Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 , this is great. I am proud of the work that you are doing for the children in the schools. We will get there. Keep up the great work. Darlene <vbrk@...> wrote: Goodmorning Everyone, Would like to share a bit w/you. As many of you know I have been working for the past few years trying to get someone in our district to listen to me about IAQ. Which has been the one of the biggest battles I have taken on. However, this year we have a entire new staff of administration. One of them actually listened. Now for the past 5 weeks every Monday @ 3:00 we have been meeting and discussing IAQ issues. They ordered and gave me the Tools for Schools packet/videos/cd. Which I will be using to help implement in our district. This past week I designed a couple letters along w/EPA's check list that will sent to the entire staff of our first school. Which will be implemented thru out the district hopefully by the start of the next school year. This is all very exciting for me. This led me to calling EPA to speak w/2 of the coordinators of TFS, about some of the items that we didn't quite understand. To my surprise they are on our side. I didn't really realize all of the work they do to encourage school districts to improve their IAQ. The huge support system they have in each State. The funding that is available for some of these schools. The free education that is available. Funding that pays for inspections w/in the schools to evaluate the schools. Tons of organizations that support the schools also, and are willing to work w/them free of charge. The efforts they have made to get the districts to listen. All of the effort is taking time but schools are starting to listen. This past year more schools have joined on to utilize TFS than any other year. They have been working on this since 2000. I mentioned that I couldn't get the attention of anyone until I started targeting Asthma. Forget all the other conditions of poor IAQ. That is how they finally got schools to start to listen. They left behind all of the other stuff and started targeting Asthma and IAQ. As all of us know, it is not just mold. But, it is the entire IAQ. Since then schools are starting to take notice. They are saddened that schools are not more educated and that many are resistant. But, hope in time all districts will be listening. So, even though I didn't think that any governmental agency cared there is one that does care about our kids, and are working hard to help others understand and change things. Thought this might help families too that are facing IAQ problems w/in their schools. Remember, you need to use something that is medically documented. Something a doctor will stand behind, something that is a recognized medical condition. Every school has children w/asthma. ALL asthma is triggered by poor IAQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 Great work! Thanks for letting us know you've found a listening/helpful audience! ~Haley <vbrk@...> wrote: Goodmorning Everyone, Would like to share a bit w/you. As many of you know I have been working for the past few years trying to get someone in our district to listen to me about IAQ. Which has been the one of the biggest battles I have taken on. However, this year we have a entire new staff of administration. One of them actually listened. Now for the past 5 weeks every Monday @ 3:00 we have been meeting and discussing IAQ issues. They ordered and gave me the Tools for Schools packet/videos/cd. Which I will be using to help implement in our district. This past week I designed a couple letters along w/EPA's check list that will sent to the entire staff of our first school. Which will be implemented thru out the district hopefully by the start of the next school year. This is all very exciting for me. This led me to calling EPA to speak w/2 of the coordinators of TFS, about some of the items that we didn't quite understand. To my surprise they are on our side. I didn't really realize all of the work they do to encourage school districts to improve their IAQ. The huge support system they have in each State. The funding that is available for some of these schools. The free education that is available. Funding that pays for inspections w/in the schools to evaluate the schools. Tons of organizations that support the schools also, and are willing to work w/them free of charge. The efforts they have made to get the districts to listen. All of the effort is taking time but schools are starting to listen. This past year more schools have joined on to utilize TFS than any other year. They have been working on this since 2000. I mentioned that I couldn't get the attention of anyone until I started targeting Asthma. Forget all the other conditions of poor IAQ. That is how they finally got schools to start to listen. They left behind all of the other stuff and started targeting Asthma and IAQ. As all of us know, it is not just mold. But, it is the entire IAQ. Since then schools are starting to take notice. They are saddened that schools are not more educated and that many are resistant. But, hope in time all districts will be listening. So, even though I didn't think that any governmental agency cared there is one that does care about our kids, and are working hard to help others understand and change things. Thought this might help families too that are facing IAQ problems w/in their schools. Remember, you need to use something that is medically documented. Something a doctor will stand behind, something that is a recognized medical condition. Every school has children w/asthma. ALL asthma is triggered by poor IAQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 , great news, keep up the good work. it would be great if schools could have a asthma program like the ones they use to do for dental care where kids are checked in class and educated about clean air. also it might find kids haveing breathing problems in schools that might not suffer at home. > > Goodmorning Everyone, > Would like to share a bit w/you. As many of you know I have been working for the past few years trying to get someone in our district to listen to me about IAQ. Which has been the one of the biggest battles I have taken on. However, this year