Schools

Clerk: District Looks to Squash Cockroach Issue At Smithtown Elementary

Creepy pests have parents bugging out.

Smithtown Elementary School has a cockroach issue, though according to District Clerk Maureen O'Connor, the district is doing all it can to expel the critters.

"There was a notice sent home from the principal," she said, "about keeping food wrapped, bags off the floor."

The district is also working with pest control to deal with the infestation, and are regularly visited by health inspectors.

Multiple parents also told Patch that the district treated the school during spring break.

But despite assurances, locals are still a bit grossed out with the idea of bugs in the schools.

"My niece and nephew have been told to bring paper bag lunches to school and whatever you don't finish, throw out," said Melissa LoVerde in an email to Patch. "Several other parents have said that their children have picked up live cockroaches in the bathrooms and hallways," she said.

A host of parents on our Facebook page also shared concerns about the roach issue.

"My daughter attends the school. She told me they are in their desks and on the floors. She saw them in the gym and hallways," wrote Christine Butler Grazia.

"My daughter says they are in the drawers," said Lisa Procaccini.


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