Sep 12, 2024
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. MSAD #13 has an integrated pest management plan in place.
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Pest Control
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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).
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Pesticide Use
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Sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the lowest risk products available. If high risk pesticides must be used, notices will be posted at application sites and parents, guardians, and staff have a right to know.
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Your Right to Know
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Parents, legal guardians, and school staff will be notified of specific pesticide applications made at the school. 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. People wanting to know about specific applications may request and be notified in advance.
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The school also keeps records of prior pesticide applications and information about the pesticides used. You may review these records as well as a copy of the Pesticides in Schools Regulation (CMR 01-026 Chapter 27) by contacting our IPM Coordinator, Scott Laweryson, at Valley Jr/Sr High School, 672-3300.
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If you have any questions, please contact Scott Laweryson at 672-3300. For further information about pests, pesticides and your right to know, call the Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-2731 or visit the Maine School IPM website at www.thinkfirstspraylast.org/schoolipm.
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Sincerely,
Sandra MacArthur
Superintendent of Schools