By Dr. Annette Weissman



Discussions about student health and safety have dominated the print media as well as the airwaves. These are critical concerns of parents, teachers and community, so I would like to tell you what is happening at Sunny Isles Beach K-8 in these areas. 

First, the health issue! 

* Information is available from the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 and a website at www.MyFluSafety.com

*M-DCPS has posted valuable information on its website, www.dadeschools.net Click on the community portal and then the health services link for information in English, Spanish and Creole. There is a list of Town Hall meetings scheduled throughout the county on the topic of the H1Ni Swine Flu. 

*SIB teachers have instructed the students on the need to wash their hands regularly and properly. 

*SIB teachers have instructed students on basic hygiene such as covering coughs and sneezing into the crook of the elbow.

* SIBCS PTSA has generously purchased hand sanitizer dispensers for every classroom and office. 

*Parents should reinforce responsible health measures at home. If your home is healthy, the children will not be coming to school ill and spreading germs.  To prevent a major outbreak of flu this season will require community cooperation and support.  

Now the safety issue!  Yes, we are all appalled each time we read or hear about an act of violence at a school.  Each incident is a reminder that we cannot relax our efforts.  Here’s what’s we are doing to establish a safe and secure campus.

* Officer Alvarez and Officer Gonzalez are SIB Police officers assigned to the school. The officers assist us in implementing our school-wide discipline plan which emphasizes respect for others and carries consequences for inappropriate behavior.

*The two SIBCS counselors are addressing bullying issues, are implementing our character education program and are supporting at-risk students. 

*A camera security system school is being installed throughout the building.  This will help us identify strangers in the building, students out of class, or anything unusual taking place in our building.  

*New arrival and dismissal procedures have been instituted to ensure increased security and tracking of students.

The SIBCS staff and I appreciate the confidence and trust you place in us each day when you send us your children.  We are working diligently to create a healthy and safe learning environment for our students and the community.  As always, we need you, the parents and community members, to support us in these endeavors by establishing responsible health practices for our children and raising the level of awareness on safety in their daily living.