For the second time in two weeks, the South Orange Maplewood School District has sent a letter home with students urging them to beware of flu-like symptoms and make sure to avoid sick people.

This time, however, the letter includes a directive that any children with such symptoms (a 100 degree fever and a cough) be kept out for at least seven days.

Could someone have those symptoms and not have Swine Flu? Yes. Especially since there have been fewer than a dozen cases confirmed in N.J., and none in Essex County.

Still, the letter is direct.

"Although the ugency with regard to the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has subsided, the South Orange-Maplewood School District continues to remain vigilant with regard to the safety of staff, students and the communty at large," the letter from Schools Supe Brian Osborne startes, in part.

It goes on to say that any student with "flu-like symptoms" remain home for at least seven days. It adds that "we are enforcing this recommendation." The letter describes such symptoms as a fever of 100 degrees or higher and a cough.

"We also ask that, when you call to report that your child will be absent from school due to illness, you please provide us, if possible, with information regarding whether it is due to a temperature of 100 degrees or higher," the letter adds.

The note does offer some positive aspects, noting that parents should help children wash hands for at least 20 seconds by singing the ABC song or Happy Birthday twice.