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Risks may take life out of show and tell

School health officials worry that critters in the classroom can pose allergy problems, as well as bite and scratch.

By EDDY RAMIREZ
Published November 1, 2005

INVERNESS - If health officials have their way, Citrus students may no longer be allowed to bring a pet hamster into a regular classroom for show and tell. The same could go for mice, rabbits, snakes and the occasional wild critter that students and teachers like to showcase.

School health officials are concerned about the health risks posed to students with allergies who are being exposed to animal dander, secretions and hair. They also worry about students being bitten or scratched by animals brought into classrooms from students' and teachers' homes.

Those concerns were spelled out by the School Health Advisory Council in a recent letter to superintendent Sandra "Sam" Himmel.

"First, let us say that we realize the positive influence that animals bring to the curriculum and the pleasure it brings to our students," council Chairwoman Pat Rundio wrote. "We are concerned, however, about the number of children enrolled in our schools that have severe health conditions such as asthma and allergies."

To deal with the problem, the council is proposing that schools designate a specific area or classroom at each campus where all pets and animals would be kept and cared for. Parents would then choose whether to allow their child to participate in activities involving animals. Students with allergies could either avoid the area or take special precautions such as wearing aprons, masks and gloves when entering the area.

By restricting pets to a certain area, Rundio said, students won't be exposed to classrooms where animal dander and hair can stay for months even after surfaces are cleaned and the animals are removed. The concept, known as "Animal Kingdom," has been embraced by other school districts, Rundio added.

Another solution being considered that could prove to be less popular is barring pets and animals from schools altogether.

"Whether we want to remove them from regular classrooms or eliminate them is certainly something we will be discussing," said Cathy Reckenwald, the school system health specialist.

While the practice of bringing animals into classrooms as part of teaching has grown less prevalent over the years, Reckenwald said there is still a need to set districtwide guidelines that regulate student contact with animals, which animals should be allowed at schools and how they should be cared for.

Those concerns surfaced earlier this year after a middle school student was scratched by an animal that the student tried to pet. The student was not seriously injured, Reckenwald said, but the incident was enough to spark a larger discussion about the health and safety risks among health officials at schools.

"Even the nicest animal, if it's scared, can bite someone," Reckenwald said. "We don't want to put our children in a situation of getting bitten or scratched."

But some are already expressing reservations about the proposed solutions.

John Colasanti, the district's environmental safety project leader, said Monday that a ban on all animals would be too drastic. A host of other irritants may be what is aggravating students' allergies, he said.

"There's a thousand things that can affect a student with sensitivities," he said. "Let's not blame the schools if no one tends to have a problem."

Students' allergies could be set off by almost anything, including mold that grows under a potted plant, perfume or even a piece of paper that releases particles when crumpled, Colasanti said.

A better approach is to leave the decision to principals at each school, Colasanti said.

"You want to have some flexibility," he said. "People look at learning all different ways.

"I don't want to walk in and find foxes or bears in a classroom, but if there's a pet and it's not being taken care of, then I would say it's a concern."

Reckenwald, who also recognizes the academic benefits of bringing pets into classrooms, said she wants the district to gather comments from schools before making a decision.

Reckenwald said Himmel has agreed to explore alternatives that don't put students' health at risk. She hopes the district will adopt guidelines before the winter break.

"We definitely need to make a change," Reckenwald said.

[Last modified November 1, 2005, 05:00:06]