January 23, 2026
Dear HSD Families:
I am writing to inform you that our schools are seeing an increased number of student absences due to influenza-like symptoms as well as cases of confirmed Influenza A. Also, I wanted families to be aware that Clark County Public Health has reported a measles case across the river in Clackamas County in addition to other cases in Washington State.
The winter months are synonymous with the cold and flu season, so a spike in illnesses is not entirely unexpected. Currently, our district’s level of illness-related absences does not require a serious response such as school/student program cancellations or student exclusions. However, because the flu and measles are highly contagious and potentially serious illnesses, we are reaching out to our families as a preventive measure.
Influenza
It’s our top priority to keep Hockinson students and staff safe and healthy. We ask our families to follow these guidelines to help us control the spread of flu.
Please keep your children home if they are ill with the following symptoms:
Fever (usually high, at or above 100° F)
Head, muscle, or body aches
Extreme fatigue or tiredness
Dry cough
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Your children may return to school when they have been without a fever for at
least 24 hours. This means a temperature less than 100 degrees without taking anti-fever medications.
Please remind your children to cover their coughs and sneezes using “germcatchers” like a tissue or their elbow to help avoid the spread of flu germs. Explain that if they cough or sneeze into their hands, they risk spreading the disease when they touch surfaces that others come into contact with. When this happens, encourage your children to immediately wash their hands and to also wash their hands frequently throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Washing with soap and warm, running water for 20 to 30 seconds is one of the best ways of preventing respiratory illnesses. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Vaccinations are another way to avoid the flu. Although this year's vaccine does not protect well against the current dominant flu strain, flu vaccination is still recommended by health professionals. Information about the flu and flu vaccination is available on the CDC Flu page.
More information about the flu and flu vaccination is available on the following Web sites:
Measles
Due to the increased measles activity in the region, Clark County Public Health (CCPH) has issued an informational measles health advisory.
Again, we are committed to the good health and safety of our schools, families, and community. To that end, we will continue to provide updates and health trends that could impact our families or school operations.
Sincerely,
Steve Marshall
Superintendent