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MSAD #37 (9/03) NEPN/NSBA CODE:
EBD-A Dear Parent/Guardian or Staff Member: I am writing about three subjects that can affect children’s health in school: pests, pesticides and your right to know. Because pesticides pose risks, the school uses an alternative approach to merely applying pesticides. Control of insects, rodents and weeds at our school focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable place for pests to live and breed. Through maintenance and cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources and hiding places for the pests. We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pests from becoming established. Some techniques we will use include pest monitoring, sanitation, pest exclusion, proper food storage, pest removal, and—as a last resort—pesticides. This holistic approach is often called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Pesticide Use Sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the lowest risk products available. If higher risk pesticides must be used, notices will be posted at application sites and parents, guardians and staff have a right to know. Your Right to Know Parents, legal guardians, and school staff will be notified of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must request to be placed on the notification registry. Notification will be given at least five days before planned pesticide applications. Pesticide application notices will also be posted in school and on school grounds. Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law to pose little or no risk of exposure to children or staff. The school also keeps records of pesticide applications and information about the pesticides used. You may review these records, a copy of the School’s Integrated Pest Management Policy and the Pesticides in Schools regulation (CMR 01-026 Chapter 27) by contacting this office at 483-2734. If you have any questions, please contact us. For further information about pests, pesticides and your right to know, you may call the Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-2731 or visit the Maine School IPM web site at www.thinkfirstspraylast.org/schoolipm. Sincerely, Deborah S. Stewart Superintendent of Schools |
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