Memorandum

To: Parents/guardians of students at Cape Elizabeth Middle School

From: Steven Connolly, Principal

Subject: Your child’s possible exposure to pertussis

Date: April 24, 2012

We have been informed that there have been 2 case of pertussis (whooping cough) diagnosed in children in Cape Elizabeth recently, one at Pond Cove and one in the Middle School. Both children are receiving treatment and doing well. The following information from the Maine Centers for Disease Control may be helpful to you.

Pertussis is an illness that is spread from one person to another through coughing. Pertussis usually begins with symptoms of a common cold (sore throat, running nose, etc.) and often develops into a bad cough after a few weeks. The cough can last for several weeks or more. Most children are vaccinated against pertussis, but it is still possible for vaccinated children to be infected. Babies are most at risk of serious illness.

To prevent the spread of pertussis in your community, we are making the following recommendations:

1. Please check with your medical provider to be sure you and your child are up-to-date on pertussis vaccine. Booster shots (Tdap) are now recommended for children 11-18 years old. A single Tdap shot is also recommended for adults, especially adults who have contact with infants and young children.

2. All students and staff members who have a severe cough or have a cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks should talk with their doctor about getting tested for pertussis (the test is done by the nurse/doctor with a cotton swab in the back of the nose). Test results take a few days to get back from the laboratory. People who are not sick do not need to get tested.

3. People who are sick with symptoms of pertussis may be placed on 5 days of antibiotics by their provider and should stay home from school, daycare, work, and all social activities until they have finished 5 days of medicine. Antibiotics may also be recommended for household contacts of pertussis cases, especially if there is an infant in the home. If your provider suspects that you or your child has pertussis please ask them to call this office at 1-800-821-5821.

Pertussis Fact Sheet

For any further questions you may call the school nurse or the Maine Center for Disease Control at 1-800-821-5821.

The 15th Annual 7th & 8th Grade Career Exploration Fair was held on March 8. The following twenty-eight enthusiastic community members offered possibilities and inspiration to the seventh and eighth graders. They gave them glimpses into careers and especially into career paths. They encouraged the students to trust themselves, to listen to what they liked, and to work hard. The students repeatedly heard: “Listen to what you like and what you want to do. If it’s worth your while, work hard at it, and do it well!” and " Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." The fair was sponsored by the Middle School Guidance Department in conjunction with Ms. Gail Schmader, Director of Volunteer Services. . It was an integral part of the career exploration and educational planning unit.