No School Today–12/13/07

The time is 5:57am on Thursday, December 13 2007, and the New Haven Public Schools have been closed today due to anticipated inclement weather.

Announcements: 12/7/07–TOY DRIVE

The Annual PAC Toy Drive happening. It is scheduled to run through Wednesday, Dec. 12. We are

collecting for two organizations this year: Aids Project New Haven and The Clifford Beers Clinic.

They both take care of children in dire need, from infants to 19-year-olds. Especially needed

are toys/gifts for older teenagers. Electronics make popular gifts, but since some are more

costly than other toys, PAC has decided that 2 or 3 students may go in on an expensive toy and all

will get credit for it. The toys must be unwrapped. When you drop them in the box, be sure to

write down your name, grade, and how many toys you brought in. If 2 or 3 students go in on one

toy, write your names in as usual, but circle the group of names that go together. Each toy is

worth 1 hour of community service. Let’s try to bring Christmas to as many children as possible

and show the community that Sound School really cares!

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS:  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2007,  E-Day

 

 

Although there WILL be a Chanteens rehrearsal today, it will end PROMPTLY at 4PM. Please plan transportation accordingly.

Seniors…your senior shirts are in. They must be paid in full in order for them to be picked up

Class Superlative pictures will be taken next Friday 12/14 during flex.

Reminder to the Sound School Community, the school Store will be open during Flex and Wednesday December 12th during Flex Period.  Please make time to stop by and visit us.  We have a few items that might help out with your holiday shopping.  The store is located on the first floor of  the Foote Builiding in room 711.

 

There will be a brief but extremely important meeting of the rowing team TODAY during Flex in Room 761 Jeff Alpert’s room. Decisions will be made about who will be going to New York and the “American Star” race on Saturday. If you can’t attend the meeting you MUST see Jeff Alpert or D.D. Hamilton TODAY to discuss final arrangements for the race. Any rower who is not at the meeting or who does not contact Jeff or D.D. will not be able to travel with the team to New York on Sat.

Attention Athletes: There will be pictures taken TODAY during flex. Report to Donnas Room and if you have any photos you wish to put in the yearbook for the sports you play hand them into Donna. Seniors Especially!

Seniors will be collecting for our annual holiday collection. Money collected will be used to purchase gifts for children at St.Francis home and Boys and Girls Village. Please be generous.

Reminder: Report Card Conferences

Report Card Conferences will be held this coming Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 6-7:30PM in the Foote Building. Remember–The New Haven Public Schools require that parents be present to pick up their child’s report card for the first and second marking period.

Report Card Conferences

Report Card Conferences for the first marking period will be held on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, from 6-7:30 PM in the Foote Building. Please join us!

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

I’m sure many parents have questions about the recent published accounts of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in schools. What follows are communications we received late Friday from central office regarding this concern. Hardcopy will be mailed to all parents on Monday.

-Eric

October 19, 2007

To: All

From: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Mayo

Re: Fact sheet on MRSA

As you know, there have been reports in the media about the spread of MRSA, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, an infection that is highly resistant to antibiotics. To date, there have been a small number of Connecticut districts with reported cases. This issue has not surfaced yet to our knowledge in our school system, but we are working proactively with the City Health Department, the Mayor’s Office and the state Department  of Public Health to monitor the situation.

The attachments (below) are fact sheets that will help our families. We are asking you to make copies of the English and Spanish versions and share with staff and send home to students and parents as soon as possible. Please also post copies in your schools and departments. We are committed to working as diligently as possible to keep everyone informed and your help is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the New Haven Health Department Bureau of Nursing at (203) 946-6364.

Enclosures:

Community-Associated MRSA Facts

What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?

MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics.  Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons who have weakened immune systems, usually those in hospitals and nursing homes.  MRSA can also cause illness in persons outside of healthcare facilities.  Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections.  

What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?

Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections. 

How is MRSA transmitted?

Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. 

Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?

Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time. However, many staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider. If after visiting your healthcare provider the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection tell them to go to their healthcare provider. 

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?   What can I do to prevent others from getting infected if I have a skin infection?

Practice good hygiene:

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and keep draining wounds covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or uniforms.

What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection?

See your healthcare provider.

 

¿Qué es el “MRSA”?

 El MRSA es un tipo de bacteria que es resistente a ciertos tipos de antibióticos. Para entender qué es el MRSA ayuda saber un poco sobre la bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, que es un tipo de bacteria llamada estafilococo, porque el MRSA es un tipo de estafilococo. ¿Qué son los estafilococos?

Los estafilococos son bacterias que comúnmente están en la piel o en la nariz de las personas sanas. Aproximadamente del 25 al 30% de la población de EE. UU. tiene estafilococos en la piel en algún momento dado.¿Los estafilococos siempre causan enfermedades?

No. Muchas personas tienen estafilococos en la nariz o en la piel por un cierto tiempo y no saben que los tienen. No contraen infecciones en la piel. No tienen ningún otro signo o síntoma de enfermedad. Esto se llama “colonización”.A veces, sin embargo, un estafilococo puede causar una infección, especialmente granos, forúnculos y otros problemas con la piel. Estas infecciones muchas veces contienen pus, pican y están calientes. A veces, los estafilococos causan infecciones más serias.

