S.P. Morton gets a needed deep clean

Published 8:00 am Monday, March 11, 2024

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Woe unto any germs found lingering at S.P. Morton Elementary School on March 1. They were doomed to die as the custodial staff quickly got to work early that morning scouring the building of those things that cause colds, flu, conjunctivitis (pink eye), etc. 

Helping to make the task easier was the absence of students, teachers and staff. 

On Thursday, Feb. 29, students and staff were notified that the school building would be closed to them. The same went for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Franklin. 

Dr. Carlton Carter, Superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools, issued the order for the cleaning. He said it’s being done as a preventative measure to eliminate or reduce the recent outbreaks of the aforementioned sicknesses. 

Mrs. Angela Fair, Principal, stated in her letter to everyone, “Here at S.P. Morton Elementary School, we consider the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff a top priority. As we are in full swing of the flu and cold season, we are being careful to ensure that we are all implementing all recommended steps to keep everyone safe. We have noticed an uptick in sicknesses among our students and staff, and as a result of careful review and consideration of the physical and mental health needs, the District and school-based Administration has chosen to address this situation. We feel that it is essential that we close SPM to perform a deep cleaning of our building … It takes all of us working together to ensure healthy learning environments. Thank you for your continuous support.” 

Custodians Dontray Hunter and George Eley were spraying a sanitizing mist into the air of the cafetorium and classrooms. Hunter, the team leader, said “This [sanitizing] was very much needed.” Mrs. Charlotte Davis and Bobby Parker performed their custodial duties in their areas. Davis added, “We try to make this school straight so these kids can stop being sick.” Burt Everton took advantage of the closing to do needed repairs, such as in the bathrooms. In the kitchen, the team members did their part to make sure every place that could house viruses was also thoroughly sanitized. The school reopened on Monday, March 4, at its regular time.