From the Desk of Dana Wiseman, Superintendent

Volume 21, Number 2 DISTRICT NEWS Oct/Nov 2014

Sutton Public Schools Mission Statement

Sutton Public Schools and You — Teaming up to Educate our Youth for Future Success.

Sutton Public Schools Vision Statement Teachers, Students, Parents, Community – building the foundation of our future by creating an

environment where students are provided the skills needed to become life long learners.

Money and Projects The 2014-2015 Budget has been approved and submitted. If you read the local paper, you noticed the 2014-2015 Budget Summary and Tax Request form. The tax rate for the year totaled $.675, .61 cents for operating the General Fund, .011 cents into the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund K-12, and .06 cents into the Special Building Fund. For 2013-2014 we were operating at $.8405, .75 cents for operating the General Fund and .013 cents into the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund K-12. In addition, we levied .07 cents into the Special Building Fund. We are currently on a five-year levy override with the capability of levying up to $1.25 to conclude 2014-15.

As Board of Education members continue strategic planning or facility planning, short-term and long-range, building projects will continue to be addressed each year by use of the Special Building Fund monies or Depreciation Fund monies. Striving to provide our students with a quality education in a safe, secure, respectable building/facilities is the goal. Most importantly, educational programs are continually evaluated and assessed to assure students are receiving the best possible education. Allocating money to these programs is the foundation of the finance pyramid. Through careful planning, we are cognizant of the taxpayer dollar setting the levy based on need. The need to continue providing a quality education and maintaining financial stability of the district.

As last year, we levy money into the Special Building Fund. The additional monies are

needed for numerous reasons. We will be concluding the Football Field Facility Project this summer 2015. An unexpected project has been added to the strategic planning timeline; construction of a new bus barn. Two sizeable projects that will change the looks of the school grounds at Sutton Public considerably! We continue to tend to repairs and replacements to the building because of the 2014 summer storms. Our hope is to have those things addressed before Summer 2015 construction begins.

Other bits of information……………………

School cancellations, check the following radio and TV stations: KAWL 1370 AM/MIX (KTMX)104.9FM (York), KHAS/KICS 1230 (Hastings), KOLN/KGIN 10/11 (Lincoln), NTV/ABC (Kearney), KHAS-TV (Hastings). For information fast, log on to www.suttonpublicschool.org.

If you wish to participate in the Code Red (mass communication system) to receive school cancellations, please call the Superintendent’s Office, 402-773-5569.

NeSA stands for Nebraska State Accountability. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 were tested in the areas of reading, math, science, and writing. Sutton Public Schools scores can be viewed on www.education.ne.gov.

Enrollment for Sutton Public Schools, 2014-2015 school year thus far is, 384, K-12. Last year at this time K-12 enrollment was at 387.

SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Page 2

October/November 2014

A Note From the Desk of Mrs. Thompson

Homecoming Week The week of September 15-19 was Homecoming week at Sutton Jr./Sr. High. Students participated in the following theme days: Twin Day, Crazy Pattern Day, Hobo Day, ABC Day, & Spirit Day. Individual winners were selected throughout the week and they received a t-shirt as a prize. Royalty included: McKaylea Andersen, Sophia Griess, Delaney Lemkau, Jessica Nuss, Tyler Bailey, Nicholas Hohensee, Noah Johnson, & Andrew Pawlowski. Jessica Nuss & Noah Johnson were crowned this year’s Queen & King. Following coronation, students attended the Homecoming dance.

One Act “The Ransom of Red Chief” Every year, students at Sutton High School have participated in the Fall Play. They have given countless hours of their time to put together a wonderful theatrical production that has only been shared with our community. This year students will now be taking their talents to a higher level and competing in the Nebraska Schools Activity Association Play Production activity which is more commonly known as One-Act. We are very excited about the opportunity to compete in this activity as we know we have the talent to be very successful! One-Act competition is very tough and we will need our cast to be dedicated to practicing our play. Our play is "The Ransom of Red Chief" which is a comedy set in the old west. While this One-Act competition will be replacing the fall play of old, we will still have a home show available for the public. The show will be on Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 pm. Please come out and support our students, their hard work, and this hilarious show!

