The kind of bat found at Bay Elementary is the Mexican free-tailed bat, also known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat. It's one of the most common mammals in North America but is in decline. Click on the photo to read more about this bat from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Chronicle file photo.Eleven weeks after a student first noticed a bat hanging upside-down from the ceiling of Bay Elementary's gym, bats have been spotted in the library, classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, even in the cafeteria. The smell of bat guano seeps from a cinderblock wall in the gym and the cafeteria, and last week, a bat swooped over the heads of children eating lunch.
The school district has hired a professional bat catcher and dispatched personnel to monitor school hallways and bathrooms for bats, but some parents are not resting easy. Worried about the 1 in 100 bats that carries rabies, a handful of parents are keeping their kids home while the battle with the bats drags on. Some say the school should be shut down altogether.
"Until they’ve gone a day without seeing one bat in the school, we need to shut it down because 1 in 100 is enough to make a kid sick. Or kill a kid," said Angela Dautreuil, the parent of a second-grader who's home this week. "I don’t think the bats are going after us. Of course I don’t. I just think they’re flying around blindly and can run into us. It just takes a scratch."
On Tuesday 44 students were absent, according to Elaina Polsen, spokeswoman for the Clear Creek Independent School District. That's slightly more than usual but not significantly so, she said.
But Debbie Adams, the mother of a fifth grader, said she's calling, texting, e-mailing and using Facebook to contact parents and urge them to keep their children home Wednesday.
“We are staging a sickout," she said. "We need to unite as parents to let the district know this situation is unacceptable.”
"Our children are walking down the hallways where bats are flying overhead. They’re dropping feces as they fly. Our children are touching bookshelves and books in the library, are drinking out of the water fountains . . . As long as the bats are in the building where my child is walking, I don’t feel that my child is safe."
Joe Auten has a different point of view. The father of a first-grader and a second-grader who thought the bat in the lunchroom was cool, he says it would be very difficult for either him or his wife to stay home with the kids because they both work. He says his kids' safety is paramount, but rabies is extremely rare and he trusts Principal Erin Tite.
"She's not going to let the kids come to school if it's not safe," he says. "We live in a rural environment. We have deer asleep in my neighbor's yard. We have raccoons eating out of the cat-food bowl. We’ve trained our kids to be careful."
Attaining a bat-free school, moreover, is something that could take another three weeks or more.
Here's why. School officials say the law prohibits killing bats, so the strategy is to chase them off and prevent them from getting back inside.
[Update: Texas Game Warden Quint Balkcom says
Texas wildlife laws actually allows people to hunt -- defined as attempts "to capture, trap, take or kill" -- bats if they're in occupied buildings. But Gary Johnson, an animal-disease specialist with the Texas Department of Health, says there's no chemical that's approved to kill bats. And using guns would present obvious problems.
Johnson said the Texas Department of Health has been in contact with the school district, and he believes the school's safe.
"I believe the staff knows what they're doing and they're doing what they can," Johnson said.]
So far 40 to 50 bats have been caught and released from Bay Elementary in addition to the bats that have left on their own in search of food and water. Any that remain may be hibernating another three weeks until it warms up again and they get hungry, Polsen said.
"We've done everything we can do at this point," she said. "There's no food or water for the bats. They're going to want to get out."
The campaign to drive out the bats didn't begin sooner because school officials didn't realize that the first bats spotted Dec. 7 were anything more than strays who'd wandered in through an open door, Polsen said. But she can rattle off a list of what's been done in the last week to let the bats know just how inhospitable humans protecting their young can be.
• The gaps where the bats have been getting into the school -- mostly in the flashing between the brick and the roof that runs along the school bus lane -- have been sealed off. The escape hatches left so the bats can get out are covered in a black mesh to prevent the bats from getting back inside.
• The gym and the cafeteria have been closed off because the bats were getting into the main part of the school through gaps in the gym and cafeteria's retractable wall. Last week sack lunches were handed out in classrooms. This week a nearby school is cooking lunches and delivering them to Bay Elementary's older gym, which is set apart from the rest of the school.
• Over the weekend, a disinfectant called Sporicidin was sprayed into the air handlers that pump air into every room in the school. Commonly used as a cleaning solution at hospitals, Sporicidin is intended to kill any germs brought in by the bats but also give the bats a whiff of something they'd like to get away from. There's a 6-month residual effect, so the school won't be spraying again anytime soon and the bats missing out on it by hibernating will not enjoy awakening to it.
