Important Health Information

Dr. Brown Letterhead

 Dear Birdville ISD Family, 

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness and the United States has confirmed a handful of coronavirus cases related to travel. I want to assure you that our school district is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: our local health department, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time. 

Updated information from the CDC on coronavirus in the United States can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The most recent information about coronavirus in Texas may be found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools should take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu: 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

The 2019 novel coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. At this time, persons considered at risk are those with travel to China, or those in close contact with persons infected with novel coronavirus. 

While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences. 

Thank you for your support of our district, our schools, our students and our teachers and staff. 

Sincerely, 

Darrell G. Brown

Darrell G. Brown, Ph.D.
Superintendent 

Important Immunization Reminder for Seventh-Grade Students

DSHS-Logo

The State of Texas requires all students entering the seventh grade to receive the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before the first day of the 2016–17 school year (Monday, Aug. 22, 2016).

Please check your child’s immunization record to see whether he/she will need these vaccines before the start of school. If you are unsure, please contact your physician as soon as possible. If your child already received these vaccines, a copy of your child’s shot records should be provided to the school nurse/campus office personnel between Aug. 9 and Aug. 19.

PLEASE NOTE: Physician offices and public health departments are very busy during the summer with physicals and vaccination appointments. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible to ensure your child will receive these required vaccines before Aug. 22.