Blood Drive November 26 in the Elementary Gym Every year, students involved in our National Honor Society plan, organize, and work with the American Red Cross to bring the blood drive to Sutton Public Schools. Students will be contacting community members interested in donating to schedule times. If you are interested in donating, you can contact the high school and a member of the National Honor Society will return your call. For more questions, you can contact National Honor Society sponsor, Mr. Engle.

Please be sure to check out the new spirit wear available in the high school office. We have new t-shirts, ladies shirts, and long sleeve pullovers. All spirit wear

item prices range from $10 to $30. Don’t miss out on supporting your Mustangs & Fillies!

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October/November 2014 SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Thank you to all the patrons who contributed garden produce to the school. Students & staff enjoyed the wonderful food that you so generously provided. From the kitchen staff: Krystal Gonzales, Barb Griess, Shelley Seager, Anna White, & Shelly Griess

September 29 & October 2: PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES (5:00 – 8:30pm)

September 29 & October 2: 2:00 Dismissals October 1: FCCLA District Leadership Conference in Hastings October 3: NO SCHOOL October 4: Marching Band at HARVEST OF HARMONY October 4: Sutton Volleyball Invite 1:00pm October 8: Picture Retake Day October 10: JOSTENS to meet w/ Seniors to discuss graduation October 10: END OF 1ST QUARTER October 20: NO SCHOOL – TEACHER INSERVICE DAY October 20 - October 23: Conference Volleyball Tournament October 24: JOSTENS to meet w/ Sophomores for Class Rings October 25: ACT October 27: County Government Day October 29 – November 1: National FFA Conference November 3 & 4: Sub-District Volleyball Play November 6: Jr/Sr High Music Concert 7:00 pm November 7: District Final for Volleyball November 11: Veterans Day Program 10:00am November 11: Financial Aid Meeting for SENIORS & PARENTS

7:00pm in Theater November 12: LATE START 10:00am November 24: FFA Fall Banquet November 26: Financial Aid Meeting for SENIORS & PARENTS

7:00pm in Theater November 27 & 28: NO SCHOOL – THANKSGIVING BREAK

Sutton Music Boosters and the Yearbook have joined forces to make buttons. We make 3.5 inch pin-on buttons, magnet buttons for the refrigerator, key chains, coasters or 6 inch stand-up buttons. We have made buttons for sports teams, but would be happy to do this for any organization. Contact Barrett Epp or Jennifer Johnson for more information.

Travis Lockyer, Elementary Principal

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SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS October/November 2014

The first quarter of school has almost gone by and it is hard to believe how quickly the time has gone. Our year has started off extremely well and I am pleased with how hard everyone has been working. I am still working on names and faces, but I am truly enjoying being a part of this school.

On October 10th, we will be hosting Grandparents’ Day. I am excited to see all the visitors. We are busy preparing for the program so it should be a fun day for everyone. Here is the schedule for the day: Lunch will be served to K-6 students and guests in the elementary gym.

The day will be scheduled as follows: 10:00 – 10:30 = Seating in the theater will begin after 10:00 a.m. 10:30 – 11:15 = Program in Theater

11:15 = Kindergarten and first grade will eat lunch, and then go to their rooms to get the rest of their schedule from their teacher. As soon as all kindergarten and first grade students have left the theater, all other grades will be dismissed. The teachers will decide when they will have room time, and when they will be outside at recess. All teachers will remain with their students, (inside or out). 11:30 = 2nd grade go to the gym for lunch 11:45 = 3rd grade go to the gym for lunch 12:00 = 4th grade go to the gym for lunch 12:15 = 5th grade go to the gym for lunch 12:30 = 6th grade go to the gym for lunch 1:00 = Program ends; students return to regular classes

I also wanted to let families know that we will be having two separate Winter Concerts on the same night. The concerts will be on Monday, December 15th. The first concert will be for grades Kindergarten through 3rd from 6:00-7:00 pm. There will be a 15 minute intermission for K-3rd grade families to leave and for 4th-6th families to be seated. The 4th-6th grade concert will be from 7:15-8:15pm. We have had such a great turnout of people attending the concert that we needed to separate the concerts to accommodate seating everyone in the theater. With two grade specific concerts, the programs can better match the age and abilities of the students. This will also allow the 6th grade to participate in the entire concert.