Polsen said the steps already taken are already having an effect.
"We've seen a decrease in bat activity, and we think our methods are working," she said.
But even this week bats have been spotted in parts of the school where kids are, and Adams said she was in one of the media rooms Monday afternoon after school when a bat swooped down within 3 feet of her. Ten boys from the school's robotics team had left the room just five minutes earlier, she said.
"If one of those little boys had thrown their hands up because they got scared, can you imagine?" Adams said.
Polsen said she saw a bat in the library Monday herself and promised things won't get back to normal until there haven't been any bat sightings for "a long time." The gym and cafeteria will remain closed until then, and the school district is taking a lenient approach to absences discussed by parents with the principal. Absences will be reported to the state as required, but absences won't be counted against students for awards and other purposes.
Although the State Department of Health hasn't tested any of Bay Elementary's bats for rabies since no one's been in physical contact with any at the school, Polsen said she would have no qualms herself about sending a child to the school under the circumstances.
"Bats are part of nature, and they're here," she said. "We feel really good about our precautions."
• Learn more: See video from the school's bat catcher, answers to frequently asked questions and a letter to parents of Bay Elementary students.
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Comments
Bats
There have been lots of old bats flying around Seabrook neighborhoods for years. Time to shoo them away.....
BaTs
I am so supportive of all moms and dads :)
Bats!!!!
Ahmen Sister!!!
Its scary that a few over zealous stay at homes are trying to get the entire school closed until the bats are eradicated.
Why didnt Chron interview those parents that are not freaking out?
Poor bats, they get such a bad rap - our children are more at risk of being in a plane crash than getting "run into" and contacting rabies!
BATS!
It's sad that someone has to be so rude and frankly immature because there are mother's who are not "actual working mom's" that are trying to protect their children. These mom's are also helping those children whose mother's work outside of the home who may not have the time to pursue an issue of concern at their child's school. I would hate to have any of your children just merely scratched by one of these bats! I know a women who had to go through a series of painful shots in her abdomen because a bat scratched her head! These are real concerns! Another point that needs to be made are that some of these mother's who are complaining are women that CHOOSE to be at Bay elementary putting in numerous hours of volunteer work to help make Bay Elementary a better school for ALL children. Those children who have "ACTUAL WORKING MOM'S" and for those whose mother's stay at home! Have you ever thought that some women who choose to stay at home with their children CANNOT afford a pedicure or drink chardonnay!! They choose to cut corners and sacrifice so they can be a "stay at homer!"
God Bless all mother's who care enough to take action when their children are in harms way!
All comments aside..........
Rosalyni,
Perhaps you should attend class with your child. You could check out the bat "situation" first-hand and gain some knowledge regarding the correct use of the apostrophe in the English language.
You folks need to take a chill pill....I hate to be the bearer of bad news but bats, snakes, rodents, flying insects, and other potentially harmful "creatures" are all around your kids.
Do any of you allow your children to walk home from school? Play baseball? Take gymnastics? Do you drive your children to and from school or allow them to ride the bus (a bus with no seatbelts)? Don't get me started on camping!! The chance of your children being injured, hurt, bitten, or otherwise harmed by any of these things is far greater than being bitten by a bat.
Regardless of your work status, the fact remains that this is an issue which is being handled by school officials. Let them do their jobs and you, as a concerned parent, can focus your energy on building a plastic bubble to house your children.
I have nothing against stay at home moms... That's not the
I have nothing against stay at home moms... That's not the point.. I KNOW teachers appreciate any and all help from volunteer moms (and dads). Of course kids' safety is a concern. I just think that some of these parents are over-reacting. CCISD IS DOING ALL THAT THEY CAN!!! AND, I know for a fact that there are stay at home moms still sending their kids to school. If they're worried, keep the kids home. The school would have to shut down for WEEKS!! So then what? Teachers don't get paid for that time off? Summer plans for traveling get messed up? Parents would have to find a place to send their kid all day if they did shut down the school.
God bless all teachers and staff staying positive and focused for the kids!!
actualworkingmom...
you could have fooled me. Your post was condescending and you spent your entire post attacking stay at home moms, telling them to go shopping, drink chardonney, and then telling them to get a pedicure. I think you would have gotten your point across a little better had you not attacked people.
