May 26, 2005

Dear Middle School Parents:

A serious incident occurred today at the middle school, and although it carries an extremely low health risk, it necessitates full disclosure and communication with the middle school community.

A group of students (approximately ten) made the unfortunate decision of sticking students with pins (the kind used in sewing). It appears that the purpose was to "play a game." As everyone is aware, the seriousness of this incident rises when the same pin is used to stick multiple individuals.

The following were the actions that were taken by the school immediately upon learning of the incident:

• The students who did the "sticking" were identified and questioned as to who they "stuck" (it appears to be about 30 students). Those students met individually with the nurse to inspect the area that the pin touched. In most cases, the skin did not appear to be broken.
  
• The school immediately contacted the following officials: Dr. Blair Summersgill, our school physician, Dr. Barbara Gibson from the Burlington County Health Department, Dr. Christina Tan, the Medical Director of the State of New Jersey for the Communicable Disease Service, New Jersey State Health Department, and the Moorestown Police Department. All of the medical professionals indicated that the health risks from this incident are extremely low. There are three factors that make the transmission of any disease extremely minimal. The fact that the students used straight pins, the pins went through clothing, and, upon inspection, they did not appear to break the skin. The three transmittable diseases would be HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is the most contagious, and the majority of students have been vaccinated for hepatitis B. The opinion of the State Health Department is that there is extremely minimal risk, but if any family has further concerns they should contact their own heath care provider. The State Health Department is not recommending any testing due to the extremely minimal risk.
  
• This letter is also being sent to notify parents because there could be students who were "stuck" that we have no record of at this time. In questioning those responsible, it was disclosed that this game had been practiced once before. Unfortunately, no one brought it to the attention of any of the adults in the building.

I sincerely regret that this incident took place and certainly understand the feelings of concern that follow hearing of such an incident. I can assure you that the students responsible now fully understand the consequences of their actions. We have taken the above actions to address this incident, and will continue to monitor the situation to determine if any additional actions will be necessary.

Should you have any need to contact my office directly, please leave a message on the voicemail at 856-778-6600, extension 18001 or e-mail me at pkadri@mtps.com. Please understand that we are on vacation until Wednesday morning, June 1, so we will need to retrieve all messages remotely, which therefore may take a period of time. I do not anticipate having to update our district webpage, but any important information will be posted there (www.mtps.com).

Sincerely,

Paul J. Kadri

PJK:kb