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November 20, 2002
As Promised
"Our school building is located within a 10 mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear generating station. In January 2001, the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission amended its policy on the availability and usage of the over-the-counter drug, potassim iodide (KI), during a radiological emergency. As a result, the state of NJ revised its policy regarding the administration of KI to the general population within 10 miles of a nuclear station. Part of the revised plan allows for the storage and use of KI at schools located in the 10-mile emergency planning zone.
<a href="http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/piodide.htm">KI</a> is an over-the-counter drug that protects the thyroid from exposure to radioactive iodine and can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer after a severe nuclear emergency resulting in a release of radiation. It is a supplement to evacuation or sheltering. <b>Evacuation and sheltering</b> remain NJ's primary public protective actions in the event of an accident at any nuclear generating station. Students attending school in the **** Township School District will be evacuated to Richard Stockton State College in Pomona.
Please read the attached KI information sheets and mark the appropriate box of the attached KI permission slip. This will reflect your choice to have your child receive or not receive KI in the event of a radiological release. This form will remain in effect as long as your child attends this school district, unless you notify us in writing that you have changed your choice."
This is what M brings home to me from school.
The letter ends with "If you have any questions about the school's program, please contact your school nurse." NURSE? Hell - if I had questions, I will be contacting YOUR ass Ronald, not bugging the school nurse over school policies. Last time I checked, YOU are the damn superintendent.
Needless to say, my answer will be <b>NO</b>. There is NO way in hell that some "designated individual" (which is how the information sheet phrased it) will be dosing my child with ANYTHING. I live approximately 5 minutes from the school. In case of any emergency, *I* will pick up my child from school. I will drive up on the goddamn lawn (if necessary) and get her. Just try stop me. No way are they putting her on a school bus (and possibly exposing her to radiation) and driving her OUT of town. 45 MINUTES out of town. There will be 4 schools evacuated, in case of emergency. I do not believe that we have enough buses to transport all of the children. M's school alone is K-2. There are 10 kindergarten classes with about 24 kids per class. Combine that with 20 1st and 2nd grades. That is just her school. What school gets "priority"? Also, if there is an accident with the nuclear plant, I can only imagine how jam packed all the major roads will become - and I sure as hell do not want my poor daughter stuck on a school bus, waiting to be poisoned. Go only knows when I would be able to physically retrieve her from the college.
It's nice that KI will prevent thyroid disease and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer (only if taken at the right time). I will purchase my own pills and give them to my child as needed. God forbid - IF there is such an emergency, I do not want my daughter's last moments spent with some room mom trying to shove drugs down her throat.
All the parents I have spoken to regarding this form agree with me. I certainly do not think that the school board has any realistic ideas about a possible emergency like this. I can't say for sure it is all on the school board but it is completely ridiculous.
Posted by Cate at November 20, 2002 10:37 AM
Comments
Oh, Kate. The saddest thing I've learned since I started teaching is that education has nothing at all to do with children. School boards exist only to cover their own asses, and that's the message I get from their cockamamie evacuation scheme.
When I see you next week, remind me to tell you what happened at my school on 9/11.
Posted by: mary at November 20, 2002 05:00 PM
Seriously, if there were a nuclear incident, the LAST THING I'd be worried about is thyroid cancer. There are far worse problems that can occur.
You're right in your desire to act according to what's in your daughter's best interest and you need to take this to the school board. IMMEDIATELY. Form a parent action group to deal with the school on a school-by-school basis. Legally, they need to have a mass evacuation plan.....but, when there is a BETTER alternative, you can make it part of the plan! I know you....you'll do it!
Posted by: Da Goddess at November 21, 2002 12:15 AM
This is both frightening and depressing. I would prefer to hear that they've decided to shut the darned things off and build a wack of windmills. Then in the case of emergency at the wind farm you would have to turn off your hair dryer and maybe read a good book.
Posted by: Mitch at November 21, 2002 12:27 PM
Kate,
Have I ever told you what a wonderful mother you are and how much I admire you? I love the vibes of love that I get from you about your children :)
Posted by: Joie at November 21, 2002 06:50 PM
What a nice site, you know :)
Posted by: Underage at October 12, 2003 02:08 PM
