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As part of a new law, all schools that were constructed or renovated before 1980 are required to test for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in indoor air and address any issues when PCBs are found at or above the school action level. The intent of the law is to protect students and staff from the possible health effects of exposure to PCBs in the indoor air of schools.
The health and safety of the children in our care and of our employees is our priority, and we are working quickly to check our school for PCBs.
The indoor air at BFA will be tested for PCBs from April 1st -7th. We will work with an environmental consultant to collect samples of indoor air that will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. It can take up to four weeks for the samples to be processed at the laboratory, sent to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and reviewed by the Health Department.
What are PCBs?
PCBs are a group of human-made chemicals that were commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980. Lighting ballasts in older fluorescent lighting fixtures and caulk are the common sources of PCBs in school buildings.
Why are PCBs a concern?
PCBs can cause serious health problems. The potential for health effects from PCBs, as with other chemicals, depends on how much, how often, and how long someone is exposed to them.
Numerous studies in both humans and animals have shown that exposure to PCBs can affect the nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine (hormone) systems. PCBs are also classified as probable human carcinogens. This means that exposure to PCBs can likely cause cancer in humans.
How are students and staff exposed to PCBs in a school building?
PCBs can be released into indoor air from building materials that contain PCBs. Students and staff may be exposed to PCBs by:
· Breathing in dust or vapors that contain PCBs.
· Getting dust containing PCBs on their hands and then swallowing it while eating or drinking.
· Skin contact with materials that contain PCBs.
What will happen if there are PCBs in the air of our school?
If levels of PCBs are below the school action level in all rooms tested, then changes in occupancy are not needed.
If levels of PCBs are at or above the school action level, then sources of PCBs are likely present. The State will work with school administrators to investigate and provide recommendations on how to reduce exposure.
We want PCB levels in indoor air to be as low as possible. Testing, identifying, removing, and mitigating sources of PCBs, as well as reducing the time spent in some rooms, are ways we can lower the levels of PCBs in the indoor air of our school.
How will I be notified of the results?
The results will be posted online within seven days after we receive the results from DEC and recommendations from the Health Department. We will also send you a letter that lists the results.
Where can I find more information?
To contact someone at BFA about the testing:
· Call: 802-527-6555
· Visit: https://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa
Sincerely,
Leonard Smith, Maintenance Director
2024 Spring Standardized Testing Information: BFA
WHY STANDARDIZED TESTING?
As part of our annual assessment requirements, students in grades 3-9 will participate in standardized English and math tests, while those in grades 5, 8, and 11 will also take a science test. These tests are essential tools for evaluating the effectiveness of our teaching methods and students' learning progress at BFA, allowing us to compare our performance with other schools locally, statewide, and nationally.
The insights gained from these assessments are crucial. They enable our teachers to tailor their instruction more effectively and help the district make informed decisions regarding curriculum enhancements and program development, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education. Moreover, the data supports the BFA Multi-Tier Systems of Support team in providing targeted assistance to students who need it.
Your student will participate in preparatory activities during Enrichment sessions in March to prepare for these assessments. We encourage you to discuss the importance of these tests with your student, emphasizing the opportunity they present to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Encourage them to take the tests seriously and to do their best, as their performance not only reflects their individual achievements but also contributes to our community's ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students.
Testing will occur in advisory groups:
9th graders will take COGNIA Math and English tests.
11th graders will take the COGNIA Science test.
Busing on April 9, 11: (9th grade testing days)
Two bus runs: The first bus is the normal route and will pick up 9th graders.
A second bus run is for everyone else.
Busing on April 10: (11th grade testing)
Since 11th graders usually find their own way on test days, please fill out this form if you need an early morning bus. This helps us plan better. (must use Maplerun account)
Later buses will get 9th, 10th, and 12th-grade students to school before 11:00 am.
Busing April 12: (Make-Up testing 9th and 11th)
April 12th is the test make-up day for 9th and 11th grade. This day is for any student who needs to finish a test or make up a test that they missed. Please fill out this form if you need early morning bus transportation on make-up day. (must use Maplerun account)
Later buses will make sure all other students get to school before 11:00 am.
Later Arrival Times for April 9, 10, 11, 12:
If you’re not testing, come to school no earlier than 10:40 am. Classes for everyone start at 11:00 am.
BUS SCHEDULE for 11 am start.
(SRT) Student Readiness Tool/Practice: 9th and 11th grade
MARCH - DURING ENRICHMENT in advisory groups
(SRT) Student Readiness Tool LINK: Please use a school-issued Chromebook.
Testing Day Must-Knows for 9th & 11th Graders:
Bring your Chromebook charged, with its power adapter, and headphones (if you don’t have any, we’ll provide them).
No personal devices are allowed. If you need a Chromebook for testing, go to IT.
You can’t leave until the testing session time is over.
Phone use is prohibited during the entire testing session time.
Finished early? Work on your PLPs or other school assignments.
We’ve got food covered. Breakfast is available in the morning.
Get plenty of rest, do your best, and show what you know!
ALL STUDENTS - COGNIA Testing Week Schedule
APRIL
I’m providing some optional graduation purchasing information and reminders in this update.
If seniors and families wish to order custom Graduation Announcements or Class Rings, now is the time to order. Your school announcement will have the custom school crest with the school colors. Simply go to www.balfour.com. Here is the specific link for ordering graduation announcements: ttps://www.balfour.com/shop/graduation-announcements?smi=97504 If you have any Balfour ordering questions, please contact balfourvt@gmail.com.
Here’s the information if you wish to order graduate lawn signs and banners. See the Main Street Graphics web store link for 2024: Lawn signs and banners Contact Main Street Graphics directly with any questions at 802-782-8342, or douglas@msgvt.com, www.msgvt.com.
Don’t forget the Community Service and PLP graduation requirements. 10 hrs of Community Service is due by May 17th. See Mr. Murray. Seniors must share their completed PLP with their Advisor by June 1st. Additional PLP support is available every Thursday Call Back, from 7:30-8 am in the Library, or by filling out this form.
Here is the link to senior communications and event information on our BFA website. Click on each event for further details. https://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa/page/senior-communication-events
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.
