April 17, 2024
Dear Groff Elementary Community,
Early this morning, before school hours we held a staff meeting to discuss the status of Groff Elementary’s electrical concerns. During the meeting, which included our team of expert consultants and engineers, we walked through the numerous inspections and repairs completed in the past few days.
Both the elevator manufacturer and our engineering team have meticulously inspected the elevator system as well as electrical sources throughout the building. Yet, we were informed earlier this morning, a member of our staff encountered another instance of an electrical discharge near the elevator. Our immediate response was to deactivate the elevator to prioritize the safety of our staff and students and conduct additional inspections.
The inspections involved a thorough examination of the elevator's electrical components, grounding systems, and insulation. Additionally, specialized equipment was utilized to measure and analyze the humidity levels near the elevator and other parts of the building.
It has been determined that the occurrence was attributable to electrostatic discharge (ESD), commonly referred to as a static shock, or the sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different electrical potentials. It's worth noting that the occurrence of static shocks can be exacerbated when humidity levels are below 40%, as observed in the Groff building, where the current humidity level is closer to 20%. This low humidity exacerbates the buildup of static charge on surfaces and individuals, increasing static discharge.
Furthermore, our investigations have led to the successful replication of the static discharge phenomenon. Interestingly, it has been observed that certain staff members proved to be more susceptible to experiencing these static shocks. This variation in susceptibility could be attributed to factors such as individual differences in clothing materials, footwear, and personal habits, all of which can influence the accumulation and discharge of static electricity.
Following their comprehensive inspections conducted before and after today's incident, we are reassured that the elevator is still safe for use and the building remains safe for occupancy. We will continue to monitor and address any potential concerns related to static discharge to ensure the continued safety and comfort of all occupants.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Jeremy O’Neil, Chief Operations Officer
509.766.2650
April 16, 2024
Dear Groff Elementary School Community,
We are pleased to announce that Groff Elementary School will be back serving students at full capacity tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17th. We’re excited to welcome back students and appreciate your patience during the temporary closure.
At this time also, we would like to communicate greater insight into the underlying cause of the temporary closure of Groff Elementary School. But first, I need to personally acknowledge and extend my thanks for the great work of the Groff Elementary School community, students, families, and school and district staff, who rallied with impressive speed to adjust to this disruptive closure. The safety of our students, staff and visitors is paramount and the district’s decision to temporarily close the school to address electrical issues was made in that vein.
Opened in 2021, Vicki I. Groff Elementary School is the latest addition to Moses Lake School District’s roster of elementary schools, most of which were built in the 1950s and remodeled in the 1990s. While Groff has now been open for three school years, there remains work to be done to bring the school from a state of safe occupancy and function, to a state of final completion. Groff Elementary is still in this finishing phase.
In November of 2023, a staff member of Groff Elementary experienced a discharge of electricity while adjusting a low-voltage thermostat control in the school’s administrative area. Around the same time, and located near the first event, another employee experienced another unexpected electrical discharge while adjusting a low-voltage light switch. Based on the evidence of these two events, including the harm caused to our staff, it was concluded that this was more than an innocuous static electricity discharge, but an issue related to the electrical controls. Immediately, the district involved the school’s general contractor, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, outside electrical experts, and others, to identify and remedy what caused this occurrence. Repairs to affected portions of the school’s HVAC and lighting control systems were made as quickly as possible. At that time, we were satisfied that the issue as we understood it was addressed.
Last Thursday, April 11, 2024, the district was informed of two additional instances where staff experienced electric discharges while using some of the same devices and at least one other device related to the school’s elevator. It was at this point, in consultation with outside experts, that the district made the decision to close the school until we could ensure that the school systems were safe for its occupants. While investigations and repairs to the localized areas (administration office area and elevator system) were done with expedience, it was determined that the entire school’s lighting controls, and fan coils (components of the HVAC system) needed to be inspected and repaired before allowing students back to school. This is the work that has been ongoing over the weekend and throughout today. Upon inspection, experts discovered the likely cause of these electrical issues was related to some missing bonding conductors, whose function is to safely route normal static electricity to the ground. Our belief is that the repairs made over the last several days will resolve the unexpected electrical discharges.
The Moses Lake School District is committed to ensuring an emotionally and physically safe environment for learning. Again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Groff Elementary and MLSD community for the support and cooperation during this time. We also extend our appreciation to the experts in the construction and repair fields for their dedication to ensuring the safety of our school.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Monty Sabin, Superintendent
509.766.2650
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Sunday, April 14, 2024
To our Groff families,
As you are aware, safety concerns with the electrical system resulted in a temporary closure of our school. Over the weekend, multiple teams including engineers and electricians from outside the district have investigated these concerns and have recommended precautionary repairs that will require additional time to complete. They anticipate wrapping up these repairs by the end of the day on Tuesday.
At this time, we expect to re-open our school on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. While Groff is under temporary closure on Monday and Tuesday, teachers will be delivering remote lessons through their Google Classrooms.
- Chromebooks: Chromebooks will be available tomorrow (Monday, April 15) from 11am-12pm to check out to students needing them. Online classrooms can be accessed from any internet connected device.
- Breakfast / Lunch: Free meals will be available to pick up at Groff between 11am-12pm.
- NOVA: If your 3rd grade child attends NOVA on Monday, you are welcome to meet the bus at Groff at 10:45 am and pick your child up at 2:35 pm, or you may take your child directly to NOVA. If your 4th grade child attends NOVA on Tuesday, you are welcome to meet the bus at Groff at 9:15 am and pick your child up at 2:25 pm, or you may take your child directly to NOVA.
We apologize for the frustration and disruption this will cause, however for the safety of all, it is imperative the concerns with the electrical system are addressed prior to fully occupying the building again. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these next few days.
Sincerely,
Nikki Mackey
Principal
[ Friday, April 12, 2024 ] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To our Groff families,
We hope this message finds you well. We want to express our sincere gratitude for your understanding and patience during the temporary closure of Groff Elementary School.
We want to reassure you that our dedicated team of experts has been working tirelessly today and will continue to work throughout the weekend to resolve the safety concerns with the electrical system. We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen the school safely on Monday, April 15.
However, as a precautionary measure, we kindly request that you remain on standby until Sunday evening for further updates. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority, and we want to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken before resuming classes.
We appreciate your continued cooperation and support during this time. Please stay tuned for further updates via email, text message, and our school and district’s website.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Nikki Mackey
Principal
[ Thursday, April 11, 2024 ] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To our Groff families,
Groff Elementary School will be under temporary emergency closure tomorrow, Friday, April 12 as we look into a potential safety concern with the electrical system in the building. We are actively addressing the concern and this time is needed to allow for outside agencies to provide expertise and guidance. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our utmost priority, and we believe this action is necessary to ensure everyone's safety.
During this temporary closure, all classes, activities, and events at the school will be canceled.
We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause and we sincerely apologize for any disruption to your family's routine.
Breakfast / Lunch: Free meals will be available to pick up at Groff between 11am-12pm.
The safety and well-being of our school community are our top priorities, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we address these concerns.
Sincerely,
Nikki Mackey
Principal
509.793.7300