Dear Millbury Street Head Start Families,
Millbury Street Head Start will be closed on Monday, October 26, out of an abundance of caution due to a facility issue. We apologize for the inconvenience. Student and staff safety is the primary reason for the temporary closure. Please keep reading this message for important information.
On Monday, the district will decide and communicate whether school will remain closed on Tuesday or if students will temporarily relocate to one of two alternate locations:
Greendale Head Start: 130 Leeds Street
Mill Swan Head Start: 337 Mill Street
Please make sure your ParentSquare text message, email, and phone notifications are turned on so you can receive important information as we navigate this situation.
What Happened?
On Tuesday of last week, the gym, which is located in the basement, was closed because insulation containing asbestos was disturbed during maintenance work, which did not occur in the presence of students. The area was secured and testing was initiated immediately, along with state reporting.
We were informed Saturday that initial surface testing found a trace amount of fibers in the basement, specifically in the gym, hallway, and staff-only rooms. The district closed the building immediately to allow for remediation work to be conducted, which includes additional testing and extensive cleaning to ensure the building is safe for students and staff upon reopening.
Asbestos in Older Buildings
Asbestos was a common material used in construction for several decades. When asbestos is sealed, it does not pose a risk to people because its fibers cannot escape. However, health risks occur when the material is disturbed in a way to become airborne. Worcester Public Schools is taking all the necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of students and staff while appropriate testing and cleaning can occur.
It’s important to note that people who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular, ongoing basis and not from a minimal one-time exposure. Please read from the resources below for more information. If you have any additional questions, please email Brittany Helgerson, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator for Worcester Public Schools.
We ask for your understanding as we work to resolve this situation as soon as possible. We will stay in communication with you throughout this process. As always, the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools
Resources: