Facilities
Facilities
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*Note: all information is fluid and will be updated accordingly*
*Note: all information is fluid and will be updated accordingly*
In order to minimize interaction in hallways, students will go straight to their first class after entering the building and having their temperature scanned.
Signage remains at every school building to remind students, teachers and staff to wear masks, socially distance and maintain hygiene.
Students will be cohorted when possible. Elementary students will stay in one classroom. Middle school students will stay in a classroom within their team with their core teacher rotating in. The High school will follow similar procedures. This will help limit interaction and cross contamination.
Desk shields will be utilized during breakfast and lunch time.
Information on School Ventilation
Information on School Ventilation
Though only the High School, Lawrence Elementary, and Wesley Elementary are fully air-conditioned, all Middletown Public Schools have systems that are being put into use that provide ventilation. Though normally only used for heating, all classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, auditoriums, libraries, etc. have HVAC equipment that introduces an amount of fresh air when in operation. This equipment has many names such as unit heaters, fan coils, terminal units, packaged terminal units, cabinet heaters, ventilators, and air handlers, etc. They are connected directly to the exterior, (most commonly under a window) through a grill that can be seen from outside where they get fresh air. Air handlers are typically on the roof. The amount of fresh air depends on the style of the unit, its age, and size, etc. The air that flows through them is filtered.
Normally, this equipment is not run when the heat is not required. We have adjusted this equipment so that it can run continuously 24/7. We have inspected each piece of equipment to make sure that its actuator (if it has one) causes the damper to open to allow the maximum amount of fresh air that the unit can handle. Where we have found a faulty actuator, we have replaced it. For units with fixed dampers, we have confirmed that they are open and clear.
Where operating units provide sufficient fresh air to flush the room, there is no additional ventilation required. Where the amount of fresh air a unit can introduce is limited, we have assured that an operable window is outfitted with an insect screen to allow additional ventilation during class time.
Custodians will open windows to flush rooms with fresh air each morning, and at the end of each day.
Filtration
All filters have been replaced this summer, as is normal practice and will be replaced more frequently throughout the year as per state guidelines. All filters are now MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) level 8 and pleated. Use of pad style, polyester filters, typically a MERV 6, has been discontinued. The use of filters with a MERV rating greater than 8 would reduce amounts of ventilation (by restricting airflow) and potentially harm the equipment.
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