we have a entire new staff of administration. One of them actually listened. Now for the past 5 weeks every Monday @ 3:00 we have been meeting and discussing IAQ issues. They ordered and gave me the Tools for Schools packet/videos/cd. Which I will be using to help implement in our district. This past week I designed a couple letters along w/EPA's check list that will sent to the entire staff of our first school. Which will be implemented thru out the district hopefully by the start of the next school year. This is all very exciting for me. > This led me to calling EPA to speak w/2 of the coordinators of TFS, about some of the items that we didn't quite understand. To my surprise they are on our side. I didn't really realize all of the work they do to encourage school districts to improve their IAQ. The huge support system they have in each State. The funding that is available for some of these schools. The free education that is available. Funding that pays for inspections w/in the schools to evaluate the schools. Tons of organizations that support the schools also, and are willing to work w/them free of charge. The efforts they have made to get the districts to listen. > All of the effort is taking time but schools are starting to listen. This past year more schools have joined on to utilize TFS than any other year. They have been working on this since 2000. I mentioned that I couldn't get the attention of anyone until I started targeting Asthma. Forget all the other conditions of poor IAQ. That is how they finally got schools to start to listen. They left behind all of the other stuff and started targeting Asthma and IAQ. As all of us know, it is not just mold. But, it is the entire IAQ. Since then schools are starting to take notice. They are saddened that schools are not more educated and that many are resistant. But, hope in time all districts will be listening. > So, even though I didn't think that any governmental agency cared there is one that does care about our kids, and are working hard to help others understand and change things. > Thought this might help families too that are facing IAQ problems w/in their schools. Remember, you need to use something that is medically documented. Something a doctor will stand behind, something that is a recognized medical condition. Every school has children w/asthma. ALL asthma is triggered by poor IAQ. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 Who, That is exactly what the EPA TFS focuses on. Not only the education of the faculty but also the kids and their families. The program was very eye opening for me. My shock when I started reading the program and the info in it was amazing. Not only do they focus on just IAQ issues, but all health and safety issues that effect ones health. Such as low VOC paints, chemicals used w/in the schools, bug sprays, roofing material, drains, art supplies, cleaning products, air fresheners, animals in the classrooms, and a bunch of other stuff. EPA also offers a seminar for the parents and students if the school would like from my understanding. Also, encouraging schools to allow kids to either carry or have their inhalers in class. Instead of having to travel 1/2 way around the world to the office to get it when they need it. Inhalers can save someone's life, but if they can't get to it right away it can have a fatal outcome. EPA has done a wonderful job designing this program, and it utilizes everything we learn here and some of the stuff is just common sense, such as the animals in classes, air fresheners in the classroom. But, schools still refuse to adopt these policies. Thought you might find it encouraging as I did to hear what the EPA is saying. They are right on target w/the schools. A bit of a difference from when some call to find out how to handle their homes. There wasn't one thing that we disagreed on. The 2 were on the same page as most of us. They just wish that there was a way to get all schools to listen. But, they are working on that w/their asthma campaign. So, hopefully one day the little people of this world will atleast be breathing safer air in schools. Maybe it will also do a little educating of the bigger people of how better IAQ can help them even in their own homes. Atleast that's my dream. [] Re: EPA-TFS , great news, keep up the good work. it would be great if schools could have a asthma program like the ones they use to do for dental care where kids are checked in class and educated about clean air. also it might find kids haveing breathing problems in schools that might not suffer at home. > > Recent Activity a.. 6New Members Visit Your Group Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 Wow, thats great, This gives me hope that my grandchildren will grow up and have a healhier life. it's very hard for me to even make it through a hour at school on grandparents day. I know I'm overly sensative but if some place brings on mcs I know that it cant be could for people/children to be breathing what ever is there for hours, every day. some of those class rooms have been very bad and the number of school teachers here proves just how bad we need clean air in our schools. if I live to see nothing else come from this I pray that we well at least get this reconized in school and give our children a chance of a healthier life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 HERE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was even more excited after learning all the things EAP are trying. Atleast someone is trying to help our kids, other than us. Thtat's why I thought I'd share the info I got, give some of you some hope for the kids too. [] Re: EPA-TFS Wow, thats great, This gives me hope that my grandchildren will grow up and have a healhier life. it's very hard for me to even make it through a hour at school on grandparents day. I know I'm overly sensative but if some place brings on mcs I know that it cant be could for people/children to be breathing what ever is there for hours, every day. some of those class rooms have been very bad and the number of school teachers here proves just how bad we need clean air in our schools. if I live to see nothing else come from this I pray that we well at least get this reconized in school and give our children a chance of a healthier life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 , I went onto the EPA site, called the toll free number and ordered the kit. They were very nice and said they would get it right out to me. This should be a mandatory kit for every school. They should create a kit for landlords to follow on their moldy toxic apartments that they continue to rent out. Instead of some landlords giving a piece of paper with mold tips on it for their tenants to wash the mold off the walls themselves, then if it comes back let them know about it. I was totally amazed at the tip sheet that was given to only one tenant and not the rest of us. On the bottom of the sheet was July 2006 in small lettering and being pages 17 and 18, at the top was Attachment B1 .....hmmmmm. Wonder what is up with this. I think the tenants should do a tip sheet for landlords to follow. Darlene <vbrk@...