Question:

Does my building have asbestos, and if so should I be concerned?

Answer:

By law, none of the District buildings constructed after 1989 have asbestos containing building materials (ACBM). If you are in an older building, you still have no cause for concern. This department inspects pre-1989 buildings every six (6) months for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Department of Health (TDH) regulations. Our compliance record has always been perfect and, although not required to do so by law, we are gradually removing ACBM from our buildings.

Question:

Should we have a problem, does anyone on my campus know anything about asbestos?

Answer:

Yes, all maintenance, grounds, and operations personnel receive a two-hour asbestos awareness training shortly after they are hired. We also maintain a fully trained ten (10) member district response team which receives an annual 8-hour refresher course in dealing with asbestos. Additionally, the district retains the services of a professional asbestos consultant. Please call us at 281-897-4065 if you have questions or concerns.

Question:

Sometimes I see ants in our building. I know monthly exterminations are taking place, so why do we still have ants?

Answer:

Ants, like roaches and other pests which exist in abundance in our environment, are constantly looking for a food source. While extermination will rid the building of existing pests, the key to keeping them out of the building is good sanitation by students and faculty. Cleaning up food leftovers, picking up crumbs from snacks, and maintaining clean classrooms and lockers eliminate the food source, thus the pests. Additionally, during our drier months insects enter the building seeking moisture.

Question:

When ants and roaches become a problem in a school, why not use a good strong chemical to "zap" the critters, once and for all? I do at my home.

Answer:

Unlike your home, the use of pesticides in Texas public schools are regulated by State laws. Because of health and environmental concerns, the Texas legislature in 1991 established a mandated program for school districts titled Integrated Pest Management, wherein school districts must use the least toxic of three (3) categories of pesticides; Green List, Yellow List, and Red List. Use of the Yellow and Red Lists requires pre-approval and a special Pesticide Use Justification Form must be completed. Use of Red List or "zap" insecticides requires written permission, which is only given when other strategies and less toxic pesticides have failed.

Question:

What is and how does a school district generate hazardous waste?

Answer:

Generally speaking, any solid waste that exhibits toxicity characteristics is a hazardous waste. Therefore, items such as used paint solvents, cleaning fluids, wax stripper, lab chemicals, insecticides, aerosol cans, and batteries must be collected, stored, and transported as hazardous waste.

Question:

How long does it take for my hazardous waste to be picked up once I FAX the request?

Answer:

Normally it will be picked up within one week, and the maximum time you should wait is two weeks. Be sure the material is stored properly until the pick-up.

Question:

Can I place cardboard in a recycling bin?

Answer:

Technically yes, but since bulky cardboard takes up so much space in the recycling bin, the tonnage of the paper in the bin is reduced. Please flatten the boxes and call the District’s Recycling Center (Rene Flores, 281-517-6325) for a pick-up.

Question:

Our recycle bin is always overflowing, what should we do?

Answer:

Assuming that your recycle bin is being emptied on a regularly scheduled basis, the recycler, Abitibi Consolidated, needs to take a look at your situation. Please call Charla at 281-897-4065 and she will assist you.

Question:

Is the District Recycling Center available for student tours?

Answer:

Yes, we encourage teachers to schedule a tour when appropriate for their curriculum. The average American throws away more than 1,300 pounds of trash a year, much of which can be recycled. The sooner that we can involve our youth in recycling activities, the sooner they will recognize that each individual can make a difference in the environment. Please call Charla at 281-897-4065 to make tour arrangements.

Question:

What do I do if I notice a discharged fire extinguisher or a damaged fire extinguisher box?

Answer:

Please call 281-897-4065 and report the problem to Charla. However, once a month the custodial staff checks all fire extinguishers (missing, discharged, or damaged) and reports this information to Special Services. We in turn generate work orders to either the fire extinguisher contractor or the Maintenance Department for prompt corrective action.

Question:

Who is eligible to attend the Cy-Fair Early Learning Centers?

Answer:

The program is available to children ages 6 weeks through 5 years old whose parents or legal guardians are employees of Cy-Fair I.S.D. The Early Learning Centers were created as a recruiting tool for district employees. The first center opened in the fall of 1997. Due to the demand and success of the facility, a second center was added and opened in the winter of 2000. Both centers offer the We-Care curriculum for infants and children up to 3 years of age. Four and 5 year olds are under the Cy-Fair Pre-K curriculum. Both centers offer a quality education program. Cy-Fair employees are very fortunate to be able to participate in a discounted child care program.

Question:

What steps do I need to take to enroll my child in the program?

Answer:

All of the children are placed on a waiting list. An information form must be completed and returned. There is a $50.00 registration fee per family; we require that $25.00 of this amount be paid when the information form is returned. This amount is non-refundable even if your child is not placed in a classroom. Once your child is placed in a classroom, the remaining $25.00 is due.

Question:

Are the Early Learning Centers open during the summer months?

Answer:

Yes, we offer a summer program for employees who are interested, subject to available space.

Question:

Do I need to provide meals for my child?

Answer:

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided through the school district’s Food Service Department. Monthly menus are available for parents to take home.