HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Students at a local elementary school are learning virtually this week after more than a hundred students fell ill.
Hopewell Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz tells Channel 11 those students had symptoms similar to a stomach bug, but parents are worried that there is more to the story. They tell Channel 11 an ongoing rodent infestation could be a contributing factor.
The first communication on the rodent issue came from Hopewell Elementary’s principal to parents last week. They were told a kindergarten class was being temporarily moved due to a maintenance issue. It turned out that issue was opening a wall to check for a rodent infestation.
The principal followed up with a message saying “During our investigation, it was discovered we had shrews in the wall.”
Thursday evening, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz emailed parents thanking them for their “patience as the district works through the rodent issue discovered within a classroom and bathroom exterior wall.”
The rodent issue is what’s concerning parents. Several reached out to Channel 11 concerned that the rodents and work being done to get rid of them contributed to these illnesses.
“How can you rule out the possibility?” one mom said. “Our children were in the building when they conducted the investigation and then shortly after, dozens of children are vomiting and our children are sick.”
Another mother who spoke with us learned about the illness first-hand. Her child got sick late last week.
“To come to find out about this issue and with the odors, I’m pretty upset about it,” she said.
These moms agree with the decision to go virtual but say it’s only a start. Kids are set to return to class on January 3.
We asked both what they needed to see from the district to feel comfortable sending their kids back after the break.
“I need open and honest communication. I need confirmation. I need to know that we relied on the experts,” said one mom.
“Proof that they did an air quality test of some sort from the health department saying it is safe for students and staff,” said another.
We reached out to Superintendent Beltz who sent us this statement:
“Last Thursday, Hopewell Elementary School had approximately 20 students leave school ill throughout the day displaying symptoms similar to those associated with gastroenteritis. Families were alerted to this late Thursday for awareness and to allow for family decisions with regard to school attendance on Friday. On Friday, approximately 130 students were absent, and 30 students left school ill displaying similar symptoms. The district has been in contact with the PA Department of Health, and the investigation is on-going at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, the district has decided to move Hopewell Elementary School students to remote, virtual learning this week (Dec 19-22).”
The moms we spoke with, along with several others, are planning to take questions to the next school board meeting.
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