Flu Update @ MWS

Dear MWS Families,

On our list serve today you will be receiving a district communication regarding an update on the influenza outbreak throughout our community. This communication will also be posted on the front page of our school website for you to view as well. Please encourage as many others as you can to take the time to view this information as it will hopefully answer any questions or concerns you have.

Some families have called me directly or emailed me asking for specific actions that the school is taking and what we are doing to minimize the spread of this illness. On the ids191.org website there is a link in which you can view the district's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan for 2009-2010 which highlights what actions are being taken and by whom both at the building and district level.

As a parent myself, I completely understand your concerns. My wife and I worry whenever we take Emmett out in public, regardless of the location, and we share many of the fears you are expressing to me and feeling yourselves. I can only assure you that the staff at Marion W. Savage Elementary School is taking every recommended action from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control to keep our school clean and safe.

While I am fully aware that this may not alleviate all of your fears, I am hopeful that it provides you with some relief. I remain confident in the efforts of the MWS staff to provide a clean and safe environment for all of our students. If you would like to contact me directly via phone or email to share your concerns or discover any additional information from me, please feel free to do so.

Warm regards,
Mr. Willey

Dancing the Night Away!

On Friday night, the annual (except for last year) Fall Ball commenced in accordance with Homecoming festivities at the High School. Several hundred students and parents attended this event and many proceeded to "rock the dance floor" for most of the evening. Sixth grade students sold concessions to raise money for the annual 6th Grade Send-Off, and all kinds of glowing devices were sold. With the "mood lighting" and music, the bracelets and necklaces stood out on the dance floor. Door prizes were given out to many families which included, but were not limited to: pumpkins, pumpkin pies, caramel apples, and more.

A special thank you goes to Megan Allen, Karen Johnson, Kim Robinson, and all of the parents who volunteered their time setting up, chaperoning, and cleaning up after this event. Numerous students personally informed the principal that they had "an awesome time" and one went so far as to ask, "Can we have another one of these this year? This is the most fun I've had at this school!" I'm not sure if that was compliment of the evening or not, but I'll take it!