> wrote: HERE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was even more excited after learning all the things EAP are trying. Atleast someone is trying to help our kids, other than us. Thtat's why I thought I'd share the info I got, give some of you some hope for the kids too. [] Re: EPA-TFS Wow, thats great, This gives me hope that my grandchildren will grow up and have a healhier life. it's very hard for me to even make it through a hour at school on grandparents day. I know I'm overly sensative but if some place brings on mcs I know that it cant be could for people/children to be breathing what ever is there for hours, every day. some of those class rooms have been very bad and the number of school teachers here proves just how bad we need clean air in our schools. if I live to see nothing else come from this I pray that we well at least get this reconized in school and give our children a chance of a healthier life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2007 Report Share Posted April 5, 2007 I second this our Children are most important and now have someone speaking out on their behalf this is theeeeeeee most wonderful group I have so much love any one watching OPRAH. Great Show on autisms they are talking about how big it is and OPRAH doing her trip with Gail ended up in a Moldy Hotel it was so funny but great she talked about the mold. Get it. Elvira Re: [] EPA-TFS , this is great. I am proud of the work that you are doing for the children in the schools. We will get there. Keep up the great work. Darlene <vbrk@...> wrote: Goodmorning Everyone, Would like to share a bit w/you. As many of you know I have been working for the past few years trying to get someone in our district to listen to me about IAQ. Which has been the one of the biggest battles I have taken on. However, this year we have a entire new staff of administration. One of them actually listened. Now for the past 5 weeks every Monday @ 3:00 we have been meeting and discussing IAQ issues. They ordered and gave me the Tools for Schools packet/videos/cd. Which I will be using to help implement in our district. This past week I designed a couple letters along w/EPA's check list that will sent to the entire staff of our first school. Which will be implemented thru out the district hopefully by the start of the next school year. This is all very exciting for me. This led me to calling EPA to speak w/2 of the coordinators of TFS, about some of the items that we didn't quite understand. To my surprise they are on our side. I didn't really realize all of the work they do to encourage school districts to improve their IAQ. The huge support system they have in each State. The funding that is available for some of these schools. The free education that is available. Funding that pays for inspections w/in the schools to evaluate the schools. Tons of organizations that support the schools also, and are willing to work w/them free of charge. The efforts they have made to get the districts to listen. All of the effort is taking time but schools are starting to listen. This past year more schools have joined on to utilize TFS than any other year. They have been working on this since 2000. I mentioned that I couldn't get the attention of anyone until I started targeting Asthma. Forget all the other conditions of poor IAQ. That is how they finally got schools to start to listen. They left behind all of the other stuff and started targeting Asthma and IAQ. As all of us know, it is not just mold. But, it is the entire IAQ. Since then schools are starting to take notice. They are saddened that schools are not more educated and that many are resistant. But, hope in time all districts will be listening. So, even though I didn't think that any governmental agency cared there is one that does care about our kids, and are working hard to help others understand and change things. Thought this might help families too that are facing IAQ problems w/in their schools. Remember, you need to use something that is medically documented. Something a doctor will stand behind, something that is a recognized medical condition. Every school has children w/asthma. ALL asthma is triggered by poor IAQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 Hi , That's a great dream and keep up the great work! I am going to look at the site too- take care, Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2007 Report Share Posted April 8, 2007 This is surprising, considering what we all run into, but great. However since the schools are public schools, they shouldn't have to call and ask for kit or info, they should automatically get it, and take action on it. Perhaps local funding is needed and they don't realize how important this is, so they don't want to put the money into it. Do they automatically get this info, or do they need to hear about it and call?? > > Who, > That is exactly what the EPA TFS focuses on. Not only the education of the faculty but also the kids and their families. The program was very eye opening for me. My shock when I started Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2007 Report Share Posted April 8, 2007 Barb, EPA did do a test in this area. They sent out something like (not sure of the exact amount-so I'm using an example) 500 letters to different districts/schools. Explaining the program, the