CONNECTICUT FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE SCHOOLS

National Coalition for Healthier Schools Partners

National Healthy Schools Day 2004

From: information@pollutionfreeschools.org
To: ConnFESS subscribers
Subject: Healthy Schools Awareness Week
Date: Wednesday, 14 Apr 2004

Dear ConnFESS subscribers,

April 19th marks the start of National Healthy Schools Week and on this day every member of the CT General Assembly will receive the Position Statement for the National Coalition for Healthier Schools with several attachments. To download copies go to healthyschools.org. I am sending you a copy of the cover letter that will accompany the Position Statement and related attachments.

Our message would be strengthened if you as a constituent call your state senator and representative to request their endorsement or to thank them if they have already done so (see cover letter). Directions on how to endorse are also included in the cover letter. Here are the phone numbers you can use to make your call:

• Senate Republicans: 1-800-842-1421
• House Republicans: 1-800-842-8270
• Senate Democrats: 1-800-842-1420
• House Democrats: 1-800-842-8267

If you prefer email correspondence with your state senator or representative that would also be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Another way to participate in elevating awareness regarding the Position Statement is to call the National Principals Hotline April 18-20. Now in its 15th year, the hotline will be staffed by approximately 125 educators during the annual convention of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Parents, grandparents or anyone with a question about children and education can call the National Principals hotline at 800-944-1601 on:

• Sunday April 18, 2:00pm-8: 00pm
• Monday April 19, 10:00am-8:00pm
• Tuesday April 20, 10:00am-4:00pm

You can also check the National Association of Elementary School Principals website at naesp.org.

Some suggested questions could include:

1. Are you aware of the Position Statement from the National Coalition for Healthier Schools?
   1. Mention prominent groups who have endorsed
      1. National Parent Teachers Association
      2. National Education Association
      3. American Public Health
      4. American Lung Association
2. Would you be willing to go to www.healthyschools.org to endorse the Position Statement?
3. What kinds of programs do you have in place to enhance the environmental health of school occupants?
   1. A Tools for School Team
   2. Integrated Pest Management
   3. Use of Green Cleaning Products
   4. Green Flags Program
   5. Other

Please email me at information@pollutionfreeschools.org about your correspondence or phone calls with legislators or principals on the hotline. These are unique opportunities to raise awareness regarding indoor air quality issue and to share why they are so important.

All of your efforts do help to increase the power of our message and do make a difference. Please take the time to follow up- it really matters.

~Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools