Clarification on Contact Lenses in the Laboratory
September 5, 2017
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Hello and welcome to a new school year! My name is Mr. Barry and I am your son’s/daughter’s Conceptual Physics teacher. I am looking forward to a great school year and I am very excited to be here at St. Joseph High School. I am a graduate of Duquesne University where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and my Master of Science Degree in Education. Before coming to St. Joseph High School, I taught at South Fayette High School, Duquesne University, and Serra Catholic. In addition, I worked as a youth and young adult minister for three Catholic Churches in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. As I start this new school year, please let me know what I can do to help your child succeed.
I am writing because I want to address the wearing of contact lenses in the science lab. Safety is my top priority in the classroom and I take it very seriously. We are covering lab safety in depth and your son or daughter should have brought home to you a “Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract.” If you have not already done so, I kindly ask that both you and your son or daughter read and sign the contract and return it to me.
You will notice that I modified Rule #24 to state that contact lenses will NOT be worn in the laboratory. I decided to make this rule because I want to ensure that your son or daughter does not put himself or herself at a greater risk in the lab. Goggles will be worn in the lab but the chance always remains that chemicals can still get in their eyes. Chemicals that are splashed into the eyes can be absorbed by the contact lenses and therefore create a more dangerous situation. By eliminating contact lenses, students will be protecting their eyesight. On lab days, students with contact lenses will need to wear their glasses during the lab.
I ask that you please help enforce this rule on lab days. One of the questions on the “Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract” asks if your son or daughter wears contact lenses. Please answer accordingly. If you have any questions regarding this letter or my decision, please let me know. I am happy to speak with you. In addition to returning the “Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract,” please have your son or daughter return the bottom portion of this letter signed by you by September 7, 2017.
Have a great school year and thank you for your understanding as we work towards keeping the students safe. May God bless you!
Mr. Barry
724-226-7892
I have read this letter and understand the safety precautions regarding contact lenses that are being taken.
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Student Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date