• Outdoor Air Quality Procedures 

    The health and safety of Pasco School District students and staff is the district's top priority. During the summer and early fall months, our region often experiences smoke from wildfires. The district closely monitors the heat index and Washington's Air Monitoring Network to make decisions regarding the level of indoor and outdoor activity permitted for students during outdoor air quality events. The district follows guidance provided by the State Department of Health and consults with the local health district when making these types of decisions.

    Decisions about outdoor activities, including recess, PE and sports will be made throughout the day, as conditions change. During unhealthy air quality conditions, students will have indoor recess and in some situations, a reduced level of indoor physical activity will also be established. Decisions regarding extracurricular activities will also be made on a daily basis.

    Why is school in session when the air quality condition is in the moderate to unhealthy range?

    Schools are generally very safe places to be when outdoor air quality is poor as they have more robust HVAC systems than most residences. School buildings have fewer air leaks and have systems that are designed to create positive pressure in the classrooms. This means that the staff and students are in filtered and conditioned air throughout the school day.

    May I keep my child home during poor air quality events?

    Yes, please know that parents have the right to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their student. If you feel that keeping a student home due to air quality is in their best interest, their absence will be excused.

    How will I be informed about air quality conditions and any steps being taken during poor air quality events?

    The district will publish updates on the district's website, PSD Mobile App, and Instagram and Facebook. 

  • Current Air Quality

    The local air monitoring site for the Tri-Cities region is located in Kennewick. Follow this link to see the most current information available to the district with regards to local WAQA air quality levels.

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  • School Activities Guidance

    Public Health Recommendations for Schools on Fine Particle Air Pollution

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  • WA Smoke Information

    This site is an effort by county, state, and Federal agencies and Indian Tribes to coordinate and aggregate information for Washington communities affected by smoke from wildland fires. The information is posted here by the agencies themselves while volunteers built and maintain the page.

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  • Page Last Updated: 09/13/2022