Edison Middle School PTSA Announcements
306 West Green Street
Champaign, IL 61820-5099
Phone: (217) 351-3771 Fax: (217) 355-2564
Edison's Mission
It is our mission at Edison Middle School to work collaboratively to place the focus on the academic, social, and emotional needs of each individual student first and ensure that ALL students are prepared for post-secondary education.
HS Reps: Tonight's event, High School reps to speak to 8th grade parents is being moved to the Edison Library. Start time is at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
A letter from Principal Uppinghouse
Dear Parents/Guardians:
This morning at approximately 10:00 am, a couple of teachers from the third floor mentioned smelling an odor that resembled a "combination of gas and sealant." We completed a quick survey of the surrounding area and rooms who smelled the odor and it was apparent that there was no gas leak within the school. It was then reported that the city of Champaign was working out on Healey Street. From the school, you could see steam coming out of the manhole, so I went to determine if that was exactly where the odor was coming from. When I approached the steam, it was in fact the source of the odor. I immediately contacted the Unit 4 maintenance department and informed them of the situation. They contacted the City of Champaign and asked about the work that was being completed. I also went to the workers on the site and explained to them that our staff and students were concerned about the odor. They reassured me that they were spraying the pipes underground and the smell was resin from the pipes. They also explained that the odor was not harmful or toxic. At approximately 10:20, a representative from the city of Champaign called our Main Office and stated that they would be completed with the work at around 10:30 (which was about the ending time).
I wanted to make you aware of the situation, in order to get the correct information out to everyone. As a building, we offered alternative locations for our students and staff to relocate in order to get away from the odor. Many of the rooms were not affected, but for those classes who were, I am sure it would be alarming to receive a call or text from your child regarding this matter. I apologize for any fear or alarm, but I can assure you that we at Edison had the best interest of our students in mind and rushed to become informed and handle the situation appropriately. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 217-351-3771 or email me at uppingju@champaignschools.org.
Thank you,
Justin Uppinghouse
Principal
Edison Middle School
