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PSESD Workers' Compensation Trust Supports Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality and its Relationship to COVID 

PSESD’s Workers’ Compensation Trust (WCT) offers preventive health and safety related services to member school districts. Our Client Services Team includes an Industrial Hygiene Consultant who works with member districts on their schools Indoor Air Quality, environmental and chemical exposures, and management of hazardous chemicals. The work is in collaboration with school science laboratories, involves technical and art education, focuses on custodial cleaners and disinfectants, and highlights safety in maintenance shops, in transportation systems, and elsewhere. Currently, the consultants are dealing with COVID, building safety, and returning students to school. 

So, what is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and how does IAQ relate to the current COVID situation? 

  • IAQ is about the air we breathe indoors. Elements of IAQ include ventilation, proper cleaning and disinfection, and the reduction of exposure to air pollutants, both chemical and biological. Examples of biological pollutants are mold, bacteria, and viruses, including the COVID family. 
  • It is proven that IAQ influences the peak performance of staff and students, impacting even testing scores when allergies or asthma cause absenteeism, tiredness, and headaches derived from poor indoor air. 
  • The basics of good IAQ are still the same as before COVID: optimized ventilation, proper cleaning with low hazard, unscented cleaners, and the use of EPA approved disinfectants. 
  • More attention to proper cleaning and understanding that only solid surfaces can be properly disinfected and that spray disinfectants only transfer pollutants into the air. 
  • Providing proper hand washing facilities, preferably with non-touch equipment and paper towels, and disconnecting blowing hand dryers that spread germs into the air. 
  • What works are still the basics: social distancing, handwashing, elevated ventilation, proper and regular cleaning and disinfection. 

 

The WCT collaborates with and follows the guidance of agencies (EPA, CDC, state and county health departments, OSPI, L&I), professional organizations, and colleagues from other Washington ESDs. We are on the same page. There should be no contradiction in the consults we provide and we support each other’s message. 

The silver lining of the COVID situation is that IAQ measures have gained more attention and more support because of the value added to students and school employees. This focus has brought a new level of collaboration between IAQ Coordinators, Administration, Maintenance & Operations, Human 

Resources, Nurses, and Communications professionals all working together to make schools healthier and safer for all who work and learn in our buildings. 

IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 

Employer Health and Safety Requirements for School Scenarios: https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/communications/Employer-Health-and-Safety-Requirements-for-School-Scenarios.pdf 

Ventilation and Air Quality for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/VentilationGuidance.pdf 

Archive

Puget Sound Educational Service District Selected for Grant Program to Help Local Students Pursue Education and Career Training After High School

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is proud to announce that our region has been selected to be part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Horizons Regional Grant Program, a three-year initiative to help more local students continue their education after high school and achieve their goals.

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Amidst the ongoing violence and bloodshed of the Israel-Gaza conflict, we cannot ignore the countless lives lost and devasting impact, particularly to the young people ensnared in this turmoil. As a community committed to fostering peace and championing for the welfare of all, we stand together in unequivocal condemnation of violence and in our unwavering support for humanity. 

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Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Observed each year on March 21 – the tragic day in 1960 when the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on participants in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws," killing 69 people, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination remains an important one in the calendar’s attempt to fight racism and racial discrimination.

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Honoring our Education Support Professionals—This Week, and Every Week!

In education, the thousands who serve among the support professionals are an integral part of the industry and its importance.

That’s why it’s so important to celebrate their contributions each year for Education Support Professionals week, which takes place this year from March 11-15, 2024. The week was first noted for celebration in 1975 by PSE in order to salute the irreplaceable contributions of Education Support Professionals (or ESPs, for short) in the public school system.

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PSESD Presents: AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN THE AGE OF AI, with Dr. John Spencer

The AI revolution is here: How will you respond? And what AI tools can be utilized for personalized learning? Don’t miss this essential two-part event ("Authentic Learning in the Age of AI") for K-12 Educators, Leaders, and Administrators in ALL content areas, taking place on Saturday, March 30, and Saturday, May 4, 2024!

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Last Chance to Submit 2024-25 Teacher/Educator of the Year Nominations!

This week is the last chance to submit nominations for Teacher of the YearClassified School Employee of the Year, and Principal/Assistant Principal of the Year! Nominate your candidates online using the Educator of the Year Nomination Form. Applications are for all categories are open until Friday, March 1, 2024 at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7127358/2023-EoY-Nominations.

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Frederick Douglass's Birthday

Frederick Douglass was a towering individual, an escaped slave who became an impassioned activist, abolitionist, and icon. However, it is an ironic fact that the brilliant Frederick Douglass would surely appreciate that while we now honor his birth date each February 14, Douglass himself was, until late in his life, not entirely sure of the date of his birth.

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Image of Dior Davenport at our PSESD agency all staff celebration

Free Workshop for PK-12 Washington Educators
Join us for an engaging professional learning opportunity for PK–12 educators, principals, and school leaders. Focusing on computational thinking concepts and coding skills, this symposium will highlight Sphero's commitment to supporting district implementation of vertically aligned curriculum and activities that align to Washington's Computer Science standards.

Sphero Symposium (in partnership of Sphero and Puget Sound Educational Service District 121)
Date: Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Puget Sound Educational Service District
| 800 Oakesdale Ave SW, Renton WA 98057
 

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Solution Providers Spring Expo

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) and Washington Learning Source (WLS) are thrilled to invite you to participate as an exhibitor at our upcoming Solution Providers Spring Expo! This event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your company products and/or services to a diverse audience. You will have the chance to engage and build relationships with educators and potential clients.

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Solution Providers Spring Expo

Join us at Puget Sound ESD 121’s Solution Providers Spring Expo, where you can discover the latest trends and innovations for FREE! This expo is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded education professionals and knowledgeable specialists while exploring a variety of dynamic products and services.

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Local Puget Sound-Area Events for Martin Luther King Day Weekend 2024

Monday, January 15, 2024 is Martin Luther King Day — an important holiday honoring the celebrated human rights leader’s birthday. If you are seeking to celebrate King and his dream this year, there are a number of terrific arts, culture, and history events taking place across Puget Sound that are both powerful, inspirational, and family-friendly.

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