Dear Aki Kurose Families,

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, we want to provide you with some additional information regarding the measles exposure at Aki Kurose.

As previously shared, a person with measles was at Aki Kurose on May 11 and 12. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications. The health and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority.

Measles can cause severe illness and complications in people who are susceptible, particularly for children under 5, pregnant people, adults over 20, and those with weakened immune systems.

When there is measles exposure at school, Public Health – Seattle & King County requires that anyone without documentation of immunity stay home for the window of time when measles is likely to show up in someone who has been exposed. For Aki Kurose this period extends through June 2.

As a result, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) made the decision to move Aki Kurose to remote learning for four days (May 30 – June 2) comply with the guidance from Public Health.

Staff Vaccination Records

As of Friday, May 26, we have not verified enough staff immunization records to conduct in-person instruction.

While the Aki Kurose staff has been incredibly responsive, tracking down adult immunization records quickly can be challenging, especially for individuals who have moved to Seattle from out of state. There is no national database of vaccination records. Individuals often must check with the health department of the state where they received the vaccination.

As we continue to verify staff immunization records, we will evaluate if we can resume in-person instruction sooner than Monday, June 5. We will provide an update as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work through this sensitive health matter. Read more about the measles exposure and symptoms.

The school and district staff are here to support the school community. The Aki Kurose Middle School office number is 206-252-7700.

Sincerely,

Fred Podesta
Interim Deputy Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools

Patricia Sander
Executive Director Coordinated School Health
Seattle Public Schools