Letter to parents concerning school reopening Monday, Sept. 11th
September 9, 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you are aware, China Middle closed school on Wednesday, September 6 and Friday, September 8. The closures were due to water damage that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, September 5 during a thunderstorm. After assessing the situation, it was determined that the flooding occurred because an underground pipe was blocked with tree roots and debris. Fortunately, the prompt action of RSU 18 Maintenance Director Jeff Sheive and the maintenance and custodial crew significantly decreased the damage to the affected areas. Amazingly, all water was extracted in a short amount of time.
Since Tuesday evening, Advance 1 Cleaning Services has been thoroughly cleaning the flooded area. Additionally, they have removed sheetrock underneath all baseboards in the office wing to ensure there are no further problems created from the flooding. Workers from Central Maine Disposal were also on the property cutting down trees and digging up the damaged pipes that caused the problem. New pipes have since been installed.
We are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Air Quality Management Services is monitoring our facility. The results of the air quality tests in the flooded section of the school on Thursday evening did not meet our high standards; thus we chose to close school on Friday, September 8. Please be assured that the health of your children, along with our staff members, is our top priority, and we have taken the necessary steps to avoid putting anyone at risk.
Currently, Advance 1 Cleaning Service is continuing to deep clean the affected areas. While they are working, students are not allowed in the vicinity. There are several points in the school where plastic partitions are up, and new sheetrock is being installed. While it will be inconvenient at times, the school is still usable in most places, including the majority of the classrooms. After careful consideration, we feel that it is safe to conduct school while the cleaning and sheet-rocking continue. Since the office area will not be used during this time, students who are being dropped off or picked up should enter and leave through the gym door at the front of the building. If you need to pick your child up during the day, please call ahead so we can arrange for him/her to be ready.
The cafeteria air quality test was good, and we are able to use the gym/cafeteria. However, the storage room for our cafeteria tables will be blocked off, so the gym is going to be set up as a cafeteria for the week. Evening events will not be scheduled in the gym for at least a week.
Soccer tryouts will continue on Monday at China Middle School from 2:45-4:15. The game scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 has been postponed.
Thank you for your continued patience as we work through this issue. Your children are, as always, our top priority, and we appreciate any help and flexibility you offer at this time. Please feel free to call 445-1500 or email us at [email protected] or [email protected] with your questions.
Sincerely,
Lois Bowden, Principal
Heather Wilson, Dean of Students