I appreciate the wonderful support of families this year. We have had a great start and want to continue to make it a great year. Thank you!

Grandparents/Special Friends’ Day is set for October 10, 2014. The festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with a music performance in the theater, followed by lunch and recess. Grandparents/Special Friends’ Day will end at 1:00 p.m. School will be dismissed at 3:25 p.m. This fun day is limited to two adult guests per student. Please call the elementary office at 402-773-4423 if you have any questions.

The chapter has a new fundraiser this year. A Drive-thru Dinner will take place on October 27th from 4:00-7:00 pm. Members are selling tickets from September 23- October 17. This dinner will be a pork sandwich meal to feed a family of four. Each meal will be $25.

Fruit sales is another fundraiser taking place this year. Selling will begin October 17th and orders will be due on November 18th. The fruit will come in during the first week of December.

October 29th through November 1st, nine members will attend the 87th National Convention. These members are Emily Overturf, Kayla Nuss, Jordane Finley, Taylor Nuss, Kaitlyn Winter, Nathalie Ford, Alex Griess, Derek Drudik, and Jessica Nuss.

Finally, the fall banquet will help catch the community up on all of the activities that have taken place so far in the year. The banquet will be held on Monday, November 24th, 6:45 p.m. at the Community Center.

Respectfully Submitted by: Brittney Reinsch & Jessica Nuss

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SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS October/November 2014

F o r d M o t o r Company, donating $6000, in conjunction

with Friesen Ford, donating $1000, helped the chapter raise $7000. This money was raised by test-driving the Ford vehicles during the week of September 8th to the 13th. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

On September 11th, a bus full of 29 members went to Husker Harvest Days. Here, members participated in a search and find. The members talked to companies of each booth to receive a free T-shirt.

Farm Safety Day is an annual event held to teach the elementary students how to stay safe around farm animals and equipment. On September 26th, the chapter had nine stations to teach over 130 kindergarten through sixth grade students.

The Sutton FFA Chapter has been quite busy over the past month. With a new advisor, comes new ideas and different activities. Many more chapter activities are in store. Check future newsletters for updates and details of the Chapter.

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SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS October/November 2014

The following excerpts are taken from “The Case for High School Activities” published by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

At a cost of only one to 3 percent (or less in many cases) of an overall school’s budget, high school activity programs are one of the best bargains around.

ACTIVITIES SUPPORT THE ACADEMIC MISSION OF SCHOOLS. They are not a diversion, but rather an extension of a good educational program. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than students generally.

ACTIVITIES ARE INHERENTLY EDUCATIONAL. Activity programs provide valuable lessons for many p r a c t i c a l s i t u a t i o n s . T h r o u g h participation in activity programs, s t u d e n t s l e a r n t e a m w o r k , sportsmanship, winning and losing, the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. These are qualities the public expects schools to produce in students so they become responsible adults and productive citizens.

ACTIVITIES FOSTER SUCCESS IN LATER LIFE. Participation in high school activities is often a predictor of later success - in college, a career, and becoming a contributing member of society.

A 1989, nationwide study by the Women’s Sport Foundation indicated that athletes do better in the classroom, are more involved in school activity programs, and stay involved in the community after graduation. The study, based on an analysis of data collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s High School and Beyond Study, indicated that girls receive as many benefits from sports as boys. Sports involvement was significantly related to a lower dropout rate in some school settings and minority athletes are more socially involved than non-athletes. Research conducted by Skip Dane of Hardiness Research, Casper, Wyoming in 1991 revealed the following about participation in high school sports: (1) By a 2-to-1 ratio, boys who participate in sports do better in school do not drop out and have a better chance to get through college. (2) The ratio for girls who participate in sports and do well in school is 3-to-1. (3) About 92% of sports participants do not use drugs. (4) School athletes are more self-assured. (5) Sports participants take average and above average

OTHER RESEARCH A 1992 study by the Colorado High School Activities Association and the Colorado Department of Education revealed that Colorado high school students who participate in some form of interscholastic activity have “significantly higher” GPA’s and better attendance. The survey showed that the larger the school, the more pronounced the differences in participant and nonparticipant test scores and attendance results.

