H1N1 Planning – Eight Ways Parents Can Prepare For Extended School Absences

All these circumstances worry parents and schools: what happens when students stay away from school for a long time? What if the schools have to close? This article provides eight suggestions for parents to consider in light of these pressing issues and situations.

We all know from experience that it’s hard when learning stops and starts at a stuttering pace. A two-week break is a much bigger disruption to the learning process than it appears: aside from the missed class time, it takes time to pick yourself back up, get organized, and continue. This article also provides eight ways parents can work to prepare their students, schools, and families to reduce learning interruptions.

Of course, our top priority is safety, health and well-being. Our medical professionals advise us to stay at home when we are ill, so that we do not spread our disease and can recover faster. But once we or our children are on the mend, parents need a plan to help students pursue responsible learning instead of focusing on the illness, isolation, boredom, or idle hands that can get them into trouble. It doesn’t have to be overly rigorous, but it can help students continue learning, stay connected to lesson content, and stay anchored in the mindset of the school year. Following these eight steps should help with the transition and minimize time lost due to flu season or any other reason!

1. Visit the school’s website and check the latest news on policies, procedures and status reports.

2. Talk to teachers about getting books, assignments, lessons, and homework for your students when they are absent from school. Find out if the relevant policies are school-wide or class-specific?

3. Ask that policies and any other available information and plans be posted on the class website.

4. Set up or activate the emergency and SMS calling systems to ensure you are available if your student needs to come home or if there are cancellations

5. Ask if teachers can use the class website or another online management system to start posting daily plans (lesson plans), assignments, and homework now. This is good practice for building learner accountability regardless of flu outbreaks.

6. Ask both the PTA and the school to discuss loaning laptops or computers to financially needy students who are forced to take extended absences (like the flu). A deposit may be required, but there might be an established policy and process.

7. Consider buying or renting an inexpensive netbook, laptop, or desktop for your student (

Thanks to Dr. Kathleen P. King | #H1N1 #Planning #Ways #Parents #Prepare #Extended #School #Absences