¿Cómo se contagian los estafilococos?Los estafilococos se contagian mediante el contacto directo de piel con piel, como al darse la mano, practicar lucha libre, o cualquier otro tipo de contacto directo con la piel de otra persona. Los estafilococos también pueden contagiarse por contacto con elementos que han sido usados por personas que tienen estafilococos, como compartir toallas después de bañarse y secarse, o equipo atlético en el gimnasio o el campo de deportes.Las infecciones por estafilococos pueden empezar cuando el estafilococo entra en una cortadura, raspón u otra abertura en la piel. Las personas que tienen una infección en la piel —granos dolorosos e hinchados, forúnculos y erupciones, por ejemplo— deben tener mucho cuidado de evitar contagiar su infección a otras personas.

¿El MRSAes diferente de otros estafilococos?

Sí. El MRSA es diferente de otros estafilococos porque no se puede tratar con algunos antibióticos. Cuando se necesitan antibióticos para tratar una infección de MRSA, se debe usar el antibiótico adecuado. Si no se usa el antibiótico adecuado, es probable que el tratamiento no funcione.El MRSA es igual que los demás estafilococos en otros sentidos:

• Puede estar en la piel o la nariz de una persona sana, y generalmente no causa infección ni los enferma.

• Puede causar infecciones menores en la piel que se pueden curar sin ningún tratamiento médico especial.

• Se puede contagiar de la misma manera que otros estafilococos.

• Los síntomas son los mismos que con otras infecciones por estafilococos.

MRSAa veces se pronuncia “mersa”, como si fuera una sola palabra, o si no se deletrea: “M-R-S-A“.

¿Cuáles son los síntomas de una infección causada por un estafilococo?Granos, erupciones, forúnculos con pus —especialmente si están calientes, rojos o hinchados y duelen— pueden significar que tiene una infección estafilocócica o por MRSA en la piel.A veces, los estafilococos pueden causar problemas más serios, como infecciones en heridas quirúrgicas, infecciones de la sangre y neumonía. Los síntomas pueden incluir fiebre alta, hinchazón, calor y dolor alrededor de la herida, dolor de cabeza, cansancio y otros síntomas.

¿Qué debo hacer si creo que tengo una infección por estafilococos?

Mantenga la zona limpia y seca. Vaya al médico, especialmente si la infección es grande, dolorosa, tibia al tacto o no se cura sola.¿Cómo sabrá el médico si tengo una infección por MRSA?

La única manera de diferenciar el MRSA de las otras infecciones estafilocócicas es por medio de análisis de laboratorio. Los análisis también ayudan al médico a decidir qué antibiótico debe usar para el tratamiento, si fuera necesario.El médico generalmente tomará, con un hisopo, una muestra de la zona infectada. La muestra se enviará al laboratorio de análisis para ver si la infección es causada por estafilococos. También se puede analizar sangre y otros líquidos corporales.

¿Cómo se tratan las infecciones por MRSA?La mayoría de las infecciones por MRSA se tratan con un buen cuidado de la herida y la piel: se debe mantener la zona limpia y seca, lavarse las manos después de tratar la zona, desechar cuidadosamente los vendajes y permitir que se cure.Algunas veces el tratamiento requiere el uso de antibióticos. Los análisis también ayudan al médico a decidir qué antibiótico debe usar para el tratamiento, si fuera necesario. Si se recetan antibióticos, es importante usarlo según las indicaciones, a menos que su médico le diga que deje de tomarlos. Si la infección no ha mejorado al cabo de unos días de ver al médico, llámelo de nuevo.

¿Cómo puedo prevenir una infección por estafilococos?

• Lavarse las manos con regularidad es la mejor manera de evitar contagiarse estafilococos, incluido el MRSA, y contagiar a los demás. Tenga siempre las manos limpias, lavándoselas con frecuencia con agua tibia y jabón o use toallas desechables de mano que contengan alcohol o productos sanitarios en gel para manos, y especialmente después de tener contacto directo con la piel de otra persona.• Mantenga las cortaduras y raspones limpios y cubiertos con un vendaje hasta que hayan cicatrizado.• Evite el contacto con las heridas o vendajes de otras personas.

• Evite compartir artículos personales, como toallas, esponjas, cepillos de dientes y rasuradoras. Compartir estos artículos puede transferir los estafilococos de una persona a la otra.

• Mantenga la piel sana, y evite que se le seque y agriete, especialmente durante el invierno. Tener la piel sana ayuda a mantener los estafilococos en la superficie de la piel y evitar que causen una infección debajo de la piel.

• Llame al médico si tiene una infección en la piel que no mejora.

Trees of Hope…..

Several students have been working since the start of school on the annual Trees of Hope project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven.  As usual, we are reaching out to the Sound School community for donations.  We already have our two trees which were donated by Donna Prete and Vivan Lynch.  The two themes created by the students are “Under the Sea” and “on the Wind”.  We have compiled a preliminary list of items which are needed to fulfill the desired tree designs.  Please contact KIm Workinger or Paula Daddio by e mail to let us know what you would like to donate.  Thank you so much in advance.  These kids are doing a great job on this community service project.  We will send info about where and when to see the trees as the time draws near.

5-10 gallon tank with set up. (stone, filters, lid…)

small packets of flake fish food

plastic tank decorations(diver guys, plants, treasure chest, etc.)

small bags of Swedish fish

aquarium book

gift certificate to pet store

(Needless to say this stuff should all be new except perhaps the book.)

gummy worms

bird book(small pocket/vintage one would be great)

small pair binoculars

small bags of bird feed/suet feeders

tea cup with a bird theme

small box of tea bags

We work on the project on Thursdays after school until 4-4:30 in Foote room 765.  You can drop stuff off or just come and visit. Thanks again, Kim and Paula

Welcome to The Sound School’s Blog

Hello World!

We are very excited to begin this new blog to help all of our parents, students and visitors gain access to the latest News & Announcements here at The Sound School.