The Lee Academy Pilot School

Breaking down barriers and building bridges.
“The best school in Boston” 

Important Dates

3/17: Winter Term Ends

3/21: Literacy & Math Curriculum Night

3/27-31: Distribution of Report Cards

4/7: Good Friday: No school

4/17: Patriots Day: No School 

4/18-4/21: Spring Recess

Lee Academy Pilot School Families, 
I am writing to inform you that over the last couple of days, we have identified an increased number of students who are absent and/or dismissed early from school with gastrointestinal symptoms.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some important health information in case you or your student is feeling sick. As a reminder, to prevent infection and the spread of germs and illnesses, please:
Check your child for any signs or symptoms of the gastrointestinal virus.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, abdominal cramps, and watery, non-bloody diarrhea. 
Any student with symptoms of gastrointestinal illness should stay home until they have no symptoms for 48 hours.
Remind your child to wash his/her hands frequently with water and soap, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.Information about gastrointestinal viruses:
These are a group of viruses that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. They are sometimes referred to as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, or food poisoning. It is not related to the “flu” (influenza), which usually affects the respiratory system. Anyone can get gastrointestinal viruses. 
How does it spread? Gastrointestinal viruses are found in the stool (feces) or vomit of infected people. They can be transferred to food, water, or surfaces by the hands of infected people who have not washed their hands properly after using the bathroom. Most people recover in 1 to 2 days. Sometimes infected people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they are losing from diarrhea and vomiting and become dehydrated. This is more likely to happen in very young children, the elderly or those with other health problems.
What should I do if my child has these symptoms? Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Encourage frequent handwashing. Contact your healthcare provider if your child does not recover quickly. Make sure to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Clean up surfaces that had contact with vomit or diarrhea right away using a bleach-based household cleaner. Always use the product as directed on the product label. You can also use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
We will continue to follow all appropriate protocols to ensure that all students and staff are healthy. We thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to ensure that all members of the school community have safe learning environments. 

Sincerely,
Marthe Jean-Jacques