funding that was available, the importance of IAQ. Out of those only 2 districts called. (that # I am sure of) Out of those 2 districts only 1 one stepped up.They can't force the schools to utilize this tool they have developed. It is not a law in most States yet. EPA does seem to be doing a great job at informing districts. They offer tons of free services such as: seminars, free walk before and after, support during, support after, going in and speaking to the administration, funding, awards and a few others I can't remember. Each State from what I understand has it's own set of reps who assist w/different areas. They help fill out the letters of intent, applications for the awards, and help w/the other stuff I mention in past sentence. So, the help is there. But, the district has to be interested in hearing about it. Most of us here know this. If they don't want to hear it, they are not going to listen. You talk about money. Well Detroit district is one of worst districts and largest districts in Michigan. Their district is soooo broke they are closing schools, getting rid of 100's of teachers. But, they started using TFS this year. They finally see how important it is, and that it might bring more money to their district. They are doing it slowly, but heck they have started. EPA is helping them also. Their are grants out there too. From my understanding it is not so much the money, it's the district taking action to commit to the kids health and education. Not sure about the other EPA reps, but ours was genuinely concerned for the children's health. She wished more districts would step up and utilize. As far as I am concerned, (and you all know it takes alot to impress me-hehehe)they are doing everything they can to get this State wide in every State. Without laws in place they cannot force the districts to use it. But, they are trying hard. You should go to their site and look at the different States. You can see ALL the district that have joined on. Here is the link of the US. You can click on any State and see which districts are enrolled in the program, which States have gotten awards and read about districts experiences after implementing the program. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/iaqtfsawards.html#State-by-State%20Listing%20of%2\ 0Award%20Winners [] Re: EPA-TFS This is surprising, considering what we all run into, but great. However since the schools are public schools, they shouldn't have to call and ask for kit or info, they should automatically get it, and take action on it. Perhaps local funding is needed and they don't realize how important this is, so they don't want to put the money into it. Do they automatically get this info, or do they need to hear about it and call?? > > Who, > That is exactly what the EPA TFS focuses on. Not only the education of the faculty but also the kids and their families. The program was very eye opening for me. My shock when I started Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2007 Report Share Posted April 8, 2007 Barb & , Barb, EPA can recommend and eduate but only when asked. They are limited to this advisory role by law. When EPA wanted to include the indoor environment - after their own probems in their HQ building - Congress allowed them to expand but only on a guidance level. They cannot regulate and enforce indoors like they can outdoors. , your description accurately describes the process. Your link is an excellent resource for knowing if you district is participating or not. Schools can also utilize a sophisticated inspection and assessment procedure called Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT). It is free and downloadable for use by anyone at: http://epa.gov/schools/healthyseat/ Carl Grimes Healthy Habitats LLC ----- > Barb, > EPA did do a test in this area. They sent out something like (not sure of the exact amount-so I'm using an example) 500 letters to different districts/schools. Explaining the program, the funding that was available, the importance of IAQ. Out of those only 2 districts called. (that # I am sure of) Out of those 2 districts only 1 one stepped up.They can't force the schools to utilize this tool they have developed. It is not a law in most States yet. EPA does seem to be doing a great job at informing districts. They offer tons of free services such as: seminars, free walk before and after, support during, support after, going in and speaking to the administration, funding, awards and a few others I can't remember. Each State from what I understand has it's own set of reps who assist w/different areas. They help fill out the letters of intent, applications for the awards, and help w/the other stuff I mention in past sentence. So, the help is there. But, the district has to be interested in hearing ab > As far as I am concerned, (and you all know it takes alot to impress me-hehehe)they are doing everything they can to get this State wide in every State. Without laws in place they cannot force the districts to use it. But, they are trying hard. You should go to their site and look at the different States. You can see ALL the district that have joined on. Here is the link of the US. You can click on any State and see which districts are enrolled in the program, which States have gotten awards and read about districts experiences after implementing the program. > http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/iaqtfsawards.html#State-by-State%20Listing%20of%2\ 0Award%20Winners > > [] Re: EPA-TFS > > > This is surprising, considering what we all run into, but great. > However since the schools are public schools, they shouldn't have to > call and ask for kit or info, they should automatically get it, and > take action on it. Perhaps local funding is needed and they don't > realize how important this is, so they don't want to put the money > into it. Do they automatically get this info, or do they need to hear > about it and call?? > > > > > > Who, > > That is exactly what the EPA TFS focuses on. Not only the education > of the faculty but also the kids and their families. The program was > very eye opening for me. My shock when I started > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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