It’s not even a week into the new school year, and we’ve already accomplished so much. Thanks to the organizational finesse of a few parents and the generosity of the entire Hillcrest community, we have managed to secure a HEPA filtration unit for each grade-level and special-area classroom in the building. While not every filter is in place yet, by next week they should all be installed and functioning.
The decision to undertake this effort was driven in part by anxiety, yes — sending our kids back to school before most of them are old enough to be vaccinated is not a decision made lightly, no matter how badly they need to be with their peers — but mostly by science. Effective COVID-19 mitigation protocols like face masks and hand sanitizer have been in place at Hillcrest since last spring, but a recent study by Johns Hopkins concluded that the addition of HEPA filtration in individual classrooms was effective and recommended.
While we have succeeded in purchasing all of the required units for the school, there will still be necessary maintenance ahead. In six month, every unit will need to have its internal filter replaced to continue functioning optimally.
If you have already donated to this incredibly important initiative, thank you! If you have not, but would like to, you can donate through the usual Invest in Hillcrest channels: Venmo (@hillcrest-PTA), PayPal, or personal check (mail to Hillcrest PTA / 1500 Frederick Road / Catonsville MD 21228). If you use Venmo, please include your name, email address, and a note specifying that the donation is for HEPA filters; if you use PayPal, please put “HEPA filter” in the note; and if you send a check, please email us to let us know to earmark the funds.
This is an exceptional start to what promises to be an unpredictable, wonderful year. Again, thank you!