11/13/18

Hello MUSD,

Sadly, we have decided to close all of our schools for the rest of the week like some of our neighboring Districts. The main reason is that we discovered that the air quality in some of our classrooms and gym, after 4 days of being closed up, is at unhealthy levels or high moderate levels, very close to unhealthy. Our concern must always be the health of our students and staff.

A second consideration is that all children are considered a sensitive group in terms of air quality. This means they need to stay indoors when air quality index is higher than 100. The forecast is for our air quality to stay well above 100 for the rest of the week. With the air quality in our classrooms being close to unhealthy or unhealthy, staying indoors may not be a healthy option.

We also recognize that our families need to make plans, and that a 6am decision is really difficult for families.

If, by some miracle, the air clears and we’re in solidly healthy levels for a period of time, we will re-open after airing out the classrooms and gyms/cafeterias, but if you choose not to send your child, the absence will be excused for health reasons.

In the meantime, all athletics, conferences, and other activities are cancelled. We will reschedule conferences after Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your understanding as we make this difficult decision.

:-(

Catherine

Catherine Stone

Superintendent, Middletown Unified School District

707-987-4100