As for the bats, I do agree that CCISD is probably doing all they can and that they probably should not close the schools. If parents think their kids are not safe, then of course, keep them home. A sick out does seem over the top in my opinion.
Ok, I'm done...
Ok, I'm done... just tired of all the pta emails and contacts about not showing up to school tomorrow...
Another Reaction
I also think that the school district and Bay have been doing all they can to remove the bats and to keep the children safe. I think Principal Tite has done a good job of keeping parents informed and updated on the situation. Whether or not anyone agrees on staging a "sick out", we should all realize that the reaction comes from a place of genuine concern. Making unwarranted personal attacks on stay-at-home moms is out of line. I've been both a working mother and a stay-at-home mother and both have their own unique challenges. Some mothers who stay at home also have home businesses and/or are pursuing higher education by taking online college courses. Cutting coupons is a more realistic pastime than getting a pedicure and anyone who has ever tried to take a toddler to the mall, knows it's just not worth it! I think the point would have been better received had "Actual" Working Mom stuck to her point instead of going off on some bitter tangent. The ignorant statements were almost laughable, had they not been so offensive. If it was reaction that was desired, here come the reactions. At home or working, we all have the same goal of raising healthy, well adjusted individuals in a safe environment.
Bats at Bay
I want to let all know that the bat situation has been taken very lightly. School administrators have swept things under the rug to keep parents in the dark. We have been lied to and I am fed up. Yes, bats are not a major issue, but when they are flying in the hallway, classrooms, and out in public areas we have an issue! Debbie Adams had one swoop down at her and my child had one fly at her in the cafeteria while she was trying to eat lunch. Erin Tite thinks were stupid and that it is ok to have our children in danger. Supposedly our children's safety is a priority, oh no it is not. Stop dragging your feet and covering things up!
Bay Bats
I'd like to ask that Bay parents stand up and support your school, your faculty, and your District. They are all working to make students and faculty safe, and a bad situation tolerable. This "sick out" has got to be the brainchild of some desperately bored real housewives of Seabrook -working or not.
It is understandable that parents are concerned about the safety of their children during this test of nature. The faculty ... and administration ... are also very concerned about their children. That is why every precaution is being taken to ensure everyone's safety. Every parent that has felt it necessary to protect their child by keeping them at home has been respected. However, the parents that trust the school and choose to send their children to school should be respected also. There is NO reason to incite panic in our community through a smear campaign. The emails that have circulated contain many false facts and much misinformation. All the experts have stated that the District has taken the necessary steps to get rid of these pesky unwanted visitors. Our Principal has worked tirelessly to make sure our parents get facts. I assure you that if you are confused she will spend some time answering your questions. She has done with with MANY Bay parents and teachers already.
I have been at the school every day throughout this ordeal. It has been emotionally draining. However, I and the rest of the Bay faculty continue to be dedicated and professional. We are trying to ignore the nasty emails, facebook posts, and text messages that we are receiving along with the Bay parents. By the way, I am NOT being instructed to keep quiet. That is ridiculous! The faculty of Bay Elementary are intelligent people who deserve some respect through this trying ordeal.
The Bay PTA should be working WITH their Principal to make this problem easier on the students and the staff instead of insulting, inciting, & insinuating!
Not PTA
Please note the opinions and comments of those parents that are PTA members or volunteers are NOT representatives of nor authorized to comment on behalf of Bay Elementary PTA.
to brs2010 re: Not PTA
Thank you brs ... YES, that's an excellent point ... and trust me it IS being noticed that there's an incredibly small percentage of PTA that is screaming their own hysterical opinions as if it were the opinion of the whole group.
I know I truly appreciate the support - and I'm not alone - of the MANY parents that have been with us during this most difficult time. It's good to know who we can count on!
!!
!!
to "me" re: First, bayfacultymember!!!!!!!!!!
Please remember that it doesn't matter how many times you SAY you are supportive of your school and it's faculty. What matters are your ACTIONS. The parents who are participating in the media circus that they created are NOT being supportive. Whether or not you are one of that gang - I have no idea. To be clear, I respect every parent's private decision in regards to their own child whether it's in regards to bats or anything else. I do not respect the way that many of our PTA board members have chosen to handle communicating their opinions about this particular matter. I look forward to a time on our campus when our PTA can work with the school as cooperatively in the difficult times as in the good times.
PTA Values
Collaboration...
Commitment...
Accountability...
Respect...
Inclusivity...
Integrity...
