Why should I care about the Physical Environment in school?
The physical environment of school buildings and school grounds is a key factor in the overall health and safety of students, staff, and visitors. School buildings and grounds must be designed and maintained to be accessible and free of health and safety hazards, and to promote learning and school engagement. Policies and protocols must be in place to ensure food protection, sanitation, safe water supply, healthy air quality, good lighting, safe playgrounds, and emergency evacuation, among other issues that relate to the physical environment of schools.
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What are Rhode Island's state
requirements for Physical Environment of schools?
Healthful School Environment
Sections 21 through 42 of the Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs outline all of the requirements for building and maintaining a healthful school environment, related to:
- Standards for school buildings;
- Pesticides;
- Asbestos, lead, radon, etc.;
- Food service;
- Sanitation and housekeeping;
- Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs;
- School safety plans;
- Weapons;
- Laboratories and shops;
- Traffic safety, and other areas.
Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies
A new law was passed in the 2007 legislative session that addresses the issue of peanut allergies in schools (see
RIGL §16-21-31). The law applies to all elementary and middle schools, but is recommended to apply to all high schools, as well. If there is a student in your school(s) identified with a peanut or tree nut allergy, the district/school must do the following:
- Post a notice within the school in a conspicuous place at every point of entry and within the cafeteria providing notice that a student in the school has an allergy to peanuts/tree nuts (see sample sign);
- Prohibit the sale of peanuts/tree nuts, peanut butter and other peanut-based products in the school cafeteria;
- Designate a peanut/tree nut free table in the cafeteria;
- Designate a table in the cafeteria as “peanut/tree nut” table; and
- Designate one classroom per grade to be peanut/tree nut free.
To assist schools with implementing this law, RIDE has disseminated guidance memos, a copy of the legislation, a sample sign, and Frequently Asked Questions for parents. Also see the Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies section below for additional resources.
Other Requirements
There are several sets of statutes and regulations that apply to the physical environment of schools, including but not limited to:
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What are some of the best practices for schools about the Physical Environment?
At both the district and school levels, there should be facilities health and safety committees comprised of:
- administrators;
- classroom teachers;
- parents;
- maintenance personnel;
- school nurse teachers;
- industrial arts, studio art, and family and consumer science teachers;
- laboratory science teachers; and
- food service personnel, among others.
These committees should develop and ensure the implementation of plans for safe, healthy and well-maintained school buildings and grounds. These committees should be empowered to deal with on-going maintenance and repair issues, as well as on-going and emerging health or safety issues related to the physical environment of schools and school grounds.
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What data are available about the Physical Environment in Rhode Island schools?
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I'm a parent, teacher or administrator... What resources or tools for schools are available on the Physical Environment?
General Information
US Environmental Protection Agency's Healthy School Environments
This website is designed to provide one-stop access to the many programs and resources available to help prevent and resolve environmental issues in schools. Also see their Publications page.
National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
Children’s Environmental Health Network
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Asthma Regional Council Healthy Schools Committee
Center for Health and Healthcare in Schools
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships-Resources for Schools
American Association of School Administrator's Healthy School Environments project
AASA works with school districts across the nation to elevate the importance of a healthy school environment. Poor indoor air quality is a serious risk to children’s health and academic performance. To prepare schools for children, this program promotes holistic improvements to the school environment, while educating students and staff. Funded through a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, AASA provides outreach, technical assistance, national presentations, training opportunities, webinars and other resources through this project.
Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies
RIGL §16-21-31
Please see the attached memos from David Abbott, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Education about the new Rhode Island law about peanut allergies in schools, including a sample sign to post, to help with compliance.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
This website provides information and resources for schoos, as well as a document titled School Guidelines for Managing Students with Food Allergies.
Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools
This comprehensive guide from the Massachussets Department of Education provides guidelines and information for planning, implementation, and emergencies related to food allergies in schools.
Mercury in Schools
Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association - Mercury Program
Chemical Management
Rhode Island Department of Health, Chemical Hygiene Officer
Asbestos and Radon
Rhode Island Department of Health, Occupational and Radiological Health Program
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Environmental Protection Agency's IPM in Schools
What is Integrated Pest Management
A Practical Guide to Management of Common Pests in Schools
National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides' School Publications and Reports
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Whom do I contact for more information?
Jackie Ascrizzi
School Health Policy and Program Specialist
Rhode Island Department of Education
401-222-8953
Jackie.Ascrizzi@ride.ri.gov
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Ed.D.
Program Manager, Initiative for Healthy Youth
Rhode Island Department of Health
401-222-5922
Rosemary.Reilly-Chammat@health.ri.gov
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