Tustumena Elementary Newsletter
April 23, 2018
Happy Spring to All!
The days are going to be getting warmer which means, just as predictable as moose calving and salmon making their way back toward the rivers, kids will start leaving their coats and boots at school. I already see the "lost and found" growing. Please make sure of two things:
1- Your child's name is on all of their outer garments.
2- Your child comes home with the same clothes with which they went to school.
I only say this in effort to save families money and frustration. Every year I end up with a pickup load of coats, boots, and hats that I take to Bishop's Attic.
Attention:
We had a single case of Pertussis pop up so I have attached a letter from our nurse about prevention and treatment. The case was treated right away so we do not have any reason to believe it was spread but if you have any questions you can call Nurse Claudette at 260-1372.
Sincerely,
Doug Hayman
From Nurse Claudette
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)
Date: April 24, 2018
Dear Parent/Guardian
Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, has recently been reported in our schools.
WHAT IS PERTUSSIS Pertussis is an acute bacterial infection. It is spread through respiratory secretions and is highly contagious. Humans are the only known host.
The incubation period for Pertussis is usually 7-10 days with a range of 5-21 days. Pertussis is seen in people of all ages but is most serious in babies under 1 year of age. Adolescents and adults with Pertussis usually have a much milder form and, unaware of what they have, can unintentionally spread the illness to others, including unimmunized children.
SYMPTOMS Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms (i.e. runny nose, mild coughing, and sometimes a mild fever). It is almost impossible to distinguish from the common cold. This stage lasts 1 to 2 weeks and is the time when the person is most contagious.
During the second and most serious stage the cold-like symptoms fade but the cough worsens. Repeated coughing makes it difficult to catch ones’ breath. Paroxysms (fits) of coughing sometimes produce a ‘whoop’ sound. After the paroxysm of coughing there may be vomiting and the person may be exhausted. People with less severe illness may not have the ‘whoop’ part of the cough. This lasts from 24 weeks or more.
In the final stage the person begins to recover although the cough may continue on and off for weeks to months. The full length of uncomplicated cases is approximately 6-10 weeks.
PREVENTION and TREATMENT Childhood immunization is the most effective way to prevent Pertussis. Children should have 5 doses of DTaP or be within the recommended scheduling of doses for their age.
Pertussis is confirmed through a positive laboratory culture or an epidemiological link to such a culture. Pertussis may be suspected with paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory ‘whoop’ or vomiting after coughing, or contact with someone diagnosed with Pertussis.
Antibiotics are recommended primarily to limit the spread of the illness. The child should not return to school nor an adult to work until the course of antibiotics is completed. Those individuals who are not treated should not attend school or work for at least 21 days after the onset of the cough.
If Pertussis is suspected, the individual should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Pregnant women should also contact their healthcare provider.
Coming Events
April
27- Masonic Awards KPBSD- KCHS 6:30
30- Site Council 4pm
30- 5th Grade to Homer (Islands and Oceans Exhibit)
May
2- Early Release- 2:05pm
3- Kindergarten Visit - 1:30-3:00pm
7-Spring Concert K-6 6:00pm
9-10- 6th Grade to Coastal Studies
11- 5th Grade Wax Museum 1pm
14- Kindergarten Ninilchik Pool (Lynx Tracks)
14- Talent Show - 2pm
15- First Grade Ninilchik Pool (Lynx Tracks)
16- Second Grade Ninilchik Pool (Lynx Tracks)
16 - Fifth Grade Cohoe Beach (Lynx Tracks)
16- Sixth Grade to Kenai Float Trip (Lynx Tracks)
16- PTO Meeting 4pm
17- Third Grade Ninilchik Pool (Lynx Tracks)
18- Sixth Grade to Skyview 9am to 1pm
21- Sixth Grade Graduation - End of Year Assembly
23- Last Day of School for Students- Field Day
24- Last Day for Teachers (especially Mrs. Hopkins)
Information
Email: dhayman@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Website: kpbsd.k12.ak.us/tustumena
Location: 58231 Sterling Highway, Kasilof, AK, USA
Phone: 907-260-1345
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tustumenaelementary/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @HaymanDoug