October 23, 2009
CORNING --- Just two days after the Corning-Painted Post School District announces it's first cases of the H1N1 virus, the district is forced to shut down it’s pre-school.
More than 40 students at Frank Pierce Early Childhood Center stayed home sick Friday.
Two days ago the district sent a letter home to parents advising them there are at least two confirmed cases of H1N1 in schools.
Friday, parents at Frank Pierce Pre-School and Head Start got another letter saying the school will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
“I'm concerned, but life has to go on,” said C-PP Superintendent, Mike Ginalski. “All of the other schools are fine, its just a situation we are dealing with."
Ginalski and the principal of Frank Pierce Early Childhood Center decided to close the school Monday and Tuesday to give students time to recover, from what most families report as flu like symptoms.
Parents of kids in the district say they're being extra careful to avoid a domino effect.
“I feel like I have a responsibility to keep other people healthy if someone in my family is sick,” said parent Pam Walker.
The message to parents is clear: if your kid is sick, keep them home.
And remember, there is no need to panic.
“We cant close up shop for the entire season and come back in April and hope its gone,” Walker said. “ You just have to go on and do the best we can to be cautious and follow the advice we have been given.”
Ginalski tells WENY-TV News the district will call families on Monday to check on the kids.
