Breaux Bridge – The St. Martin Parish School Board approved a policy regarding the use of essential oils and strong fragrances in school buildings as part of its consent agenda.
The policy noted the potential medical impact of fragrances, especially on children, that could include respiratory issues like asthma or respiratory distress; neurological issues such as migraines, nausea and dizziness; dermatological issues such as chemical burns, skin irritation and sun sensitivity; and severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock and internal chemical burns.
Among the general requirements to follow the policy are the “arm’slength rule” that states no personal scent (such as perfume or cologne) should be detectable at more than an arm’slength from an individual.
School and health office officials are not authorized to administer essential oils (defined as volatile liq uid substances extracted from aromatic plant material by mechanical means, used in perfumes, flavor ings and aromatherapy) or scented treatments, even if requested by a parent.
The policy prohibits scents and oils being applied to students including in sticker or patch form. Students and staff are prohibited from wearing scented stickers.
Also prohibited are the use of diffusers (ultrasonic, heat or reed), jewelry diffusers, plug-ins, inhalers, aerosols or oral ingestion, in all public spaces, classrooms, cafeterias, etc.
The policy is in effect during all professional development sessions, afterschool activities and community events on district property.
Any source of a disruptive or hazardous scent in a public space, classroom, cafeteria or school restroom must be removed immediately.
Educators Rising
The board honored students who attended the Educators Rising State Conference on March 13 at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville.
Fifteen of the 34 parish students attending the state conference placed at the state level competition and seven of those quali- fied to compete at the na tional conference in June in Portland, Oregon.
The board also recognized Jayla Lane, a state ambassador for the Louisiana Association of Future Educators, who will be representing the parish and the state at the national Educators Rising conference this summer in Oregon.
In addition, first-year Educators Rising student Jakeira Johnson of Cecilia High School read her reflective essay about her experience with the group to the board.
In it, Johnson said that before she took the Educators Rising class, her family had encouraged her to go into a profession that not only makes her happy but that also earns a good living.
Teaching was probably the last option she had in mind before taking the class, she said, but she learned a lot about teaching in the class.
She said she was thankful she had made the decision to pursue a teaching career. She plans to go to UL Lafayette this summer to take freshman level courses, then start classes in August at the school in early childhood education.
“I hope that when I come back in four years y’all will be giving me a job,” she said.
Consent Agenda
The board passed a consent agenda that included approving bid recommendations for grocery, milk and milk products, and meat and frozen food products.
Policy
The consent agenda also approved advertising for the sale of alligator eggs to the highest bidder for a fiveyear period for property owned by the school system.
Also included was a memorandum of understanding between Strive Wellness and Consulting and the school board, which provides mental health services for student-athletes.
A memorandum of understanding with the St. Landry Parish School Board for a summer food service program also was included.
The consent agenda also included proclamations/ resolutions designating April 19-25 as National Library Week, April 27May 1 as Violence Prevention Week and May 4-8 as Teacher Appreciation Week.
In Other Business
The Cecilia High Concert Band was recognized for earning Sweepstakes honors at the Louisiana Music Educators Association Concert Band Festival on March 25 at UL Lafayette.
A sweepstakes award is presented to a band that receives a score of 1 (the highest score given) for both stage performance and sight reading.
It was the first sweepstakes honor for a band from St. Martin Parish.
Reginald Hill was honored at the meeting as the Southern Scripts Employee of the Month.