A 1992 survey by the New Mexico Activities Association indicated that more than 60% of the state’s principals found the GPA’s of at-risk students improved by being active in interscholastic activities.

In 1984, the Texas Education Agency studied the incidence of course failure between activity participants and nonparticipants in

a sampling of 46,140 pupils from 100 randomly selected high schools. 46% of the uninvolved students failed one or more classes, while only 23% of the participant group failed a class.

In a 1981 study by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, students not active in sports had a 2.39 GPA (4.0 scale.) Those active in one sport had a 2.61 GPA, and those active in two sports 2.82.

A survey of more than 300 schools conducted by the Minnesota State High School League in

1983 showed the average student had a 2.68 GPA (4.0 scale), student-athletes had a 2.84 average and fine-arts students averaged 2.98. The average student was absent 8.76 days a year, athletes were absent 7.44 days and fine art’s participants were absent only 6.94 days a year.

Results of a 1987 survey of individuals at the executive vice president level or above in 75 Fortune 500 companies indicated that 95% of those corporate executives participated in sports during high school. In addition, 54% were involved in student government, 43% in the National Honor Society, 37% in music, 35% in scouts and 18% in the school’s publication.

The American College Testing Service compared the value of four factors in predicting success after high school. The one yardstick that could be used to predict later success in life was achievement in school activities. Not useful as predictors were high grades in high school, high grades in college or high ACT scores.

The College Entrance Examination Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was examined in much the same way. It was found that having a high SAT score did not necessarily indicate success in a chosen career. The best predictor of later success, the

2014-2015 ACT Test Dates

Test Date Registration Late Fee Deadline Required Oct 25, 2014 Sept 19, 2014 Sept 20-Oct 3, 2014 Dec 13, 2014 Nov 7, 2014 Nov 8-21, 2014 Feb 7, 2015 Jan 9, 2015 Jan 10-16, 2015 April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14-27, 2015 June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 9-22, 2015

PAGE 7

SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS October/November 2014

study showed, was a person’s independent, self-sustained venture. Teens who were active in school activities, had hobbies or jobs, were found to be most likely to succeed.

Besides higher grades, participation in activities helps students have a better attitude, according to a study conducted at the request of the Utah State Board of Education. In the study, students, parents, teachers and administrators agreed that being part of such activities serves not only as an incentive to do well in academic work, but it relieves tension and increases self-confidence.

The following information is a reprint of “RESEARCH UPHOLDS VALUE OF PROGRAMS” by John R. Olsen, CAA, Madison, Wisconsin, Interscholastic Athletic Administration, Spring 1993.

The Sutton 2014—7-12 yearbooks are in!! If you would like to purchase one, please contact Mr. Epp. If you purchase a 2014 yearbook you will receive 1/2 off any in-stock yearbook from 2002-2013...limited quantities available. Also, if you own a business and would like to put an advertisement in the 2015 yearbook, please contact Mr. Epp. Business ads start at $25 for a line advertisement and $50 for a business card size advertisement. If you would like to help support the yearbook on a personal level, you can purchase a personal line advertisement for $10 to be featured in a special thank-you section. For more information please contact Mr. Epp.

This year Sutton will be competing in NSAA Play Production (One-Act). We are very excited to add this activity as we know we have the talent to be very successful! One-Act competition is very tough and we will need our cast to be dedicated to practicing the play. Our play will be “The Ransom of Red Chief” which is a comedy set in the old west.

One-Act competition will be replacing the fall play of old, but we will still have a home show available for the public. The show will be on Saturday, November 8th at 2:00 p.m.

