MSRA Resources

November 9 Update

During the first week of November, 2007, two separate cases occured in the school district where one high school student and one adult associated with Grant Street were diagnosed with an active MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infection. These cases coincided with a regional (and national) emphasis in the media on reporting about MRSA in schools. Prior to November 1, this district, this school, and its staff knew little about what MRSA was, how it spreads, or what its presence in the schools meant for issues of student and staff safety. Today, things are much different.

On Tuesday evening, November 6, Principal Steven Finch, along with Superintendent Tom Opstad, and Facilities Manager David Herrington, met with about 50 parents and community members in the Grant Street Gym after the second grade music concert to inform and discuss with parents the current status of the MRSA incidents in the Port Townsend School District, including the preschool. The Jefferson County Health Department provided a number of documents as resources to assist parents and community members in learning about MRSA in our community and in our schools.

To download the MRSA Powerpoint slide show, click here.

For a look at a national commentary on MRSA and the media, read the editorial that appeared in the Sunday, November 4 edition of the Seattle Times by clicking here.