THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF Watson T. Cornly Elementary School 1001 Byberry Road Philadelphia, PA 19116 Kate Sylvester Phone: (215) 400601 0 Principal Fax: (215) 400-3011 November 15, 2017 Dear Parent or Guardian: The purpose of this letter is to inform you that a ?rst grade student at Watson T. Comly School, following a doctor?s examination, was determined to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. . The Philadelphia Department of Health is the authority when a student has elevated levels of lead in his/her blood. The Department of Health is conducting testing to trace the source the lead. They will make a ?nal con?rmation on the source. As a precautionary measure, students have been relocated out of the classroom the student was in while testing takes place and the source of lead is identified. Representatives with the Department of Health and School District will be at our school tomorrow to answer any questions. For more information about lead levels you can call the Lead Prevention Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Health at (215) 685?2788 or visit As more information becomes available, I will continue to update our school community. Sincerely, ea Kate Sylvester, cipal 3km C) ?in. Watson T. Comlv Elementary school November 16, 2017 Kate Sylvester Phone: (215) 400?30 10 Principal . Fax: (215) 400?3011 This is a follow-up to yesterday?s notice sent home to parents about a ?rst grade student here at Comly who was determined to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. 1. When it was determined that a ?rst grade student here at the school had elevated levels of lead in his/her blood the Philadelphia Health Department and the School District of Philadelphia were immediately noti?ed. 2. When a child has elevated levels of lead in his/her blood The Philadelphia Department of Health is the au?lority that deals with the situation. 3. The Department of Health is working to identify the source of the lead. The Department will determine and report the source to the student?s family and the District. 4. As a precautionary measure, the ?rst grade class has been relocated to another classroom while testing takes place and the source of lead is identi?ed. 5. Additionally, as a precaution, the District is assessing the school for lead sources and is removing loose paint from several areas of the school and cleaning surfaces to ensure there is no dust or debris. 6. The school will continue to be surveyed for sources of lead as a precautionary measure. 7. For more information or questions you might have about lead levels you can call the Lead Prevention Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Health at (215) 685-2788 or visit On the back is a series of frequently asked questions regarding situations revolving lead and children. I am here to answer any questions you might have and as more information becomes available, I will continue to update our school community. Sincerely, Kate Sylvester Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is lead? Lead is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust, but human activity mining, burning fossil fuels and manufacturing has caused it to become more widespread. Lead was also once used in paint and gasoline and is still used in batteries, solder, pipes, pottery, roo?ng materials and some cosmetics. Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, especially in children. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage can occur. 2. How are children exposed to lead? Lead?based paints for homes, children's toys and household furniture have been banned in the United States since 1978. But lead-based paint is still on walls and woodwork in many older homes and apartments. IMost lead poisoning in children results from eating chips of deteriorating lead-based paint. 3. Who is at risk? Children under the age of 6 years old are at risk because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths including possibly paint chips. 4. What can be done to prevent exposure to lead? Wash hands and toys to help reduce hand~to~rnouth transfer of contaminated dust or soil. Wash children's hands after outdoor play, before eating and at bedtime. Wash toys regularly. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth. Run cold water. Don?t use hot tap water for drinking. Prevent children from playing on soil. 0 Eat a healthy diet. Regular meals and good nutrition might help lower lead absorption. Children esPecially need enough calcium, vitamin and iron in their diets to help keep lead from being absorbed. 0 Keep buildings well-maintained. If a building has lead?based paint, check regularly for peeling paint and ?x problems Try not to sand, which generates dust particles that contain lead. Sources: . Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information: conditions/lead?poisoning/ ~causes/ syc?Z 03 547 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Lead Prevention Tips. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF APHILADELPHIA Watson T. Comly Elementary School November 16, 2017 Afternoon Update Kate Sylvester Phone: (215) 400-3010 Principal Fax: (215) 400?301 1 This is a follow-up to yesterday?s notice sent home to parents about a ?rst grade student here at Comly who was determined to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. 1. When it was determined that a first grade student here at the school had elevated levels of lead in his/her blood the Philadelphia Health Department and the School District of Philadelphia were immediately notified. 2. When a child has elevated levels of lead 1n his/her blood The Philadelphia Department of Health is the authority that deals with the situation. 3. The Department of Health IS working to identify the source of the lead. The Department will determine and report the source to the student?s family and the District. 4. As a precautionary measure, the ?rst grade class has been relocated to another classroom. 5. Lead testing of surfaces in this ?rst grade class will continue to take place and the class will remain closed until all results are received. 6. A comprehensive assessment is taking place throughout the school for lead. 7. Loose paint from several areas of the school has already been addressed and surfaces have been cleaned to ensure there is no dust or debris. For more information or questions you might have about lead levels you can consult your family physician andfor call the Lead Prevention Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Health at (215) 68 5-2788 or visit On the back is a series of frequently asked questions regarding situations revolving lead and children. I am here to answer any questions you might have and as more information becomes available, I will continue to update our school community. Sincerely, Kate Sylvester Watson T. Comly Elementary School November 21, 2017 Kate Sylvester Phone: (215) 400-3010 Principal Fax: (215) 400-3011 Dear Comly Families, The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a ?nal update on the actions taken by the School District of Philadelphia since learning a ?rst grade student at Watson T. Comly School had elevated levels of lead in his/her blood. Upon receipt of this information, students were relocated from classroom 202 and the Philadelphia Department of Health was noti?ed. On Wednesday, November 15, all of the students in the classroom were relocated and testing began on that classroom. The classroom had some loose and ?aking paint. As a matter of protocol, the Department of Health also tested the home of the student. Testing showed that both the child?s home and the school were identi?ed as having some sources of lead. The School District maintenance staff removed the loose and ?aking paint and resurfaced it. Then the classroom was tested again. The results concluded that the classroom is safe for students, so students returned to the classroom yesterday (Monday, November 20). We will continue to monitor building and make needed repairs to enSure safety. A full report on this matter will be completed and will be available in the school?s main of?ce in the near future. For more information about lead you can call the Lead Prevention Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Health at (215) 685-2788 or visit Thank you for your attention on this matter. As always, I thank you for your commitment to our school. Your support is appreciated. Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Sincerely, Kate Sylvester, Principal