FAQ:

Savoy Elementary School

Why did we close Savoy Elementary School?
We are committed to ensuring all students and staff are safe, and that the school environment is
conducive to learning. Due to the recent threat of pests and bed bugs, as well as the duration of the
threat, and out of an abundance of caution, DC Public Schools (DCPS) closed Savoy Elementary School
on Monday, February 6, and Tuesday, February 7 to do a thorough cleaning of the building.

Staff from DCPS and the Department of General Services (DGS) started in-depth cleaning on Friday,
February 3, and we expect to complete the cleaning by the end of February. In addition to cleaning,
DCPS will replace all soft materials in the building (including rugs, cots, blankets, and pillows). Following
the cleaning, DCPS will ensure the building passes a rigorous safety and health inspection.

Where can Savoy Elementary School students access food on Monday and Tuesday?
Breakfast, lunch, and supper are available for Savoy Elementary School students on Monday, February 6,
and Tuesday February 7, at Barry Farm Recreation Center, located at 1230 Sumner Road, SE.

Students can get grab-and-go breakfast from 8:00 am to 9:30 am in the lobby.
Students can get lunch from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the multi-purpose room.
Students can get supper from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm in the multi-purpose room.

Why are we re-locating to Ferebee Hope Elementary School?
While DCPS and DGS staff thoroughly cleans the Savoy building, Savoy Elementary School will move to a
temporary location. The temporary location is the campus of Ferebee Hope Elementary School, located
at 3999 8th Street, SE. Ferebee Hope Elementary School is a building in good condition that can
accommodate the entire Savoy Elementary School community. DCPS and DGS staff will ensure that
Ferebee Hope is ready for students on Wednesday, February 8.

When will parents find out about transportation to Ferebee Hope?
We will update parents about transportation options to and from the Ferebee Hope campus by Tuesday,
February 7 at 3:00 pm.

What is the status of Ferebee Hope Elementary School?
Ferebee Hope Elementary School, which received a modernization in 2009, is in good condition with
working heat and internet. DCPS and DGS worked over the weekend to clean and update the building so
it will be ready for students on Wednesday, February 8. While at Ferebee Hope Elementary School,
students will have access to a playground and fields for recess and physical education.

Savoy Elementary School staff will have access to the building on Tuesday, February 7 to set up
classrooms for students.

Will staff bring furniture and other materials from Savoy to Ferebee?

1200 First Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885 | F 202.442.5026 | www.dcps.dc.gov


The furniture in Ferebee Hope Elementary School is from the DC Public Schools warehouse and is not
from Savoy Elementary School. Teachers will bring select items to their temporary classrooms, but no
materials that could transmit pests.

Why will students be drinking bottled water at Ferebee Hope Elementary School?
Students and staff will drink bottled water at Ferebee Hope Elementary School until tests confirm that
the water is up to the safety levels of the District of Columbia. The water is acceptable for all other
building functions, like hand washing. There is no indication that that the water is unsafe, but the
District has increased standards since the building was last open. We will communicate to staff and
families once the water is confirmed to be safe for drinking.

What is the status of Savoy Elementary School?
DCPS and DGS will continue to clean the building for the next few weeks. Following the cleaning, DCPS
will ensure the building passes a rigorous safety and health inspection.

When will Savoy Elementary School return to its building?
The Savoy Elementary School community should be able to return to the building by the end of
February. DCPS will communicate all changes that made to the building, as well as a return date, as soon
as the building passes a rigorous safety and health inspection.

Will other schools close like Savoy?
No, DCPS closed Savoy due to the unique circumstances at the school. The potential threat of pests at
Savoy has lasted longer than usual. DCPS wanted to address the situation completely, which required
moving the Savoy community to a temporary campus while we clean the building. DCPS can treat the
threat of pests at other schools with routine maintenance and cleaning.

What is the routine way that DCPS treats the threat of pests?
DCPS and the DGS work with school staff to identify the location of potential pests, complete a thorough
inspection for entry points, fix any structural issues which may be a contributing factor, and bring in pest
control services, including exterminators, if necessary.

What does DCPS do if a bed bug is suspected at school?
While it is unlikely for bed bugs to be spread or to continue to live at a school, if a bed bug is suspected,
it is generally easy to spot, catch, and kill. If a bed bug is suspected, the school nurse conducts an
inspection and works with the Department of Health (DOH) to provide impacted students or families
with information and possible resources. In the rare case of a concern for infestation, DCPS works with
DGS to secure pest control services.

DGS implements pest control services through a pest control contractor, Pest Services Company, Inc.,
which follows Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.

IPM methods are used to control pest populations with the least amount of risk to students, staff, and
the environment. IPM differs from traditional pest control in that it is not based on regular or automatic
use of pesticides. It depends heavily on nonchemical methods of control such as sanitation, exclusion,
cultural practices, and on careful monitoring to identify problems.

More information on the Pest Management Prevention Protocol used by DCPS can be found here:
http://esa.dc.gov/node/768352.

1200 First Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885 | F 202.442.5026 | www.dcps.dc.gov


Note that DOH provided notice about the rat population increase on their website. More information
can be found here: https://doh.dc.gov/node/183812.

What is a bed bug?
Bed bugs are brown, flat, oval pests. They do not fly or jump. Bed bug bites usually cause itchy red spots
on skin that is exposed at night, often in rows or clusters. Bed bug bites can be annoying, but are not
known to spread disease.

How are bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs usually live near where people sleep. They most commonly bite humans at night, and hide in
mattresses, cushions, or bed frames during the day. Bed bugs are not spread on people. They can hide
in clothing or belongings.

How can I prevent bed bugs?
To identify bed bugs in your home, look for brown spots on bed linen and/or mattress seams. You can
also look for small oval brown insects on beds or chairs. More information on inspecting your home for
bed bugs can be found at https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs or https://doh.dc.gov/service/bed-bugs-
information.

Will bed bugs make my child sick?
While a nuisance, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases or cause illness.

What should I do if I detect bed bugs?
Dont panic, but dont delay. Delays in treatment can make control more difficult. Get an expert to
identify pests if found. Carpet beetles, fleas, ticks, and small cockroaches can be mistaken for bed bugs.
If bed bugs are confirmed, notify your landlord or a pest control professional.

I have concerns about my childs health. What should I do?
If you have any concerns about your childs health, please contact your general doctor. If you need
assistance finding a medical provider, please contact Diana Bruce at Diana.Bruce@dc.gov or (202) 442-
5103.

1200 First Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885 | F 202.442.5026 | www.dcps.dc.gov