Classes at ARMS, Chestnut Street Academy, and for all Kindergarteners Begin Monday, Aug. 31

Air Quality at ARMS Raterd as Good”.

Source: Amherst Regional Public Schools

Students attending the Amherst Early Education Center, all kindergarten students, and students at Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) and Chestnut Street Academy will begin school on Monday, August 31.

Indoor Air Quality Rated Good
The start of school in the ARMS building was delayed because of air quality issues related to the roof replacement. The district reports that those issues have now been resolved. The district sent the following air quality report to all caregivers on Friday, Aug 28.

Overall, the building’s air quality is rated Good. Both the August 20 and August 24 assessments received an Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of Good.

Understanding the Air Quality Index

• The AQI is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s system for reporting air quality.
• As explained on page 26 of the report, the AQI works like a yardstick ranging from 0 to 500. The lower the number, the better the air quality.
• Good is the highest and best AQI category. It includes scores from 0 to 50.
• The report defines air quality in the Good range as satisfactory, with air pollution posing little or no risk.
• The building’s measured AQI was 16 on August 20 and 24 on August 24. Both results are well within the Good range.
• For comparison, the outdoor AQI reported for Amherst on the morning of August 24 was 24, which was also within the Good range.

What We Know

• The August 24 test found higher concentrations in several areas compared with the August 20 test. 
• Only one tested location—Auditorium Hallway 1—had a concentration above the outdoor level.  
• The report recommends determining whether construction, cleaning, air movement, or the disturbance of water-damaged materials occurred between August 20 and August 24.
• We can confirm that construction, cleaning, increased building activity, open doors, and increased air movement occurred during that period.
• The area with the greatest difference in results was also under construction when the testing occurred.
• The report explains that short-term differences may result from environmental conditions, building activity, ventilation, cleaning, and the movement of dust and other particles.
• Despite the differences between the two tests, the building’s overall air quality rating remained Good.

What We Are Continuing to Evaluate

• Based on the overall results received and the actions taken, the building is safe to occupy, and its air quality is rated Good.
• We will continue monitoring conditions as the building remains in use during the final stages of the roof renovation.
• The report does not identify one specific reason for the differences between the August 20 and August 24 results.
• The district will continue conducting IAQ testing at varied times during and after the completion of the roof project.
• The August testing results will serve as baselines that we can use to compare future results and monitor conditions over time.
• This continued testing will help us verify that the building remains safe for students and staff.

What Happens Next

• The additional cleaning identified in the report has been completed and will continue as needed.
• Routine cleaning and housekeeping will continue throughout the building.
• Another indoor air quality test is being scheduled for Monday, September 7.
• We will review the results and provide families and staff with another update when they become available.

The complete August 24 IAQ report is available on the Public Notices page of the website. The district stated its commitment to keep families well informed about ongoing actions.

Fall Schedule for ARMS
ARMS principal Juan Rodriquez shared the pick-up and drop-off schedule for ARMS students in an August 28 email to caregivers.

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School Hours & Daily Schedule

• 8:45 AM – Doors open. Students may enter the building and report directly to the cafeteria. Please do not drop off students early, as staff supervision is not available before 8:45 AM.
• 8:55 AM – First bell rings (students transition to 1st period).
• 9:00 AM – Tardy bell rings and classes begin.
• 3:35 PM – School day ends.

Bus Transportation
For bus routes, pick-up/drop-off times, and stop locations, please visit the District Transportation Website.
The specific route documents relevant to ARMS families on the transportation page include:

• HS-MSPMRoutes.pdf
• HighSchool-MiddleSchoo-CSA_Leverett-Shutesburybuses.pdf
• HighSchool-MiddleSchoo-CSA_Pelhambuses.pdf
• AmherstHS_MSrunsAMUpdate8-27.pdf

Morning Arrival Procedures

• Bus Drop-Off: Buses will drop students off directly at the main entrance.
• Parent/Guardian Drop-Off: Please enter the main parking lot, follow the posted signage, and drop your student off at the designated crosswalk. Do not enter the bus lanes at any time.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

• Parent/Guardian Pick-Up: Students being picked up should exit through the main entrance, cross at the rainbow crosswalk, and wait at the designated pick-up location where staff will be present. If you arrive early, please park in a parking spot rather than idling in a line that could block incoming buses.
• Walkers: Students walking home must exit through the main entrance and promptly leave school grounds.
• Bus String 1: Students riding String 1 buses must exit immediately through the main entrance to board their buses. PM Buses: 37, 38, 30, 31, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Bus String 2: Students waiting for String 2 buses should report to their designated area upon dismissal and wait to be called. PM Buses: 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 19, 23, 17
  • 7th Grade: Cafeteria 1
  • 8th Grade: Cafeteria 2