Schools Prepare for Possible Swine Flu Outbreak ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - As students pick up pens and pencils to head back to school over the next week, the Rochester City School District is taking safety measures to make sure students don't spread flu viruses, especially the H1N1, or swine flu.

The H1N1 flu strain first hit the scene earlier this year in April. Because of its unknown strength, schools in some states closed their doors if students caught the virus.

Gladys Pedraza-Burgos, chief of Youth Development and Family Services for the Rochester City School District, says awareness and education are the best preventative measures for fighting the spread of the flu. She says students and staff need to watch out for those who are not feeling well. The district is also emphasizing good hygiene practices, like hand-washing and covering coughs.

Pedraza-Burgos says the district has modified some of its safety procedures. Also, Food Services will deliver scheduled school lunches to sick students who receive free or reduced-cost lunches. Assignments will also be sent home for ill students.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines will be in Rochester Wednesday, September 2 at Monroe County College. Daines will have a "town hall" style talk with area schools about the swine flu, spread of illness and how to keep kids safe. The meeting is by invitation only.

Back to School

Area kids a heading back to school over the next few weeks. Below is a map that shows when kids in districts across Monroe County have to hit the books. Districts with red pins go back on September 2, districts with blue pins go back on September 8, districts with green pins go back on September 9, and purple pins indicate districts or towns with multiple start dates.


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