East Wake Academy -

Good afternoon EWA families, I am writing to provide you with an update regarding our high school facility. On Friday and throughout the weekend, our Maintenance staff worked with Dominion Gas and our HVAC contractor to thoroughly assess the heating and cooling system. I am pleased to report that no leaks were found within the system. However, as a precautionary measure, we will be replacing several older parts that have shown signs of wear. The high school will remain open, and all classes will proceed according to the regular schedule. In the interim, please note that, until all components are replaced, we have implemented temporary heating solutions. Electric heaters have been installed to ensure that our students and staff remain comfortable during the upcoming week. We expect the parts to be replaced early this week, with any testing being conducted after school hours to ensure the building is cleared. Since our initial report, we have prioritized caution. Whenever we received reports of gas, we tested the air quality. It is important to note that no gas was detected inside the building at any time; it was only found once outside on the roof. This finding has been confirmed by three different responders: Dominion Gas, the Zebulon Fire Department, and our HVAC company, all reporting 0 parts per million (ppm). This indicates that there has been no threat of explosion or health risk. Our commitment to safety remains unwavering, and the safety of our students and staff is our foremost priority. I would like to thank our Maintenance Department, the Zebulon Fire Department, Dominion Gas, and our HVAC contractor for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the safety of our school. Their tireless work and commitment to safety is truly appreciated. Thank you.

K4 is doing a book drive to help a school in Western North Carolina. However, everyone is invited to help with this project! You can donate trough our Scholastic Bookfair, or by sending in a new book. Donations can be dropped off in the K4 Lobby or sent to school with any K4 student.

Good afternoon EWA families. After receiving a report from our faculty there was the smell of gas in the high school, our maintenance team inspected the building. The smell was detected in the second floor stairwell near the elevator. Once the smell was verified we evacuated the building and called the fire department and Dominion Gas. Both Dominion Gas and the fire department found no leaks inside or outside the building. Out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled school and had our HVAC contractor come out to fully inspect every unit. Their inspection found very little that would cause the smell. We are not satisfied with that response. So tomorrow, Friday October 18th all HS classes will be held virtually while our HVAC company tests every component in the system. They will do whatever is necessary Friday and through the weekend to ensure this matter gets resolved.We take safety seriously and the last few incidents have not met our standards. I thank you for your continued patience and support while we work to find the solution. Sincerely,Anthony Pirrello

Unity Day

Good morning. The Fire Department and Dominion Gas have tested the building and found no gas leaks. Out of an abundance of caution we are having additional tests conducted by our HVAC company to see if there is anything leaking. Because the test will take some time, we are dismissing the HS today from the gym. Thank you.

Our HS students were moved to the gym while the tests are being conducted.

Good morning EWA HS families. This morning some of our faculty reported the smell of gas. As a precaution we have moved the students to the HS while the FD and Dominion Gas check the situation. No sensors have gone off and there is no threat of explosion. As the test details become available, we will report their results quickly. Thank you.

Reminder: Thursday 10/17 - K-8 (ONLY) Free Dress Down Day for Reaching our Boosterthon Goal!

Good afternoon EWA families. I wanted to take a few moments to give you the details regarding today’s shut down of the high school. Last Friday the smell of gas was detected by our maintenance staff. Upon inspection, the fire department found a panel was off one of the HVAC units on the roof, allowing burnt gas fumes to directly flow into the fresh air intake. While the levels of exhaust did not rise to the level which would have risked explosion or physical illness, we erred on the side of caution and canceled classes. We did hold classes in the middle and elementary academies because there was no danger to them. Our maintenance staff made the repair, vented the building and the fire department declared it safe. We thought the problem was solved. This morning our maintenance staff detected a similar smell in the morning. This time, the fire department was able to detect a faint odor from a different rooftop HVAC unit. Upon inspection by Dominion Gas, they determined a control valve had malfunctioned. Again, even though the levels of gas did not rise to a risk of explosion or physical illness, we erred on the side of caution and closed the HS. We did hold classes in the middle and elementary academies because there was no danger to them. After the leak was detected today, we had Dominion test ALL our gas fixtures in the HS. In addition, they ran additional tests throughout the system to determine if there were any hidden leaks. They reported no additional leaks or malfunctions in the system. This afternoon our HVAC company came and repaired the malfunctioning valve. Once repaired they ran additional tests on the entire system, looking for leaks and malfunctions. They reported no issues. The school is now considered safe by the fire department, Dominion Gas and our HVAC company. It has also been tested multiple times by both Dominion and our HVAC company. I understand how inconvenient and frustrating this may be and we sincerely apologize. We know how serious you take safety and we take it just as seriously. We appreciate your support and understanding. Sincerely, Anthony Pirrello

