Notices
Abestos Notice
August 25, 2025
A formal asbestos management program has been in place at Newtown Public Schools since 1986. The purpose of this program is to identify the Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) in our schools and to take steps to make sure this material does not present an exposure hazard to the students, faculty, or staff.
The asbestos management program is implemented through asbestos management plans. A separate plan has been developed for each of the following facilities:
- Hawley Elementary School
- Head O’ Meadow Elementary School
- Newtown High School
- Middle Gate Elementary School
- Newtown Middle School
- Reed Intermediate School
- Sandy Hook School
These management plans identify the locations of the ACM in our schools and detail our ongoing management program. The management plans also include descriptions of previous asbestos inspections and our plans for repair or removal of damaged asbestos-containing materials.
Under our asbestos management program, the ACM listed in the management plans is inspected every six months to assure early detection of problem areas. Furthermore, each building is completely re-inspected once every three years by a Connecticut-licensed asbestos inspector to make sure that all ACM is properly identified and that the asbestos management plans are up to date.
An asbestos management plan is maintained in each school office. Additionally, a complete set of management plans is maintained in the Board of Education Office, 3 Primrose Street., Newtown, Connecticut. These plans are available for review during normal business hours.
Newtown Public Schools has designated Mr. John Barlow as the person responsible for ensuring that the requirements of our asbestos management program are properly implemented. Mr. Barlow can be contacted at (203) 426-7615.
Pesticide Application Notice
In accordance with Public Act No. 99-165, Newtown Board of Education recently approved a pesticide application policy that includes an integrated pest management plan. The plan requires that alternative methods be employed prior to using a pesticide, which is defined as a fungicide on plants, an insecticide, a herbicide, or a rodenticide. Whenever it is deemed necessary to apply a pesticide, it will be done during a period when school is not in session and there are no planned activities on school grounds. All individuals applying pesticides will hold the proper State of Connecticut certification. Children will not be allowed to enter an area where application has been made until it is safe to do so according to the provisions of the pesticide label. The plan also provides for pesticide application notification to parents and guardians of enrolled students of Newtown School, as well as its staff. Notification will be posted at each school prior to application of any pesticide. Also, parents or guardians will be advised of the planned date and location of the pesticide application and its active ingredients. Requests for additional information should be directed to John Barlow, Director of Facilities at facilities@newtown.k12.ct.us or 203-426-7615.
Treatment of Ticks
September 15, 2023
Newtown Public Schools
3 Primrose StreetNewtown, CT 06470
RE: Treatment for ticks at Newtown Public Schools
To Whom It May Concern: In accordance with CT General Statutes (CGS) Section 10-231a – 231d, link here, this letter shall serve as the local health director’s concurrence that an application of appropriate pesticide may be made to eliminate a threat to human health (ticks); this application shall be pursuant to an integrated pest management plan, also required by referenced CGS.
It is this director’s position that the abundance of ticks in the Fairfield County area poses a threat to human health. Your organization should have an integrated pest management plan, and such plan would include the details for the decision-making, notification of parents and implementation of the plan’s measures. If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact me.
Very truly yours,
Donna M. Culbert
Donna M. Culbert, MPH, PE, RS
Director of Health
IAQ Inspection Report
In Connecticut, public schools are required to make sure that the air inside the school is safe and healthy for students. This includes performing yearly indoor air quality (IAQ) inspections to check for things like mold, dust, harmful chemicals, or poor ventilation that could affect the health of students and staff.
During these inspections, schools focus on important areas, such as making sure the ventilation systems are working well to keep air flowing properly, checking heating and cooling systems to ensure classrooms aren’t too hot or too cold, monitoring humidity levels to prevent mold, and looking for water leaks or other issues that could cause dampness or mold.
After the inspection, schools create an IAQ report that explains the current air quality, notes any problems that were found, and includes recommendations for fixing them, such as cleaning air filters or repairing ventilation systems. The report also outlines what steps the school will take to address any issues. Schools are required to keep these reports on file and make them available to parents, so you can stay informed about how the school is ensuring a healthy environment for your child.
Connecticut law, specifically Public Act 03-220, requires schools to follow these procedures to keep the air safe and healthy. By conducting regular inspections and addressing any problems that come up, schools can help reduce risks like allergies or asthma, providing a safer and more comfortable place for children to learn.
Director of Facilities
Newtown Public Schools
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT 06470,
Phone: 203-426-7615