OCTOBER MENU

Page 8

MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

Chicken Patty Peas, Carrots

Pears Milk

THURSDAY 2

Meatball Subs

Pineapple Mixed Veggies

Carrots Milk

FRIDAY 3

6

Chinese, Rice Mixed Veggies

Mandarin Oranges Milk

7

Taco Bar Corn, Rice

Peaches Milk

8

Corndogs Mac & Cheese

Peas, Pears Milk

9

Crispy Chicken Wrap

Baked Beans Fruit Cocktail

Carrots Milk

10

Turkey Hoagie Fresh Fruit

Fresh Veggies Cake Milk

Lunch Prices

Elementary $2.40

High School $2.60

Adult $3.35

Extra Milk $.40

Milk Choices

Skim, 1%

Chocolate Skim

Strawberry Skim

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Bar

Offered Daily

13

Chicken Strips Carrots, Peas Applesauce

Milk

14

Chicken Fajitas Corn, Beans

Peaches Milk

15

French Dip Sandwich

Green Beans Carrots

Pineapple Milk

16

Spaghetti Bar Garlic Bread Tossed Salad

Pears Milk

17

Pizza Mixed Veggies

Carrots Fruit Cocktail

Milk

20

21

Chicken Nuggets School Bread Green Beans

Pears Milk

22

Pulled Pork Baked Beans

Carrots Mixed Fruit

Milk

23

Chicken Fried Steak

Green Beans Mashed Potatoes

School Bread Milk

24

Dunkers Peas

Carrots Peaches

Milk

27

Turkey Tetrazzini Garlic Bread Peas, Pears

Milk

28

Burrito Rice, Corn

Peaches Milk

29

Soup Bar School Bread Fresh Veggies Applesauce

Milk

30

Pigs-in-a Blanket Baked Beans

Carrots, Chips Milk

31

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

OCTOBER ACTIVITIES

Page 9

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

FCCLA-DLC

THURSDAY 2

2:00 Dismissal

Parent/Teacher

Conferences 5:00-8:30pm

FRIDAY 3

Teacher Comp Day

7:00 V FB @

Doniphan

SATURDAY 4

Harvest of Har-mony Parade

(HS Band)

