Annual IPM Notification
The purpose of this communication is to conform to the legal responsibilities included in ACT 35 and ACT 36, Integrated Pest Management, effective January 1, 2003, and make you aware of district processes relative to IPM.
The Northwestern Lehigh School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using an IPM approach to pest management. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school building and grounds an unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school building and grounds to detect any pests that are present. The pest monitoring team consists of our building maintenance, office, and teaching staff and includes our students. Pest sightings are reported to our IPM coordinator who evaluates the "pest problem" and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.
From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals registered by the Environmental Protection Agency to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When a chemical is necessary, the school will try to use the least toxic product that is effective. Applications will be made only when unauthorized persons do not have access to the area(s) being treated. Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.
Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must be placed on the school's notification registry. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please notify the district via a signed letter indicating your child's name, your return address, and the building your child attends. Please include your email address if you would like to be notified electronically.
If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products; self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, and gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids.
Each year the district will prepare a new notification registry.
If you have any questions, please contact IPM coordinator, Northwestern Lehigh School District, 6493 Route 309, New Tripoli, PA 18066-2099. Phone: 610-298-8661 x 1266