In order to provide direction regarding absences related to the flu, the following procedure will be followed system-wide and is effective immediately.

Upon notification from a parent/guardian, physician, or school nurse that a student has been absent due to the flu, please enter these absences in STI as excused.  Students with the flu are typically absent five to seven days.  In extreme cases, such as a student reporting absences related to the flu on more than one occurrence, or lasting greater than seven days, please contact your school's Registered Nurse for further direction regarding how to code the absences. 

Any student who receives excused absences related to the flu should be allowed and encouraged to make-up all class work and homework assignments.  It is critical that each teacher using STIHome keep their class work and homework assignments up to date. 

If you have not already done so, please post the parent letter regarding swine flu (08/24/2009) on the front page of your local school's website.  It may be necessary to re-examine attendance policies and make adjustments as needed as the flu season progresses.  

If you have any suggestions on ways to improve communications relating to this health issue, please contact my office.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Frank

Frank P. Costanzo, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Education

Tuscaloosa County Schools

2314 9th Street

P.O. Box 2568

Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

Office: 205-758-0411

Fax: 205-758-2990

Email: fcostanzo@tcss.net