No class Monday at Walter Johnson Junior High as EPA continues mercury testing

By Kailyn Brown

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 | 4:24 p.m.

Classes won’t resume Monday at Walter Johnson Junior High School as the Environmental Protection Agency continues working to clear the school of mercury contamination, according to the Clark County School District.

The toxic liquid metal was detected in the school’s gymnasium Wednesday, and classes were canceled Thursday and Friday.

“The safety of students is our top priority, and we want to ensure that the school is ready when students do return,” CCSD officials said in a message to parents via Parent Link.

A teacher initially reported the substance after seeing a group of students playing with it during an assembly, officials said. Five to 10 drops of the substance were found, according to the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

The school was put on lockdown less than an hour later, and students, faculty and staff were quarantined for testing that lasted as late as 5 a.m. Thursday.

CCSD Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky said Friday that most of the school had been cleared of potential contamination. More than 700 bags containing personal belongings that had been left at the school for screening had been deemed clear of mercury toxicity as of Saturday afternoon, officials said. Families were contacted to pick up the remaining bags between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday and today.

Throughout the weekend, the EPA has been visiting the homes of students whose belongings were discovered to have high levels of mercury. Exposure to the silver-colored metal can harm people’s brains, hearts, lungs and immune systems, according to the EPA.

EPA personnel will continue testing personal belongings today until 9 p.m., officials said.

CCSD officials will send out another update tomorrow once they determine if classes will resume Tuesday.