Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Grand Rapids Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management program. Inherent with this are the District’s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible. While it may occasionally be necessary to apply pesticides, these will only be used as a last resort. This program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems. We use various techniques such as habitat alteration, sanitation, mechanical means, exclusion, etc. to prevent pests from becoming a problem.
As required by Michigan law, you will receive advance notice of the application of a pesticide, other than a bait or gel formulation, at your child’s school, the school grounds, or buildings. This advance notice of the application will be given forty-eight (48) hours before the application. The law requires us to make this notification by using two (2) methods. The first method required by law is posting at entrances to your c10hild’s school. The entrances that will be posted, are those entrances that have a sidewalk that leads directly to a parking lot. The second method we are going to use is posting in a common area located by the main office of the school. Please note that notification is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants, or anti-microbial cleaners. In certain emergencies, such as infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students, but you will be promptly notified following any such application.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are also entitled to receive this notice by first-class United States mail postmarked at least three (3) days before the application. If you would like to be notified by mail, please contact the Operations Department at the following number: 616-819-3010. Please give the Operations Department secretary your name, mailing address, and what school your child attends.
You may review our IPM program or pesticide application records for your child’s school by calling or e-mailing Brad Bennett, the District’s Interim Director of Operations, at phone number (616) 819-3010, or e-mail address bennettb@grps.org. This number or e-mail may also be used when school is not in regular session.
Sincerely,
Bradley Bennett
Interim Director of Operations