Dear Parents/Guardians:

Sieda Head Start would like to provide an update on our efforts to reduce potential exposure to lead from school/center drinking water by taking steps that include testing for lead in drinking water in our Head Start sites, and sharing those sampling results with the public. As discussed at the Region 7 Head Start level, our program has a voluntary program in place to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

Lead is a toxic metal. When children and others are exposed to lead it can have adverse health effects. “Exposure” to lead in drinking water means that children or staff consume water that contains lead through drinking or food preparation. There is no safe level of lead exposure, which is why we are working to identify potential sources of exposure, and are communicating actions that can be taken to both reduce lead and protect children and staff. The state-required program lead remediation level in drinking water samples is 15 parts per billion or higher.

The sampling program and our next steps, if applicable, are as follows:

  • In July and/or early August 2022, before the start of the 2022-2023 school year, we will be testing fixtures throughout our Head Start sites. Tested fixtures will include, but are not limited to, hallway and classroom drinking water fountains, bathroom sinks, and kitchen faucets where food is prepared.
  • In response to the sampling results, we will direct our services to address any potential lead levels above the 15 parts per billion or higher sampling range. If high lead levels are noted, fixtures will be removed and/or turned off to service until permanent measures can be/are put into place to address this potential health barrier.

We lead-tested water samples during the month of July for multiple sites.

  • Sieda Head Start at First Presbyterian Church of Ottumwa – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Sieda Head Start at First Lutheran Church of Ottumwa – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Cardinal/Sieda Head Start Preschool – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Jefferson County Sieda Head Start Preschool – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Appanoose County Sieda Head Start Preschool/Kids World – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Davis County Sieda Head Start Preschool/Wig Wam Preschool – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.

Water samples were lead-tested during the month of August.

  • Mahaska County Sieda Head Start Center/YMCA in Oskaloosa – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Keokuk County Sieda Head Start – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Van Buren County Harmony School/Head Start Preschool in Farmington – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.
  • Van Buren County Douds School/Head Start Preschool in Douds – potable water supply was within a safe range/not needing further testing or water remediations, at this time.

The last two sites that we received follow-up lead testing results for, both located in Van Buren County, were Harmony/Head Start Preschool in Farmington, Iowa, and Douds/Head Start Preschool in Douds, Iowa. Both preschool classrooms are housed in school-site locations. Both sites yielded results that were within a safe lead testing range, indicating no lead water testing remediations, at this time.

All sieda Head Start sites had water lead test results that were in a noted safe range. Official testing results are available, by request, if desired (number below). We will continue to test all sieda Head Start sites yearly, with the next set of tests being conducted in July 2023.

I was contacted by the Iowa Department of Education, Education/Health Division, to do an interview with their Communication Department, related to the WIIN Grant and its noted benefits for our program, as a whole. I conducted that interview with Jim Flansburg, Communications Director with the Iowa Department of Education, last week, and was notified yesterday that our program/my interview will be the featured WIIN Grant interview for our state.

Sieda Head Start values the health and safety of all of our students and their families, our Sieda Head Start staff, and all community members, including outside/contracted agencies that provide services to our students. We believe in open and honest communication and transparency, which is why we are notifying you of this important, health testing.

Please feel free to reach out to me, Sieda’s Health Coordinator, if you have any questions regarding this important community health matter.

Sincerely,

Katie M. Fisher-Walz; R.N, B.S.N
Sieda Head Start Health Coordinator/Sieda Behavioral Health Medical Director
(641) 351-7087
kwalz@sieda.org

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Grant for testing our students’ water sources for lead.

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