In January, we shared how Maintenance staff, AmeriCorps volunteers, and even our superintendent teamed up to convert a former middle school classroom into a fitness facility. We are excited to provide an update to our community: Yesterday, surplus weight equipment from HHS was brought over to the fitness room. So it is now ready to be used by HMS sports teams and Community Education!
Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities focuses on assessment. While our three schools will be in spring testing mode in April and May, Hockinson Middle School will be involved in a different type of assessment: State law requires that schools undergo an environmental health assessment every three years. These on-site assessments are aimed to protect student health and safety and include light levels, sound levels, air quality, physical hazards, equipment safety, safety supplies, and an evaluation of any playground equipment.
These environmental walk-throughs, conducted by Clark Public Health staff, are thorough, time-intensive, and expensive. There is, however, a trade-off: Health assessments qualify us for insurance discounts, which is important as insurance costs have increased dramatically over the past three years.
We could not comply with this requirement and keep our schools as safe as possible without the EP & O levy dollars that help to fund building maintenance projects and student safety needs. On behalf of our staff and students who teach and learn in our schools every day: Thank you, Hockinson community.
