News Summary
Riverside University High School in Milwaukee will remain closed on September 2 due to a chemical spill raised health concerns. Health officials confirmed air quality is safe but cleanup is ongoing. The spill is believed to stem from old science equipment containing mercury. While staff will report for ongoing assessment, students will return on September 3. The Milwaukee School District emphasizes the importance of safety and communicates regularly with families about updates on the situation.
Milwaukee – Riverside University High School will remain closed on Tuesday, September 2, due to a chemical spill that prompted health and safety concerns for students and staff. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has notified parents of the closure, which comes just before the new academic year was set to begin.
The school district assures that air quality tests conducted after the spill have returned satisfactory results, indicating that the immediate environment is safe. Nonetheless, cleanup efforts are ongoing, and a few classrooms will remain inaccessible until the thorough cleanup is completed.
MPS Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván stated that the spill may have originated from old science equipment containing mercury. Although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, the district has prioritized the health of its students and staff by deciding to delay the school opening.
Staff members at Riverside University High School are required to report to work on September 2 for continued assessment and preparation while the cleanup persists. However, students will be welcomed back to school the following day on Wednesday, September 3.
The incident represents a disruption at a critical time, as the school year typically commences on September 2 for most students in the Milwaukee Public Schools district. MPS officials have recognized this situation as inconvenient and have expressed appreciation for the understanding and patience shown by families and staff during this delay.
As cleanup efforts continue, district officials are working diligently to ensure that all safety measures are met before students return to the classroom. The thorough investigation into the spill will help the district identify how such incidents can be prevented in the future, particularly concerning the use and storage of older scientific equipment that may pose risks.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay updated through official district communications as further developments regarding the spill and school operations unfold. The health and safety of students remains the top priority for Milwaukee Public Schools as they navigate this unexpected situation.
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HERE Resources
Riverside University High School Delayed Opening Due to Spill
Additional Resources
- WISN: Chemical Spill Delays First Day of School
- Wikipedia: Chemical Spill
- TMJ4: Chemical Spill Closes School
- Google Search: Chemical Spill School Safety
- Fox6Now: Riverside University High School Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mercury
- WUWMM: Milwaukee Students Back to School
- Google News: Riverside University High School
- Seehafer News: Chemical Spill Postpones Classes