Environmental Health

SOCSD strives to provide safe, secure learning and work environments for our students and staff through comprehensive training, consistent facilities maintenance and enhancements, continuous monitoring and implementation of procedures aligned with industry best practices and Board policy.

Information regarding the District's Asbestos Management Plan, Idling Buses on School Grounds and Pesticide and Pesticide Application Notice can be found on the Annual Notifications webpage.

Public Environmental Concerns

While the District makes every effort to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, environmental issues in the broader community are beyond our jurisdiction and control. Community members are encouraged to contact the appropriate government agency to report their concerns. Not sure who to contact? Reach out to one of the following organizations for assistance: Town of Orangetown, Rockland County Center for Environmental Health or New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vape Detectors

Vape detectors are installed at both South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School to promote and safeguard student health. This equipment is used to identify and deter vaping and other smoking-related activities in our schools. Any student caught vaping on school grounds will be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the District’s code of conduct and will be referred to their School Prevention Counselor.

Educating our students about the possible health risks associated with substance use, which includes vaping, is an integral part of our New York State Health curriculum. In addition, our School Prevention Counselors actively address possible risks to students and take actions to keep students safe in “real-time,” in alliance with other staff and students. SOCSD recognizes that some students may be engaged in dangerous behaviors that have become habitual. If you believe that your child needs help to stop vaping, please reach out to School Prevention Counselors, Bobbie-Angela Wong (SOMS, bwong1@socsd.org) or Annemarie Scott (TZHS, ascott@socsd.org).

Water Testing

In compliance with the requirements of law and Title 10, Subpart 67-4 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations, water outlets that could potentially be used for cooking or drinking (potable outlets) must be tested for the presence of lead at a minimum every three years. This determination is made in collaboration with the South Orangetown CSD.