November 1, 2010

As a long-time principal of an independent school, I see the health and safety of our children as a non-negotiable responsibility. As technology contributes to ever-changing environmental influences, it's often a challenge to stay informed to the degree required to protect ourselves, and particularly our vulnerable children. I was therefore very appreciative of the information provided by "Citizens for Safe Technology".

Although there is far from universal agreement as to the dangers of wireless technology, and there are many with vested interests in its continued use, evidence of its harmful effects is extensive and widespread. The default position must therefore be on the side of safety. One wouldn't consider using a chemical substance without knowing for absolute certainty that it could cause no harm, even if many people considered it safe and it had many benefits. By the same token, the benefits of wireless technology cannot be responsibly utilized when there is any evidence of harm, let alone the overwhelming information we now have of potential damage.

Changes in complex systems, such as the public school system, can be dangerously slow. I'm grateful that I had the autonomy to make the right decision for our students. On educating myself through the information provided me, I immediately removed all wireless technology from our school and banned the use of cell phones within our building. It was not a major change to hard-wire all computers. In our older classes, every child has a laptop, which connects to the internet through one of several hard-wired internet collections. We have advanced technology without any of the dangers of wireless radiowaves.

I am happy to discuss this decision with anyone who may be interested.

Kristin Cassie, Principal

Roots and Wings Montessori Place

5438 - 152nd St., Surrey, BC V3S 5J9

http://www.rootsandwingsbc.com

Welcome  Teachers

As Teachers we believe that a school should be a safe place.  We are concerned for the health of staff as well as students.  We came into this profession because of our deep love and respect for children.  We are raising the issue of safe technology within our schools because of the deep seated values that brought us to this profession.

The  Ontario Catholic Teachers' Association

"The safety of this technology has not thoroughly been researched and therefore the precautionary principle and prudent avoidance of exposure should be practiced.

The purposeful introduction of non-ionizing radiation transmitters, such as WiFi, into

the work place is considered to be the introduction of new equipment that presents a potential health and safety hazard for workers.”

Read the Full Document HERE. It contains details on Best Practices for Schools.

The Canadian Teacher’s Foundation

The CTF's WiFi Briefing recommends

hardwired connections in schools.

"Teachers and school communities have not been informed regarding the implementation of Wi-Fi and any inherent potential hazards.  In the absence of a definitive statement regarding the safety of Wi- Fi that addresses concerns raised through social and regular media, teachers are rightly concerned for their personal safety and the safety of the children in their care.

Read the Full Briefing Document  HERE.

Schools can ACT NOW to create a

safe learning environment

for Students and Staff.

“The National Education Association believes that all educational facilities must have healthy indoor

air quality, be smoke-free, be safe from environmental and chemical hazards, and be safe from hazardous  electromagnetic fields.”  Section C-19 of the NEA 2013-2014 Resolutions

Microwave Radiation is an electromagnetic field classified as a Class 2 B Carcinogen.

We can do better for our Staff and Students.  Lets Choose the SAFEST TOOLS for a Healthy School.

Watch  Rodney Palmer, journalist and father

testify to the Royal Society of Canada . In Simcoe County Schools, the  rate of taccachardia is 46 times higher since they installed the Wi-Fi

Dr. Cindy Russell's Recommendations:

1. Remove wireless devices (white boards and routers) in schools in favor of wired connections and fiberoptic.
2. If there is Wi-Fi, then give teachers the authority to turn it off when not in use or if theyfeel it is not necessary.
3. Ban cell towers near or on schools.
4. Limit screen time on computers.
5. Limit or ban cell phone use in the class.
6. Limit or ban cell phone use at home.
7. Do not allow laptops to be placed on laps.
8. Undertake independent scientific studies on Wi-Fi and computer use that look at acute and long-term health effects.
9. Train teachers how to recognize symptoms of EMF reactions.
10. Conduct meetings with parents and teachers to address this issue in each school.

 Recommendations are from Dr. Russell's Shallow Minds article printed in the October 2013 Santa Clara American Medical Association Bulletin.

Bob McGahey representing

the Canadians Teacher Federation 200,000 teachers

US School Takes out the WIFI

A Minneapolis School, City of Lakes Waldorf School,  is the first school in the United States to publicly announce they have removed wifi routers.

The Education Magazine Renewal  published three articles in Spring 2014.

• A Waldorf School Takes a Precautionary Step by Ronald E. Koetzsch, PhD

• Dealing with WIFI and cell phone Radiation by Michael D’aleo, MA
  

• From the Editor: Pardon Me for Being an Alarmist, But… by Ronald E. Koetzsch, PhD
  

"We parents and educators, for our own sake and for the
sake of our children, should inform ourselves about
this new presence in our daily lives."

25 Ways City of Lakes Waldorf School is Green!

#9  “EMF Pollution Reduction Efforts:

Although there is debate about the affects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) pollution (from building wiring, external power lines, Wi-Fi and cell phone
antenna broadcasts), there is mounting research that indicates that EMF
may have the most impact on young, growing children.  As a precaution, we’ve taken some preventative measures to reduce our student’s exposure to EMF within our school building. We have removed the Wi-Fi routers from our school and provide staff and visiting parent volunteers with an ethernet cord to plug into a wall jack for internet usage.”