October 8, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As you may have heard, a new influenza virus called the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, was first identified in the United States in late April 2009.  The virus has caused illness ranging from mild to severe, including hospitalizations and deaths in adults and children.  Many children have gotten 2009 H1N1 infection and there have been large outbreaks in some schools across the country.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices have recommended that children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is available.

A vaccination is the best way to protect your child from this potentially serious disease.  The STATE/LOCAL health department is working with your child's school to give the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to children at school.  We will hold a vaccination clinic sometime in October; we will let you know the specific dates once the vaccine is on hand.  We are also sending you a form that includes options allowing you to either accept or refuse the vaccination for your child.  If you refuse, the vaccination will not be given to your child.  Please return the consent form to the school your child attends.

Children under 10 years of age are expected to need two doses of vaccine spaced about 3 weeks apart.  The influenza vaccine will be available for the siblings of Hemphill students down to 6 months of age.  A consent form for each child will need to be turned in.  There will be no cost to you for this vaccine.

If you have any questions about the vaccination clinic, please call 409-787-3371 ext. 2511 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Your child's health care provider also can answer your questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and will be able to give your child the seasonal influenza vaccine and may be able to give your child the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

Sincerely,
Glenn Pearson                                                Stacee Barnett, LVN
Interim Superintendent of Schools                 School Nurse
Hemphill I.S.D.                                                Hemphill I.S.D.

The mission of the Hemphill Independent School District is to equip all students in a safe learning environment with the skills necessary to lead productive and satisfying lives.

Everyone at HISD is anxiously awaiting the completion of the new athletic facility, which was started in the spring. The new 37,120 sq. ft. building will include: a 124' x 105' gymnasium, a 45' x 84' weight room, training room, film room, coaches' offices, JV dressing room, Varsity dressing room, MS coaches' office, 7th grade dressing room, 8th grade dressing room, showers, restrooms, and concession stand. The contractor is Slone Construction of Marshall, and the architects are from Goodwin-Lasiter of Lufkin. The estimated completion date is the first week in January, 2010.