Frank Finn, assistant superintendent for student and special education services; Pam Trude, school health coordinator; and Dr. Dana Bradshaw, director of our local health department, who along with their staff, were cool and calm under pressure and communicated often and well with the school community.  

It is important also that I thank students and their parents who demonstrated sound judgment and when ill, stayed home from school to ensure the welfare of others. It may well be that we will experience another round of the flu before this winter is over, but I am hopeful that as we begin the vaccination clinics in early November, the impact of the flu on our students and staff will not be as dramatic going forward.  

I hope you and those you love enjoy a restful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.