Published: October 29, 2009 12:46 pm      

Why Are Schools Still Open?

letters to the editor

Dear Editor:

I would like to take a moment to express my disappointment in the Pulaski County School System. For Tim Eaton to express that the Flu is not affecting school attendance baffles me. Attendance across the County continues to decline. Pharmacies have even run out of medications used to treat H1N1 Flu just last week.

I not only worry about the health and safety of my own children, but the health and safety of all the children in this school system. Not to mention the staff that so loyally takes care of and teaches our children. Our own President just this weekend signed a Proclamation that the 2009 H1N1 Flu virus as a National Emergency, yet, we are still in school.

Furthermore, what about the financial strain this is causing for so many people? Our hospital is over run with flu patients, and the Dr.’s offices are seeing more than their share of patients with H1N1 Flu. There are not many people that can afford these expenses out of pocket.

Then, to top it off, my own niece tested positive with the H1N1 Flu last week and her school was calling her home demanding to know why she was absent and if she had a Dr.’s statement to excuse her absences. Luckily, she did have a note but, what about the other parents who do not have a note for all the absences their children may incur during this time? Are all the parents going to be truant because they may go over their 6 written parent notes per year? 

Our attendance rate was at 87% today County wide. How low does it have to get before its low enough to close the doors? It worries me that nothing will be done until it is too late. How will our Administration feel if, God forbid, we actually end up losing one of our precious children to this Flu? I guess they would then think that maybe it would be best to close the doors.



Heather Moody

Ferguson, KY 42533