Dear Parents,
I wanted to share a little information with you about the procedures Draper Elementary uses when it is a Red Air Quality Day.
In recent years we have seen inversions, fires and other factors affect our outdoor air quality. There is concern about the effects of poor air quality on children’s health and their ability to breathe easily. Because of
this, our school has adopted the following guidelines:
What will the school do?
What will the school do?
- We will check the Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels. This information will guide our outdoor physical activities.
- When the PM2.5 level falls between 35.5 and 55.4, we will let “sensitive” students stay indoors.
- When the PM2.5 level falls between 55.5 and 90, we will let “sensitive” students and students experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as with a cold or allergies, stay indoors.
- When the PM2.5 level rises above 90, outdoor recess will be cancelled for all children and alternative play opportunities will be offered indoors.
What should parents do?
- Parents, with advice from your health care provider, need to contact the school secretary or nurse if your child is “sensitive” to poor air quality.
- Sensitive children may include those with significant or poorly controlled asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, compromised immune systems, or other respiratory problems.
For your information:
- The daily PM2.5 level is located at http://www.airquality.utah.gov then click on current conditions.
- Additional information on air quality guidance for schools is located at www.health.utah.gov/asthma.
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy school environment for your child. Please contact the school if you have questions about this issue.
Please see the attached information sheet for further clarification on the air quality scale.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kenna Sorensen
