• Keeping your Students Healthy During Winter

    11/8/2022
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    Dear PPS Families,

    There has been a surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses other than COVID-19 such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus/enterovirus, and influenza around the country this fall. Health departments in other states have seen children presenting with multiple respiratory illnesses. According to the Oregon Health Authority, rates of respiratory disease are currently relatively low in our state, but that could change based on the arrival of winter weather, and any increase in rates has the potential to overwhelm our hospital system.

    PPS takes these steps to ensure healthy school environments so that in-person learning can continue. In accordance with CDC guidance, we are also urging families to take steps to protect themselves and minimize the spread of communicable diseases in our schools. 

    Such precautions include:

    • Keeping your student home when they are sick

    • Making sure your student gets a flu shot

    • Keeping your student up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. Costco Pharmacy will hold a COVID-19 Clinic for PPS families and staff on Wednesday, 11/16/2022 from 3-7 pm at the Prophet Education Services Center, 501 N. Dixon Street, Portland. 

    • Masking - people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask

    • Washing your hands and avoiding touching your face

    If your student presents symptoms of respiratory illness, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, or shortness of breath, please contact your health care provider right away. You can also use the Self-Screening Tool to monitor symptoms or consult with your school nurse for your student’s return to school date. 

    The health and well-being of our students is extremely important to us. We are keeping close track of the trends in our state and on the local level. PPS will continue to take all the steps necessary to maintain a healthy environment for our students and staff in the coming months. 

    Sincerely,

    Jey Buno
    Chief of Student Support Services

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