Mold Issues Delay Esperanza Middle’s Reopening to August 28
In-person instruction at Esperanza Middle School (EMS) in St. Mary's County will be delayed until Wednesday, August 28, 2024, as extensive mold remediation efforts continue. The decision, taken in collaboration with St. Mary's County Public Schools …
By David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor on August 26, 2024
In-person instruction at Esperanza Middle School (EMS) in St. Mary's County will be delayed until Wednesday, August 28, 2024, as extensive mold remediation efforts continue. The decision, taken in collaboration with St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) and ServPro, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff through additional air quality assessments.
The mold issue, affecting the lower level of the school building, prompted the hire of ServPro to handle the mitigation process. The company has established a negative air pressure environment within the affected areas using polyethylene sheeting to prevent further contamination. While remediation is underway, the school has been forced to limit access to the compromised areas, significantly reducing available classroom space.
As a result of the space constraints, only 6th and 7th graders will return to the building initially. Meanwhile, EMS 8th graders will be temporarily relocated to the University System of Maryland Southern Maryland (USMSM) campus in California, Maryland, where they will continue their core classes under the instruction of their regular teachers.
"We are grateful that USMSM is accommodating our students. They have been an excellent partner, providing state-of-the-art instructional spaces for our students and staff so that we can resume in-person learning," said Jennifer Consalvo, Principal of Esperanza Middle School.
The 8th graders will attend morning classes at USMSM and return to EMS for mid-day meals and special area classes. EMS support staff, including an assistant principal, guidance counselor, nurse, and secretary, will also be present at USMSM to ensure a seamless transition and support for the students during this period.
In the interim, virtual instruction will remain in place for all students through Tuesday, August 27, following their regular bell schedule to ensure continuity of education.
Further communication regarding the ongoing situation and updates on the remediation progress will be provided to EMS families, as school officials and ServPro work diligently to restore the school environment to safe conditions.
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