1:00 V VB

Sutton Invitational

5 6

4:30 JH FB vs Doniphan

6:00 JV FB vs

Blue Hill

FCCLA Clubs Choice Delivery Date

7

VB @ Thayer 5:30—Reserve

6:30—JV 7:30—Varsity

8

School Picture Retakes

FFA

Land Judging

9

4:00 JH VB @ Sandy Creek

VB vs Wood

River 6:00—JV

7:00—Varsity

10

End 1st Quarter

Grandparents Day

7:00 V FB vs

Southern Valley

11

9:00am JV VB Invite @

Dorchester

9:00am JH VB Tournament @

Thayer

12

13

FFA Chapter Meeting

4:30 JH FB@ Shelby-Rising

6:00 JV FB vs

Superior

7:00 JV VB vs Deshler

14

VB @ Friend 5:30—Reserve

6:30—JV 7:30—Varsity

15 16

VB vs Heartland

5:30—Reserve 6:30—JV

7:30—Varsity

FCCLA Pink Out & Pink Raffle

17

7:00 V FB vs Hastings STC

18

9:00 am V VB Invitational @

Centennial

19 20

Teacher In-Service

6:00 JV FB @

Shickley

21

22 23

24

FFA Fruit Sales Begin

7:00 V FB @

Superior

25

26 27 Clay County Government

Day

Drive-Thru Dinner

FFA Fundraiser 4:00—7:00pm

28

Volleyball vs Sandy Creek 5:30—Reserve

6:30—JV 7:30—Varsity

29

30

31

Varsity FB 1st Round Playoffs

NOVEMBER 1

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

NOVEMBER MENU

Page 10

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

3 Hamburger Deluxe

Baked Beans Carrots

Applesauce Milk

4 Philly

Cheese Steak Fries

Broccoli/Cheese Mandarin Oranges

Milk

5 Chicken Strips Pears, Peaches

Carrots Milk

6 Spaghetti Bar Garlic Bread Tossed Salad

Fruit Cocktail Milk

7 Hot Ham&Cheese

Tomato Soup Fresh Veggies

Carrots Milk

Lunch Prices

Elementary $2.40

High School $2.60

Adult $3.35

Extra Milk $.40

Milk Choices

Skim, 1%

Chocolate Skim

Strawberry Skim

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Bar

Offered Daily

10 Chicken Nuggets

School Bread Carrots

Applesauce Milk

11 Meatball Sub Green Beans

Carrots, Pears Milk

12 Yum Yum

Baked Beans Carrots Peaches

Milk

13 Soup Bar

School Bread Fresh Veggies

Pineapple Milk

14 Pizza

Peas, Carrots Fruit Cocktail

Milk

17 Corndogs

Mac & Cheese Peas

Tropical Fruit Milk

18 Pulled Chicken

Baked Beans Carrots Peaches

Milk

19

Turkey Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans Tea Roll

Milk

20 Chinese, Rice Mixed Veggies

Mandarin Oranges Milk

21 Dunkers

Carrots, Peas Fruit Cocktail

Milk

24

Turkey Tetrazzini Peas, Pears

Garlic Bread Milk

25

Chicken Patty Carrots

Mixed Veggies Mixed Fruit

MIlk

26

Pigs-in-a-Blanket Baked Beans

Chips Mixed Fruit

Milk

27 28

1

Chicken Strips Mixed Veggies

Applesauce School Bread

Milk

2

Nacho Bar Rice, Beans

Peaches Milk

3

Pulled Pork Baked Beans

Carrots Mixed Fruit

Milk

4

Chicken Fried Steak Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes School Bread

Milk

5

Cheeseburger Bake Cooked Carrots

Pears Tea Roll

Milk

NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES

Page 11

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

FFA National Convention

2 3

4

5

6 7-12 Band &

Choir Concert 7:00 pm

One Act Play Elementary

7 Varsity VB

District Final

Varsity FB Quarter Finals

TBD

8 10:00am JH WR

Invitational @ Superior

One Act Play Home Show

2:00

9 10

4:00 JH WR Invite @ Friend

4:30 JH GBB @ Fillmore

11

Program

10:00

7:00 pm Financial Aid Meeting for Students &

Parents

12 FFA Livestock

Judging

13

3:00 JH WR Invite @ Sandy

Creek

4:00 JH GBB @ Sandy

Creek

14

Varsity FB Semi-Finals

TBD

15

16 17 8:00am

One Act Play Conference

4:00 JH GBB vs

Harvard

18 FFA Chapter

Meeting

FFA Fruit Sales Due

3:00 JH WR @

Superior

19

20

21

5:00 JH WR Invitational @

Dorchester

Varsity FB State Finals

22

23 24

25

4:00 JH GBB @ Sandy Creek

5:00 JH WR

Invitational @ Fillmore

26

9:00-3:00 NHS Blood

Drive Elementary

Gym

2:00 Dismissal

27

28

29

9:00am V GBB Jamboree

9:00am V BBB Jamboree

30 1

One Act District @

Sandy Creek

2

3:00 JH WR @ Thayer

4:00 JH GBB @ Hastings

STC

3 4

4:00 JH GBB @ Superior

GBB @ Superior

6:15—JV 8:00—Varsity

5 FFA Jr. High Quiz Bowl &

Speeches

BB vs Friend 4:30—JV G/B 6:00—V Girls 8:00—V Boys

6

9:00am JH WR Invite @

Adams Central

10:00am V WR Tournament @

Harvard

P.O. Box 590 Sutton, NE 68979-0590

Elementary: 402-773-4423 High School: 402-773-4303

Superintendent: 402-773-5569 Bus Barn: Call Superintendent’s office

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

SUTTON, NE

PERMIT NO.3

What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza viruses. There are many different influ-enza viruses that are constantly changing. They cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States each year. The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized from flu complications like pneumonia.

To protect against the flu, the first and most important thing you can do is to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your child.

Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

Young children and children with long-term health conditions.

Caregivers of children with health conditions or of children younger than 6 months old should get vaccinated.

(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/)