RISD Families,

Let me begin by emphasizing that all RISD campuses will be open tomorrow, Thursday, April 30 with the exception of Canyon Creek Elementary. In addition, the state UIL has cancelled all UIL-related events and competitions until May 11.

Since yesterday, there have been three additional instances of RISD students testing positive for influenza A, including two at Northlake Elementary and one at Moss Haven Elementary. This means that those students could have a common form of the flu, or could possibly have swine flu.

Dallas County health authorities are conducting further tests, and we hope to have results tomorrow. In cases like this where nothing is probable or confirmed, RISD’s health services personnel do not recommend campus closure, and both Moss Haven and Northlake will be open tomorrow on a normal schedule.

We are working very closely with Dallas County health officials to monitor every instance of students or staff reporting flu-like symptoms. If any campus situation approaches a level that poses an increased risk to students or staff, we will take appropriate steps. Students confirmed to have swine flu will not return to their school until there is no chance of spreading the flu virus – typically an incubation period of seven days.

Regarding the cases already known at Canyon Creek, the suspected case from yesterday has been elevated to a probable case today.

Fortunately, in all instances of RISD-related cases, none of the students have required hospitalization to this point.

Please visit the RISD homepage at www.risd.org for more information, precautions and updates.

Thank You