Welcome to the Summit High School

Health Office

A Place for All of Your Hilltopper Health and Wellness Needs

Mrs. Kristen Akian, RN, BSN, CSN-NJ

(908) 273-1494 X5501

kakian<at>summit.k12.nj.us

My name is Mrs. Akian and I am a Registered Nurse and Certified School Nurse in the state of NJ. I joined the staff at SHS in January 2021 after previously serving as the LHES nurse. My motto is "A healthy student is a student that is ready to learn." With that philosophy in mind, I have converted the nurse's office into a health office to serve you not only in times of illness but to also help you focus on your everyday health and wellness needs. Please check in with me weekly, via email blast or on my website, for the Wellness Wednesday series. Additionally, stop by my office to ask questions or to pick up handouts about important young adult health topics from the Hilltopper Health and Wellness Wall.

November 27, 2023

Dear Parent/Guardian:

We are writing to inform you that we have a confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough) identified at Summit High School. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by a cough or sneeze. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which become much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughing fits, followed by a whooping noise. Vomiting may follow, as well as turning blue or having difficulty breathing. However, older children, adults, and very young infants may not develop the whooping noise. There is generally a slight fever associated with pertussis.

Please consider the following New Jersey Department of Health recommendations:

If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk to your child’s

doctor immediately. Inform the doctor that pertussis has been identified at your child’s

school.

Do not send your child to school if she/he has any signs or symptoms of pertussis.
Please remind your child of good hygiene habits which can help prevent the spread of bacteria. These habits include covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing away used tissues immediately. If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow. In addition, children should be reminded to wash their hands often with soap and water.

We will continue to monitor the situation at the school and will send an additional notification to parents/guardians, if necessary.

Sincerely,

Stacy Grimaldi

Principal, Summit High School

Kristen Akian, BSN, RN, CSN-NJ

Nurse, Summit High School

Ann Zanelli, MSN, RN, CPNP, CSN-NJ

School Nurse Coordinator, Summit Public Schools

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