NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Responding to some concerns in the community about the overall cleanliness and sanitary condition of the New Bethlehem Primary School, Superintendent John Mastillo invited RedbankValley.org to tour the elementary school building on Friday afternoon. Dr. Mastillo took the RVO staff through the entire building and answered all of the questions that were asked.

Bright shiny floors and walls welcome students!

This reporter was amazed at the overall cleanliness and “newness” of the entire school. The floors in the hallways shone like they were brand new. The teachers have done an incredible job of decorating all of the classrooms. Students helped put down rugs in the classrooms on Wednesday and all in all, the school looks new, bright, and welcoming. There are no indications that the building was 6 inches deep in muddy water 6 weeks ago.

One of the many rugs donate by the PTO

As the RVO team toured the school taking pictures, Dr. Mastillo explained in detail how the building was cleaned and sanitized. Every piece of furniture was cleaned and sanitized. Trim at the bottom of the walls was removed so the corners could be cleaned and sanitized. Built in cabinets and counters were disassembled, removed, and reinstalled after the cleaning. Nothing that had been exposed to water was left in the building during the cleaning process. There was even a pegboard wall in one of the rooms that was cut off above the water line and new pegboard installed to ensure as nearly a complete sanitary environment as possible. New carpets were bought for the library and offices.

In every classroom that RVO toured, there were bright new reading rugs on the floor. Dr. Mastillo explained that the PTO had raised money to replace the rugs that were ruined in the flood. Dr. Mastillo praised the efforts of the PTO to bring this final touch of “normalcy” to the classrooms.

When asked about the playground equipment, the Superintendent said that the playground equipment was clean and the mulch under the equipment had been removed and will be replaced.  He said that everyone he talked to that the natural sanitizing of the sunlight and rain would be enough for the playground equipment.  He said that he hopes the new mulch will be installed in the next week or so.

In a final question, Dr. Mastillo reassured RVO that the air quality within the building is as safe as it can be.  The three rounds of air quality testing show normal – on a par with the air outside the building.  He also explained that the heater ventilator units in the building will be removed and cleaned or replaced as soon as possible.  The work will be done at night and the building will have heat throughout the process.

RVO would like to join Dr. Mastillo in thanking the maintenance staff, outside professionals, and teacher and administrators who gave so much to get the New Bethlehem Primary School back in shape for the start of the school year. It was a herculean task, but it is a job well done. Our thanks to everyone who helped.

Teachers worked hard to make classrooms look good for the first day of school.

Please click here to see more photos of the New Bethlehem Elementary School

Photos courtesy of TechReady Professionals and RedbankValley.org

Thank you again to the Redbank Valley School District for allowing
RedbankValley.org to share these pictures our viewers.

—
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district