Graham Middle School

GMS Families, our school nurse Teri Herrera has asked us to share the following information shared from the Ohio Department of Health about measles:
For K-12 settings:
Measles: What Parents of Students Attending Kindergarten through 12th Grade in Ohio Should Know
Measles is not just a little rash.
It can spread very quickly person-to-person through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Even brief contact or being in a shared space with someone who has measles can put you at high risk for getting the disease if you are not protected.
One person with measles can spread it to nine (9) out of 10 unprotected people around
them.
Symptoms Include:
• High Fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes.
• Rash—usually starts on the head and spreads down to the rest of the body.
Measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears.
Measles can result in a medical complication for approximately three (3) out of 10 people who are infected.
Complications can include:
• Ear infections.
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain, which can lead to seizures).
• Diarrhea (which can lead to dehydration).
• Death.
DID YOU KNOW?
Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two (2) hours after an infected person leaves an area.
What is the treatment for measles?
• There is no specific antiviral therapy for measles.
• Medical care is supportive and helps to relieve symptoms or complications, such as bacterial infections.
Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect your child against measles.
• First dose at 12 to 15 months.
• Second dose at 4 to 6 years.
It’s not too late to vaccinate.
If your child is over 6 years old and hasn’t received all their recommended vaccines, don’t worry—there’s still time. Talk to your healthcare provider or local health department to find out what your child needs to stay protected, especially against measles.
Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles.
A healthy school year starts with protection!
Measles vaccines are available at:
• Many doctor’s offices.
• Local Health Departments.
• Pharmacies (check with location based on your child’s age).
K-12 school vaccine requirements in Ohio:
• Ohio Revised Code 3313.671 requires students to be fully protected against 10 vaccine preventable diseases, including measles.
• During an outbreak at school, children without proof of two (2) MMR vaccine doses or previous measles disease will be excluded from school until documentation is provided. In an outbreak situation, a written statement of previous measles disease is acceptable in lieu of vaccination only if it is signed by a physician and gives the month and year of infection. Children with written waivers or exemptions shall be excluded for 21 days after the onset of the last known case in the affected school. (Director’s Journal-School Requirements).
Seek care with your child’s doctor, urgent care, or emergency room if you think your child has measles. Make sure to call the healthcare facility before you arrive (if possible) to inform them that you believe your child has measles so they can provide care to your child while protecting others.

Pictures will be taken on Thursday, October 9 at Graham Middle School.
Students were sent home with ordering packets on 9/25. We do have additional packets in the office.
For your convenience, we are offering this online ordering option.
Pre-Order Online and receive a FREE 10x8 Photo Collage with purchase!!!
To order your photos, click the following link:
https://orders.langephotographics.com/ordering/with?key=RWP9E3KY

GMS Earned a 5-Star Rating!
For the last 4 years, since the implementation of the new state report card measures, Graham Middle School has consistently done exceedingly well in the areas of "Progress" and "Gap Closing". Our staff know that our goal is to grow every student, no matter where they started. These two areas are the key indicators of that goal.
The newest State Report Card indicated that Graham Middle School received a 5-Star rating, the highest possible rating!
GMS is proud to say we are the only 5-star rated middle school/junior high in Champaign County.
We are blessed with an amazing staff, and students, that are willing to push themselves to meet our high expectations.

As a whole, the Graham Local School District earned a 4.5 star rating!

GMS Newsletter 9/25/25 - GMS 5-Star Rating, Interims Coming Home Today, Homecoming Festivities and Spirit Days, OMLA Art Show Selections, Picture Day Ordering Information (including pre-order bonus), and more... https://secure.smore.com/n/1gtpv

GMS Newsletter - 9/16/25 - September PBIS HERO winners, Band Festival This Weekend, Final Forms Notice, Annual FERPA Notice, Conferences Coming Soon, and more... https://secure.smore.com/n/q1gub

Kona Ice is at GMS tomorrow. If your student was called down yesterday at the PBIS assembly as Student HERO of the Month Nominee, they will receive a FREE Kona Ice! Pre-Order code is K7683212104