October 11, 2022
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Maintaining the quality of the air in our school is an essential part of promoting the health and well-being of our students and staff.
This became an especially important priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the federal and provincial governments provided our school board with funding to implement measures to improve the quality of the air in our building.
The Facilities Services Department at the Greater Essex County District School Board undertook a thorough review of all our schools’ ventilation systems and the measures they subsequently implemented were dependent on the type of ventilation and feasibility within the context of each building.
The measures that have been taken in Eastview Horizon Public School include:
|
Ventilation |
All ventilation units are thoroughly reviewed every 6 months to ensure they are working properly.The amount of outdoor air introduced, either by the School's Air Handling Units (AHU), Roof Top Units (RTU) or Unit Ventilators (UV) has been maximized while maintaining equipment safety and occupant comfort. Schedules on ventilation systems have been set to commence two hours prior to the start of the school day and end two hours after programs have concluded.
|
|
Filtration |
Air filtration, in the Air Handling Units, Roof Top Units and/or Classroom Unit Ventilators, was increased to MERV-13 filters which are changed every two (2) months.
|
|
HEPA Air Purifier Units |
Stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air purifier units were installed in spaces, including JK/SK rooms, special education rooms and where mechanical ventilation is not present. These units continue to be maintained monthly and will remain operational for the school year. There are a total of 11 HEPA units installed in the spaces.
|
|
New work completed |
None Required
|
|
Ventilation replacement work completed |
All equipment in good condition. No replacements required at this time.
|
Below is a ventilation profile for Eastview Horizon Public School, which describes the specific ventilation and filtration measures which have been taken here at our school.
COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses are still a concern and maintaining the quality of the air in our building continues to be an important priority, especially as the weather turns colder and we spend more time indoors. We will continue working with our Facilities Services department to make sure that we maintain a safe and healthy environment for our staff and students.
| School Ventilation and Filtration Measures* | |
|---|---|
| Ventilation System | Mechanical Ventilation |
| Ventilation assessed | Yes |
| Running ventilation systems longer | Yes |
| Higher grade filters installed | Yes |
| Increased frequency of filter changes | Yes |
| Increased fresh air intake (windows and/or mechanical ventilation systems) | Yes |
| Standalone HEPA** filter units deployed in portables, as needed | Not Applicable |
| Standalone HEPA filter units in place | Yes |