Tustumena Elementary Newsletter
February 28, 2013
What's New This Week!
Many of you will be at Tustumena this Saturday as we host the Borough Forensics Match. The competition begins at 10:00am so if you have students in the competition or if you would just like to come watch, please plan on being here by 9:45. There are 158 students signed up from 12 different elementary schools so this looks to be a very busy day. There will be a concession stand for snacks and the gym will have seating available for those waiting for sessions to start or waiting for the encore performances in the library. The encores will be at 11:00 for the 10:00 am session, and Noon for the 10:40 session.
Next week is a big week. First of all, it is the end of our third quarter. This means the last day for kids is Thursday. Our teachers will be here Friday collaborating about how best to meet the needs of our kids this year and to begin planning for next year. We will have a little fun next week as well because also on Thursday, is the 6th grade vs. staff basketball game. I hear some of the sixth graders are already worried about the big game, but I promise, we will be good sports. The game starts at 2pm. Then to top the day off, right after school will be the last cross-country ski club meeting. I believe Mr. Michael is planning a little race as a send-off.
Cross-country skiing is ending just in time, not only is the snow starting to melt, our next club is starting up. Mr. Chase has already started the archery club. This club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays and will continue through March.
Because of Spring Break, we will not have a newsletter going out next week. The next newsletter is scheduled to go out on March 21, 2013. If we have a change of plans or if something vital comes up, I will produce one earlier.
Best Wishes and Happy Spring.
Doug Hayman
Battle of the Books
Studying is not all hard work.
It is not hard to find pictures of sixth graders being goofy.
Earlier this year, just hanging out, waiting for lunch.
Headed down the trail.
The new cross-country trail is about 2K long. When the snow melts, it will be a running track.
Soldotna Area Schools Reconfiguration Conversation
Next steps
From our Nurses
Two communicable diseases have been confirmed in our school population: Conjunctivitis and Strep Throat.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the eye. When caused by a viral or bacterial infection it is sometimes called Infectious Conjunctivitis. Symptoms include pink or red color where the eye should be white, an itchy and/or irritated eye that is difficult not to touch and/or a discharge from the eye that may cause the eyelashes to be matted together in the morning. Infectious Conjunctivitis is contagious. It is spread when secretions from an infected eye enter a non-infected eye. It is easily transmitted in the classroom setting. If your child exhibits symptoms, he/she will be referred to a health care provider and excluded from school until receiving 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment or until you have written clearance from your health care provider.
Strep Throat is caused by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva. Symptoms may be mild or severe. Illness usually starts 2-5 days after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and can include fever, sore throat, headache, chills, general ill feeling, and loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is done at your health care provider’s office by either a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Treatment also includes antibiotics. Exclusion from school is 24-48 hours. Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Home treatments include salt water gargle, increased fluids/rest and over-the-counter analgesics.
Prevention of diseases includes frequent hand washing, getting adequate rest and increasing fluid intake. Do not share eating and drinking utensils or washcloths and towels.
As with any medical situation, if you have questions contact the nurse’s office or your medical provider.
Contact Information
Email: dhayman@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Website: kpbsd.k12.ak.us/tustumena
Location: 58200 Sterling Hwy, Kasilof, AK 99610
Phone: 907-260-1345