Email: kkemmis@gusd.org
Website: www.mckinley.gusd.org
Location: 1045 Sycamore Street, Gridley, CA, USA
Phone: 530-846-5685
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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Gridley Unified School District and McKinley Primary School are aware that we have had cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in multiple classrooms. We want to make you aware of what we are doing to prevent the spread of this illness, and to give you information from the Department of Public Health on the illness itself.

Our office and nursing staff is monitoring existing cases and is watching for new cases. It is very helpful when you make us aware of your child’s diagnosis of HFMD, monitor your child for signs of the disease, and update us on your student’s health.

Our custodial staff has increased their cleaning efforts in response to the cases of HFMD. These efforts include:

1. Thoroughly detail and disinfect all staff and student restrooms with our germicidal disinfectant and microfiber cloth, including all touch surfaces, handles, door knobs daily.

2. All classroom desks, chairs, shared manipulatives and other surfaces as well as the playground will be disinfected and sanitized this weekend and then on a rotating basis each night using the germicidal disinfectant.

3. When we are notified of a specific isolated and affected area in a school, we're handling the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitation of that area as soon as it is cleared of students.

4. All cafeteria tables are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to lunch each day and in between each lunch.

Some important things to remember:

GOOD HANDWASHING IS THE KEY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HFMD. We teach, model, and practice this important practice at school and ask that you reinforce this at home with your student.

If your child does contract HFMD, he/she may return to school when released by a doctor or when they are fever free and without any active blisters.

HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Please take these precautions:
1. Watch your child and family members for signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease.
2. If you think your child may have hand, foot, and mouth disease, call or visit your health care provider for instructions.
3. Tell us if your child has hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Information about hand, foot, and mouth disease:

What is it? Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common illness of infants and young children, most commonly caused by a virus called coxsackievirus. Symptoms include mild fever, poor appetite, and a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, tiny blisters develop in the mouth. A skin rash also develops over 1–2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash is not itchy and is usually found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Illness is usually mild and most people get better in 7–10 days.

How do you catch hand, foot, and mouth disease? It is spread when the virus from stool or saliva gets on hands or objects and then onto other people’s hands and into mouths. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness but they still can have the virus for many weeks, especially in their stool. People usually get sick 3 to 7 days after being exposed to the virus.

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed? Health care providers can tell if people have hand, foot, and mouth disease by their symptoms.

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated? There is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease but your health care provider may suggest treatment to relieve some symptoms.

How do you stop the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Always wash your hands with soap and running water after using the toilet, changing a diaper, helping a child use the toilet, and before touching food or eating. Also wash your hands after wiping or blowing noses or after touching nose, throat, or eye secretions.

As always, please feel free to contact the school at 846-5686 and ask to speak with the nurse with any concerns or questions.

• How do you know what you are feeling? How can you tell how someone else is feeling?
• When do you feel most excited? Most upset? Most happy? Most sad?
• How do you show Empathy towards your friends when they are sad?
• What are things others might do when they’re sad, worried or frustrated? What might they say?

We are seeing an increase in students being sent to school with coughs and runny noses. Although we recognize that this is a normal occurance this time of year, PLEASE keep your child home when they show these symptoms. It may seem mild, but coughs and colds make it very difficult for your child (and many of their classmates) to focus on the job of learning. A few days rest and plenty of fluids will ensure they are back to 100% and ready to learn.

Our McKinley families have been wonderful about this policy! Thank you for helping us keep everyone in our school in good health!

2020-2021 School Year

9/10/21

9/17/21

9/24/21

10/8/21

10/15/21

10/22/21

10/29/21

11/5/21

11/12/21

11/19/21

12/3/21

12/10/21

12/17/21

1/7/22