I am told that there is an outbreak of NOROVIRUS in Shakopee

However I am not able to call the class off, this is something that Community Education would have to have done. So there will be class.  We totally understand those who need or want to stay away! I will still try to contact Community Education.

This is a message from Shakopee Public Schools. 

During the past 24 hours Sweeney Elementary School has experienced a high number of absences due to a gastrointestinal illness. Because of this, we are sending this informational letter to all families.

Most illnesses of this nature are spread from person to person. So the key message of this letter is to continue to reinforce good handwashing among all family members. Good handwashing should consist of using good scrubbing or friction for 20 seconds. Hands should be dried completely after washing. If using a hand towel for drying, the towel should be changed at least every day. If possible, paper towels may be best, especially during this time of increased illness.

The school will be taking the following actions to stop the transmission of illness:

• Temporarily stop using self-service foods for school breakfast/lunch (students will not serve themselves), and restricting sharing of food in the classroom
• Custodial staff will use a chlorine bleach solution to clean/disinfect surfaces three times a day; including the playground and sports equipment
• Redouble our efforts to promote handwashing with soapand water among students and staff throughout the day, before/after lunch and after using shared computers
• Food Service staff will be excluded from work if they have been ill until they are symptom-free for 72 hours
• Sick staff and students will be directed to remain home until they show no symptoms for 24 hours

These recommendations have been decided upon in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Health.

If your child has become ill with any gastrointestinal type illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) and you have not already alerted the school, please contact the school’s main office and provide as much information as possible regarding the illness.

Again, we request your child not return to school until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact school administrators and/or the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4845 or 1-877-676-5414.

Thank you for your help in controlling this sudden onset of illness.