PS/IS 499 PTA

Principal Minhas has asked the PTA to share the following communications from the Deputy Chancellor.

On October 13, 2017 and March 02, 2018, every potential source of water for drinking or preparing food at P.S./I.S. 499 – Queens was tested for lead. The laboratory results showed elevated levels of lead in 2 of the 146 samples of water taken and tested from outlets in the building.

Each affected fixture at P.S./I.S. 499 was taken out of service on February 15, 2017, and the remediation work was completed.

On June 01, 2018, the remediated fixtures were tested and the final laboratory results indicate that all samples taken and tested were below the action level of 15 ppb.

Families can visit http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/schools/watersafety.htm to learn more about the robust protocol we use to ensure the safety of drinking water in each and every school, as well as to look up water test results for their child’s school.

Remediation Letter from the Deputy Chancellor

Principal Minhas has asked the PTA to share this information with you. On Wednesday, May 30, the school fire alarm was triggered at 3:50 p.m. and the school was evacuated. Everyone was safe during the emergency response.

Since the event happened after normal school hours, parent communication was unable to be sent in a timely manner.

For more information, see the school communication below:

Dear 499 Families,

The General Response Protocol (GRP) has been designed to provide all schools with the direction they will take when an emergency incident occurs. In every incident, school administrators assess the unique circumstances that affect how the GRP is implemented.

Our school building was evacuated today at around 3:50 p.m. A fire alarm was triggered because a hose from inside the air handler became loose and was rubbing against a belt. Even though there was no fire, the rubber belt produced a burning smell that was disseminated throughout the building through central air conditioning vents. Our students (after-school program and ARISTA) are all safe and our school building has been examined by the custodial staff. Please be informed that our custodial staff is working with the facilities director to address this issue.

The General Response Protocol (GRP) for evacuations is listed below.

Evacuate – The fire alarm system is the initial alert for staff and students to initiate an evacuation. However, there may be times when the PA system and specific directions will serve as the alert initiating an evacuation. Announcements will begin with “Attention” and be followed with specific directions. (Repeated twice over the PA system).

Students are trained to:

1. Leave belongings behind and form a single file line. In cold weather, students
   should be reminded to take their coats when leaving the classroom. Students in physical education attire WILL NOT return to the locker room. Students without proper outdoor attire will be secured in a warm location as immediately as possible.

Teachers are trained to:

1. Grab evacuation folder (with attendance sheet and Assembly cards).
2. Lead students to evacuation location as identified on Fire Drill Posters. ALWAYS LISTEN FOR ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS
3. Take attendance and account for students.
4. Report injuries, problems, or missing students to school staff and first responders using Assembly Card method.