It's not something most sixth graders worry about.
"I didn't know how to take it," Buhler Grade School student Angela Kilmer says. "I was really scared because I didn't know what to think. I didn't know how to react."
Students and parents tell us several teachers at the school have died of cancer in the past few years. School officials just announced they're having the school tested for possible environmental problems.
The district insists there is no reason to worry. However, it sent the following letter home to parents on Wednesday:
Some of you have expressed concern as to the air quality and environmental integrity of Buhler Grade School and how it may or may not affect our students and staff. The administration is taking steps with regards to these environmental concerns.
As a precaution, we have gained the services of American Metropolitan Environmental, Inc. Certified inspectors will collect air, surface, dust and bulk samples to identify any possible environmental quality concerns. These tests will begin as early as Thursday, February 2nd or soon thereafter.
Previous tests at Buhler Grade School provided no evidence that students or staff had been exposed to hazardous contaminants of any kind. Since 2007, Buhler Grade School has been tested twice at our request, and the environment was found to be safe. Even so, we take the concerns of parents about the wellbeing of our students and staff very seriously.
Be assured that the Administration of BGS and Buhler USD 313 will work with all parties necessary to ensure that all steps are taken to make our school buildings safe and healthy places to learn. Please contact us if you have questions and thank you for your support of Buhler Grade School.
Sincerely,
Mike Bryan and Stefani Dreiling
Buhler Grade School Principals