As part of the 7th grade Informational Unit, students read like pirates learning a new reading strategy called THIEVES! All good pirates need to dress like a pirate in red, black, white, sports teams, etc! Of course, all pirates need a HAT as well! We had a blast while still reading and writing informational text!

Yesterday, K-4 recognized our September character trait winners. These students were chosen as excellent models of respect for their homeroom classes. Congratulations!

Due to a potential gas leak, the High School is closed for today. HS teachers report to Spirit Hall.

This Wednesday, October 16 students may wear an orange shirt with uniform bottoms in honor of Unity Day. This day is designed to bring awareness to promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity and preventing bullying. Wednesday is also yearbook picture make-up day, so if your child needs to do a make-up, please send a uniform shirt for them to change into for the picture.

First Priority of EWA is requesting your help with donations to send to Western NC! This is for all grades and all academies. Let’s come together to show our support and love to all those in the western part of our state who have been affected by Hurricane Helene. You can drop off items in the enclosed trailer that will be parked by the Maintenance Bldg/Bldg 5 loop this coming Tuesday, October 15- Tuesday, October 22nd, 7:30am-4:00pm.

Good evening EWA families. With the tragedy of Hurricane Helene still impacting families and schools in Western NC, First Priority of EWA is requesting your help with donations to send! This is for all grades and all academies. Let’s come together to show our support and love to all those in the western part of our state who have been affected by Hurricane Helene. You can drop off items in the enclosed trailer that will be parked by the Maintenance Bldg/Bldg 5 loop this coming Tuesday, October 15- Tuesday, October 22nd, 7:30am-4:00pm. The list of items we are collecting: • Batteries • Flashlights • Paper Towels • Portable Phone Chargers • Power Bricks • Candles • Bug Spray • Ice Packs • New Coats/jackets • New Undergarments • Socks - children & adults • New blankets (still in packaging) • Non perishable food • Hand can opener • Grab and go snacks • Plastic Cutlery • Powdered electrolyte mixes • Diapers • Wipes • Baby Formula • Baby Bottles • Hand Sanitizer • Disinfectant • Laundry Soap • Pre-made first aid kits • Personal Hygiene Products - women & men • Feminine Products • New Bath Towels • Bath Soap • Pet Food/Supplies

Good morning HS. We have found the source of the smell this morning. A malfunction occurred with one of the HVAC units that allowed exhaust to be pumped back into the fresh air intake. While there was no risk of explosion or illness, out of an abundance of caution the building will be closed for today. Afternoon carpool will run as normal. Even though our HS staff will not be present, we have a plan and the personnel available to run carpool as normal for our parents. Thank you for your continued support of EWA!! Anthony Pirrello

All HS staff members please report to Middle Academy.

Attention HS families and staff. Due to a possible gas leak the High School is closed today.

The mobile dentist is returning to EWA. The team will be here on 10/21- 10/25. Below is the online consent to sign up. This must be completed for your student to be seen. Please sign up as soon as possible so that we can plan for the day. https://www.myschooldentist.com/EWEWNC_schsrm

Fall pictures have arrived and will be sent home this week. If you ordered and paid for a package you will receive that. If you did not order, there will be information on how you can still order. All pictures ordered now will be shipped to your home and you will be charged a small shipping fee. Retake/Make Up pictures are next Wednesday 10/16. Please let your child's homeroom teacher know if you need them retaken or if they were absent on the original picture day 8/28.