TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson charter school has found a unique device, typically used for yard work, to disinfect a school in under ten minutes.
At first glance, it may look like a leaf blower, but it's actually a RYBOI Chemical Fogger/Mister that is used to prevent mold, weeds and bugs in a yard or home.
This is now Rose Academies' COVID-19 disinfector.
"It blast 15 feet of microbial and virus killing disinfect," Principal at Pima Rose Academy Jennifer Haley said.
She said it is made up of 97 percent water, but with the disinfecting solution added, is 99.3 percent effective in disinfecting viruses.
It's a mobile, light-weight device that first sprays down an area, and then someone else will come by and wipe it down immediately.
At Pima Rose Academy, they were able to use it on the whole school in nine and half minutes.
They discovered this device, because it was being used to disinfect airplanes in a quick amount of time.
This is just one of the extra precautions the school is taking.
Other new requirements for all students:
- Six feet distance for everyone at all time
- Small classrooms will be at less than half capacity
- Masks worn by everyone
- Extra sanitizing stations
- disinfection twice a day
- UV Filters for air conditions
The rose academy will also have an online only option, which, based off students they've already spoke to, 25 percent of students prefer this option.
"Since we are digital based, when they come into the school, it’s the same platform they use on our classrooms," Principal at Mountain Rose Academy Christopher Golston said.
He said the school work can be accessed on a computer, tablet and smart phone.
"It basically allows our students the flexibility, if they’re taking care of siblings at home, if they have other things going on in there lives, to be in any one of our sessions," Haley said.
This means that the facility will be available whenever it fits in the student's schedule.
No matter what parents and students decide, Principal Golston said the education will be the same.
"For the most part, there educational needs will be taken care of," Principal Golston said. "It just depends on what is better for there families at that time. Is online better or in person better? And whichever one they pick, we’re here to help them."
Remote learning for Rose Academy will begin on August 6, and in-person on the 17th.
