HFMD Adivosry: Grades 1 and 2 Classes Suspended

This morning, we learned that there are three confirmed cases of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Grades 1 and 2, whose classrooms are in the first floor of the building. Although HFMD is a relatively mild viral disease, it is highly contagious. Thus we are taking the following measures immediately to further spread the virus:

1. Intensifying reminders on good hygiene habits such as proper and frequent hand washing.

2. routinely checking students for symptoms of HFMD in all levels.

3. suspending classes for Grades 1 and 2 for three days beginning Feb. 15 until Friday, Feb. 17. This will give us enough time for proper and thorough disinfection of the classrooms and common areas. It will also give possibly infected students time to recuperate and boost their immune systems. Classes will resume on Monday following regular class hours.

In order for the students to sustain continuity in lessons, teachers will prepare home study kits for the different subjects of Grades 1 and 2. The home study kits may be picked up from the school starting on Feb. 16, Thursday. For Ingenium school bus riders, you may arrange with the drivers for your child's kits to be picked up in school.

We urge you to be vigilant and make sure that your child takes his/her vitamins everyday and maintains good hygiene. Kindly check for the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, feeling of being unwell, swelling of lips or tonsils, and red rashes (flat or raised spots) or small blisters on the palms of hands, soles of feet and/or buttocks. In case of fever, please see a doctor immediately, let the child stay at home to rest and get well and inform the school immediately of your child's condition. Also, may we request that you examine and make sure your child is free of symptoms before sending him/her to school. As per out practice, we require that medical clearances be submitted by the children who had had the disease and other illnesses.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

(sgd) Ms. Mayen Maray

Academic Coordinator

(sgd) Dr. Salve Borlagdan

President and Director

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Additional Information:

Q: Why are other grade levels not suspended?

A: We are disinfecting the whole school but the Grades 1 and 2 rooms, with their cubbies, will need longer cleaning time. Also, HFMD is a mild disease that poses less risk for older kids and adults. Other schools also have cases of HFMD but continue with classes as normal. We're probably one of the very few that suspend classes on account of HFMD. For older kids, we recommend that, in addition to observing hygienic measures, that we make sure they keep their resistance up with vitamins, nutritious food, and sufficient sleep.

Q: What if my child in Grade 1 or 2 has a sibling also studying in Ingenium?

A: Finally, we entreat parents whose G1 or 2 children get infected and have older siblings in the higher grades, to also observe the latter closely and keep them at home, to keep the HFMD from spreading in the school.