Oct. 13 Update on WSNS
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we address the building disruptions caused by the water leak over the weekend. We recognize that these changes have affected students and families, and we appreciate your flexibility as we work to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment for everyone.
Please see below our outlook for Wednesday and the remainder of the week:
Pre-K to Grade 5: Return to WSNS
Students in Pre-K thru Grade 5 should report as usual to West Somerville Neighborhood School on Wednesday, October 14. City crews remain on-site to address the water damage, complete necessary cleanup, and ensure the building is safe and healthy for students and staff to return to the classroom by following all appropriate protocols and conducting appropriate testing.
Grade 6: To Continue Weeklong Field Trip
Our sixth graders are currently on a weeklong overnight field trip, which will continue as planned. We will update on plans for sixth-grade classes later this week before our students return.
Grades 7–8: Temporary Relocation to the TAB Building
For the remainder of this week, students in Grades 7 and 8 will attend classes at the Tufts Administrative Building (TAB), located at 167 Holland Street. Throughout Tuesday, moving crews have been relocating essential furniture and supplies to prepare classrooms and create a supportive, functional learning environment for students. School hours will remain unchanged, with both drop-off and pick-up taking place inside the parking lot in front of the TAB.
Extra staff will be on hand at the Holland Street entrance on Wednesday morning to assist in directing students to building entrances and classroom spaces.
- Should you need to reach your child at the TAB during the day, please call the front desk at the West.
- School breakfast (7:30am) and lunch will be available at the TAB as regularly scheduled.
- Students will be in a dedicated area, with dedicated rooms and bathrooms, and staff positioned to control access.
After-School Programming: Will Continue As Normal at West
After-school programming will continue at WSNS as scheduled. Staff will escort students in Grades 7 and 8 who attend after-school programs from the TAB back to WSNS. These students can be picked up after school from WSNS as usual.
Update on WSNS Assessment and Clean-up Efforts
Ongoing Cleanup
City teams and crews as well as water damage remediation and cleaning contractors continue working to clean and dry out the areas of the school affected by water intrusion on Sunday night and assess any additional needs. At this time, we have identified approximately 10 classrooms as well as some additional smaller spaces like breakout rooms and storage rooms that sustained water damage to varying degrees.
Drying Out and Restoration
To facilitate the drying process, crews are removing sections of drywall so that industrial fans can dry out wall cavities, as well as using fans to dry carpets and rugs. As this work takes place, air purifiers and wet/dry vacuums are being used to clean up minimal dust and debris. Once these areas are properly dried, which typically requires at least 48 hours, drywall will be reinstalled and any needed repairs to baseboards or other items will be completed. All drywall and insulation being removed as part of ongoing repairs in the affected classrooms will be removed and cleaned up today before designated grades and staff return to the building tomorrow.
Health and Safety
Due to the swift and thorough response to address moisture and that this work produces minimal dust, there are no known safety or health concerns for the building. Air purifiers near drywall work areas are nonetheless being run during remediation for extra precaution. For added surety, the City has also retained an Industrial Hygienist, who has been on site for an extended period Tuesday. The Hygienist is legally required to flag any issues, and has confirmed that there is no reason for concern. Masks are not required, and any staff seen wearing masks are doing so as a matter of personal preference (or unrelated need). All work is being conducted in accordance with all proper procedures and safety protocols.
Outlook
We understand that an unexpected disruption like this can be challenging for parents, guardians, staff, and students, and we regret the impacts to our school community. Our priority is to maintain continuity in students’ learning and daily routines while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our school community.
Teams are still assessing required work and timelines needed to restore all classrooms to normal use. Multiple staff and departments, as well as contractors, have mobilized to work swiftly but carefully. As different classrooms sustained different levels of water intrusion and damage, some rooms may come back into use earlier than others.
First and foremost, regardless of rooms impacted, our intent is to keep lower grades together at WSNS and upper grades together at the TAB as this best supports educational needs and continuity. We will continue to update as quickly as possible as we gain more information on next steps.
Thank you again for your patience, flexibility, and continued partnership.