Dear Families and Staff of the Worcester Dual Language School,
We are writing to inform you of outdoor environmental testing at Worcester Dual Language School. Above all, please know that our top priority is always the health and safety of our students and staff.
Recently, environmental consultants tested samples of soil in the school’s enclosed courtyard as part of an initial phase of soil testing. On Wednesday, May 13, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Facilities Department was informed that a composite sample from the courtyard tested positive for elevated levels of arsenic.
Naturally occurring arsenic in soil is common in Worcester and in our region. However, because the level in the initial sample was elevated, we contacted the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) as a precaution.
We would like to share the following information to assure you that all protocols are being followed:
The school’s courtyard is temporarily closed to all students and staff; the doors are locked to the courtyard. A protective covering was installed over the soil out of an abundance of caution. As long as the soil is covered, there is no potential of exposure to students or staff.
We are working directly with state environmental officials (MassDEP) to ensure the area meets all safety standards before it’s reopened.
More extensive soil testing is being conducted to determine the extent of the issue and how deep within the soil the substance is.
The enclosed courtyard area was used by preschool (Pre-K) students; it was not used by other grades. As part of their routines, the preschool students were brought to the sinks to wash their hands following all outdoor activities. Naturally occurring arsenic is commonly found in soil in our region, and hand-washing remains one of the best methods to prevent contamination.
The risk of naturally occurring arsenic being absorbed through skin is extremely low. There is a greater risk of contamination through ingestion at high levels.
We have added fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding arsenic to the WPS website in accessible formats that can be read in more than 100 languages.
We are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution and transparency. We would like to emphasize that further testing is ongoing to understand the scope of this issue. Our priority is ensuring a safe environment for all students. We care about the well-being of your children and will keep you informed during this process.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools