Air Quality and FRSD Activities

Wildfire smoke is affecting the air quality in the Fern Ridge area. I have been, and will continue to monitor the quality of the air to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  The FRSD will be using the Air Quality Index site to give us up to date air pollution readings.  These numbers can then be used to guide activities using the Oregon Health Authority guide.  I have directed principals to utilize indoor recess for the first day of school, Tuesday, September 5^th and we will be evaluating the need to continue this practice each day.  In addition, there will be no classroom activities that will be taking place outside.

I have communicated with our District maintenance personnel who are confident that any outside air that is drawn into our buildings through the ventilation system will be adequately filtered. Maintenance staff will be double checking all buildings and systems first thing in the morning, and staff have been informed to let their building principals know if any problems arise.  At the High School, decisions around athletics will be made as early in the day as possible and posted to the school webpage.

The Oregon Health Authority advises that parents of children that are sensitive to air pollution should follow their health care providers’ advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms, and watch the forecast to decide when to limit their child’s activities. Children who may be more sensitive to air pollution include those with asthma, respiratory infection, lung or heart disease.

Gary Carpenter

Superintendent, FRSD