Influenza viruses cause flu. The viruses spread from person to person when infected people cough, sneeze, or touch objects. Flu can be mild or severe and can even cause death. Older people, children under 5 (especially children under 2), pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk for serious complications from the flu.

Flu season usually begins in December and lasts until April or May in the U.S.

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu infection. All people 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year. Healthy children over 2 may get either the shot or the nasal spray vaccine. Your child’s doctor can help you choose the best option for your child.

When you and your family get the flu vaccine, you're not only protecting yourselves, you're also protecting your community. It’s also important to get the flu vaccine each flu season so the healthcare system isn’t overloaded if there are surges of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

For most people, it's best to get the flu vaccine in September or October, but it’s never too late to get the vaccine at any point in the season.

Dear CHE Families:

Many of you are looking forward to February and the celebration of Valentine’s Day. Teachers will be communicating plans that they have for distribution of Valentines cards and activities related to the holiday, and I want to remind you of the Oak Harbor Public Schools Nutrition Policy and the USDA’s Smart Snack guidelines. 

The OHPS Nutrition Policy requires that foods offered at school, even if provided by parents or staff, meet the USDA standards to promote student health and prevent unsafe situations for students with severe food allergies. Candy, cupcakes, and other snacks that are high in sugar, salt, or fat (see Smart Snack guidelines) will not be allowed in classrooms as part of Valentine’s Day celebrations.

I encourage you to add to the Valentine’s celebration of “love” in the form of friendship and kindness toward other students. Valentine cards with positive and kind messages, Valentine-themed school supplies (pencils, erasers), and other trinkets are great ways to “share the love.” In addition, the PTA is selling Valentine’s Smencils (a flyer went home and was sent through ParentSquare).

I appreciate your support in making Crescent Harbor a healthy and safe place to learn.

Bill Weinsheimer

Principal