Back to School 2017 Information
(UPDATED FOR 2017)
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Fox Chapel Area School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using an IPM approach to pest management. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school building and grounds to detect any pests that are present. Pest sightings are reported to our maintenance staff who will then evaluate the “pest problem” and determine the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points and physically removing pests.
From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals are used, the school will use the least toxic products possible. Applications will be made only when unauthorized persons do not have access to the area(s) being treated. Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.
Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notifications, you must be placed on the school’s notification registry. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please notify the building principal of your child’s school in writing. Please note that this registry will be updated annually, therefore, parents must submit a letter each school year if they wish to be placed on this registry. Include your name, your child’s/children’s name(s), address, and telephone number.
If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products, self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids, and swimming pool maintenance chemicals.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these procedures, please contact me in the school district ancillary services office at 412-967-2422.
Sincerely,
Rick Perkins
Maintenance Supervisor