In the News

Changes to Outdoor Activities This Fall and Campus Spraying for Mosquitoes

September 7, 2019

Updated September 23

We are keeping a close eye on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation in Dartmouth and in neighboring communities. The safety of our students is always our top priority.

Currently, the risk level for Dartmouth is classified as “moderate” according to the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health. We are in close contact with the Dartmouth Board of Health to stay updated on any changes to Dartmouth’s risk level.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to adjust outdoor activities and treat the campus for mosquitoes until the first hard frost this fall. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your child’s teacher, or the school nurse.

Ben Kennedy
Head of School

Outdoor Activities

Daytime Activities (Recess, Science Programs, Wandering Wednesdays, etc.)

Students will be allowed outdoors during the day for recess and school programs. As a result of campus mosquito treatment on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22, students are now allowed to use the upper and lower fields, playgrounds, and basketball court. There will be no activities in the woods until after the first hard frost.

After-School Activities (After-School Program, Athletics)

All outdoor after-school activities will end by 5:30 p.m. Athletic games and practices will be shortened, if necessary.

Outside the Classroom Week (Sixth Grade)

We are making changes to the Grade 6 Outside the Classroom schedule to give students a meaningful experience while minimizing risks. Outside the Classroom activities will be kept to the same areas of campus as other daytime activities. Overnight camping has been rescheduled to a new location off campus.

Mosquito Prevention

Spraying

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to treat the campus perimeter that abuts the woods (area in blue on the map) with an organic tick and mosquito control solution that is safe to apply around children and natural life. This treatment took place on Sunday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 22, and will take place every 21 days leading up to the first hard frost. By creating this barrier at the woodline, we are making our playgrounds and playing fields safer for students.

Mosquito Repellent

If you would like your child to wear mosquito repellent during outdoor activities, please send a labeled container to school each day. Your child’s teacher or the school nurse will apply repellent to your child prior to going outside. You are also welcome to send a long-sleeved shirt or pants for your child to change into for outdoor activities.