"For the Good-of-the-Cause"
Posted by Dr. Richard G. Bozza on 10/15/2009 11:00:00 AM
Minute by minute, the major media outlets are featuring articles and the latest notices from the authorities that warn of an impending swine flu pandemic. The data indicates there is a potential that our younger population, under the age of 25, will be impacted the most.
The gathering of K-12 students in the school environment has placed our districts’ chief education officers at the forefront of this swine flu crisis. They recognize that school district communities play an essential role in protecting the health and safety of our younger population, as well as providing community services to the taxpayers within their respective school systems.
Chief education officers have joined with our national, state, county and local governments and health organizations to collaborate on the H1N1 virus since this past spring and summer. I can assure you that all of the involved parties have only the health and safety of our children as their paramount concern.
The magnitude of this emotionally charged issue has the potential to erupt into chaos at any moment. It is the chief education officers’ responsibility, with their expertise in effective communications, to continue to be the integral links in the successful exchange of vital information to the local communities.
From the helms of the districts, it is chief education officers who recognize that a highly sophisticated two-way communications process is the key ingredient to effective communications. These individuals are fully aware that all types of communications vehicles and two-way dialogues between the district leadership and the community play a significant part in delivering a positive and successful public message.
Chief education officers know the day-to-day district climate, the local territory, the grass-roots groups, and the media resources. The districts, under their leadership, are in position to disseminate accurate external and internal communications within a few moments, thanks to advances of modern technology.
I want to commend these outstanding district leaders for all their efforts to limit the potential of negative impacts associated with this flu crisis. They, as the district leaders, are employing a modern-day twist to the old acronym “K.I.S.S.” as they continue to educate and inform their communities.
The new acronym they are employing – “Keep it Short and Simple” has helped people in the communities better understand the symptoms of influenza, recommended personal hygiene procedures and responsible behavior to assist them in limiting the impact of the flu in their communities.
NJASA invites all chief education officers and school board members to attend the Association’s NJ Pandemic Flu Plan Summit on Thursday, October 29th, in conjunction with the Fall Workshop. The one-hour program features presentations on planning efforts, the continuity of services and school closures from noted representatives of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Health Infrastructure Preparedness and Emergency Response; and the New Jersey Department of Education, School Security Unit Office of Educational Support Services.
In addition, three Morris County chief education officers will share their promising communications practices with the attendees. Visit the NJASA website at www.njasa.net to register to attend this no-cost informative program.