Superintendent's Message
September 23, 2019
Good Afternoon,
As you’ll remember, the School Committees adopted a Religious Holiday Accommodation Policy. The purpose of the policy (see attached) was to guide us in how to support students during times when school related requirements may not be possible.
The goal of the policy is to foster communication between the schools and families. We encourage you to help us to be aware of what your child needs. Notice to teachers ahead of time can be very beneficial in helping students to be at ease if they are absent from school or need additional time for assignments.
We look to create a culture of awareness, sensitivity, flexibility and open communication.
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent
File attachments:
IMDA.docx
September 20, 2019
Dear Concord and Concord-Carlisle Families:
I want to provide updated information about the mosquito spraying. Last night, spraying was completed at both Thoreau and Willard. The remaining school sites will be sprayed on Sunday, September 22, 2019 after sunset.
Have a great weekend!
Best,
Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent
September 18, 2019
Good Afternoon,
Targeted mosquito spraying will be conducted tomorrow night (Thursday, September 19) by the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Program (EMMCP) with the exception of the Peabody Building of Concord Middle School which will be done on Friday due to Back to School Night.
The mosquito spraying will be done in a manner that minimizes human exposure. The pesticide will be applied using backpack sprayers. Staff of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Program (EMMCP) performs the work and are licensed pesticide applicators, using the chemical recommended by EMMCP. EMMCP will apply the spray to an approximately 6-8 ft. deep perimeter in the shrubbery. They plan to treat ONLY the perimeter shrubbery at the schools. Playing fields and playground areas will NOT be treated. This is because mosquitos are generally not present in areas with bright sunlight, but they do linger in shady, shrubby areas.
The pesticide will be applied after sunset when no one is on the school property. The chemical is active while it is wet, but once it dries on the leaf surface there is little risk of human exposure. As required by law, signs are posted on each school property.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions.
Best,
Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent
September 13, 2019
Dear Members of the Concord and Concord-Carlisle School Community:
I write in follow-up to the letter earlier this week regarding Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Given the focus on student health and a commitment to be proactive, a joint decision was made with town officials and local health leaders to request a waiver from the Concord Board of Health in order to spray school sites for mosquitoes. These waivers were approved at today’s Board of Health meeting.
The exact date and time of the spraying have not yet been determined. I will certainly provide that information as soon as I have it.
The following document provides more specific information as to the type of pesticide to be used and the application process:
https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21502/FAQs-for-Town-of-Concord-EEE-Response?bidId=
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent
September 9, 2019
Dear Members of the Concord and Concord-Carlisle School Community:
As has been publicized, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been identified in two of our neighboring communities. In order to ensure the safety of our children, we are taking precautionary measures to avoid contact with potentially virus-infected mosquitoes.
As recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we are canceling outdoor activities that occur after 6 PM and 6 AM until further notice.
This includes school- and community-sponsored athletic events, practices, and all other organized activities scheduled to take place out of doors. At this time, the schools are not making changes to recess routines for students during the school day.
Parents may wish to:
· Dress children in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks
· Apply mosquito repellent to students’ clothing before sending them to school
· Send students with mosquito repellent towelettes or non-aerosol lotions to self-apply before recess.
Please be aware that school personnel are unable to apply insect repellent to students without a doctor’s order.
More information about EEE can be found on the MA Department of Public Health website page at https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts.
We are happy to answer other questions if you have them.