What’s happening

Longview Public Schools officials will continue monitoring information regarding local air quality being affected by wildfires in the region.

District administrators rely on Air Quality Index (AQI) information provided through the Washington Department of Ecology.  Throughout the school day on Tuesday Sept. 5, the air quality index remained at the low end of the “moderate” scale.  At this condition rating, schools were advised to monitor students with asthma, respiratory infection, lung or heart disease and provide modifications and rest to normal recess, PE, and athletic activities. Depending on their student conditions, some schools chose to keep their students inside.

As the air quality rating changed to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in the late-afternoon on Sept. 5, outdoor athletic practices and events were cancelled. This category recommends that students with asthma, respiratory infection, long or heart disease stay indoors and other children should limit activities to light exertion.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 6, the smoke and fine air particle levels increased and outdoor recesses were cancelled. By one measure, the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) level reached the “unsafe” category. Outdoor sporting events were cancelled and practices were scheduled for indoors.

As of Thursday, Sept. 7,  fine air particle levels decreased from the previous day, and both the WAQA and AQI levels remained a low- to mid-range in the “moderate” category. At that level, no changes to outdoor recesses or athletic events were recommended–except for special populations.

As of Friday, Sept. 8, air quality levels measured by WAQA and AQI returned to the “good” category. No recommendations are in effect for that category.

The district will continue to follow AQI and WAQA information and respond to recommendations for  levels of air pollution.

Although the district is planning to maintain regular school schedules, parents are encouraged to take this opportunity to sign up or ensure their current information is on file with the district’s emergency notification system, FlashAlert.

Five Longview School District schools are the first middle- and elementary schools in Washington state to receive awards for making changes that promote healthier eating and physical activity for students and staff.

Columbia Heights Elementary, CVG Elementary, Mt. Solo Middle School, Robert Gray Elementary and St. Helens Elementary earned Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s 2017 National Healthy Schools Bronze Awards.

The award demonstrates the schools commitment to preventing childhood obesity and to fostering the health of students and staff. Specifically, schools have provided healthier food selections in vending machines and the student store (where present); provided opportunities for students to be physically active before, during, and after school; promoted health and wellness to staff through physical activity events and healthy potlucks; as well as installing water bottle filling stations to increase access to drinking water.

This award was granted by the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program, an evidence-based national initiative to combat childhood obesity through the implementation of healthy changes within the school environment. The Alliance recognizes schools that succeed in meeting a set of evidence-based standards that address these areas at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold level.

Studies show that healthy students perform better on tests, get better grades, attend school more often and behave better in class. With this in mind, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation launched its Healthy Schools Program in 2006 with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The program promotes a comprehensive approach by helping schools improve access to healthier foods; increase physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day; enhance nutrition education; and establish staff wellness programs to build a healthier school environment.