HMMMM... Let's think about what that means... Parent/Teacher Association... Support your school and its faculty and HELP out rather than stir the pot! Where are all those volunteers at lunch time, breakfast, and before and after school when specialists and teachers are being pulled from students to help out????????????? What else needs to be said?
PTA
well said ...
:)
:)
new school mascot!!
There are a lot, a majority, of parents supporting and trusting the faculty and the district's decision to work hard to keep the employees and students safe at Bay. And as for the big planned "sickout", what a flop!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL And don't take things so personally "me"! This is a place to vent, not to call the local news!Gees,just quit arguing and using "neighborhood" emails to try to spread your fears and your not so true "truths" about the situation, the school is doing everything they can!
Maybe we should just change our mascot after this school year and be The Bay Elementary Bats!
I'm glad SOME of the moms who OPPOSED sending their kids to
I'm glad SOME of the moms who OPPOSED sending their kids to school, got their 5 minutes of fame on tv, then turned around and sent their kids to school. What's your real motive here? Reality show or concerned parent??
@@
@@
What? How old are we?
Whether or not your child is at school or at home....if you’re a working mom or a stay at home mom..... We are all parents that care about the safety of our children. Bay has a problem with bats – some parents are OK with their children attending school, other’s are not. We live in a country where we are free to have an opinion and should be able to speak freely. Whatever your opinion, concern or standpoint is our behavior as adults should be just that ADULT!! It’s our children that attend elementary school. Please be respectful of others and remember IF YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING NICE…..DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!!!!
Well said!!!!!!!!
Well said!!!!!!!!
bats, Ticks,Ants... Oh MY.....
So no recess until our air and trees and grass are free of ticks (from our deer), fireants, mosquitos, bees, rodents, snakes, stray dogs, cats, possibly rabid squirrels..... Is that all???
:)
:)
ACTUAL Working Dad
There are a lot of good points on here...and then there is actualworkingmom. Her hostility is out of control. What an ignorant and judgemental way to look at moms who are home during the day. Of all the people, she needs that glass of chardonnay the most. Try this out...chill out, mind your business, and try for a minute to think of your kids' school as a learning institution instead of a free daycare.
P.S. All of actualworkingmom's posts were between the WORKING hours of 8-5.
:)
:)
Still a working dad
On a serious note, educated mothers can and do stay home with their kids all the time. We made a decision for my wife (who has a college degree) to say home with our baby, and that is a personal choice that we were fortunate to have. Her day is filled with teaching the alphabet and changing diapers...not shopping and drinking wine. The stay at home mom stereotype is insulting and about as narrow-minded as it gets.
Our school-aged kid has not missed a day of class at Bay over the bat situation. We support the school and faculty and will continue to do so.
HOSPITAL
I was sitting around in a hospital all day that I sent my posts and right now am on lunch... Funny you tell me mind my own business, now how bout you?... GEEZ!!! Look at what these parents have caused us to do.
Safety
This is indeed a frustrating situation. As a former teacher, I can guarantee you that the faculty and staff are doing all they can to keep the children safe. That is their main priority in a time like this. Mrs. Tite is an EXCELLENT administrator and ALWAYS thinks of her students first. Please know that she does what is best for all students at all times. Have faith in her, her staff, and in CCISD!!
I AGREE!!!
I AGREE!!!
So Sad!
It's just sad to see the mean and hateful side come out in so many of your comments. So very sad! We're even criticizing grammatical errors! This is not what needs to be happening in our community! I'm not sure the benefit one receives from all of these nasty hate filled words, but this truly needs to stop. There are worse things happening in our world than people having different opinions and concerns regarding bats in a school. Now I'm done.
These post are not helping the situation.
These post are not helping the situation.
My opinion.....
I have to say I think the staff at Bay Elementary is doing a great job at handling this bat situation! I spoke with Mrs. Tite this morning after seeing the news report yesterday and I actually apologized for bothering her after reading what I have read here. I personally think that the moms that were on t.v. yesterday was a bit extreme and they need to allow the Clear Creek district do their job without having to deal with "over active parents". Our(parents) only job right now is to educate our children on the precautions they need to take while at school concerning the bats. I trust that Mrs. Tite and faculty are doing EVERYTHING they can to make sure our children are safe without having to close the school.
to seabrook_asw
WOW ... now THAT'S support! Thank you!!!!!!
Lessons learned.........
It doesn't take much to realize when a mistake has been made. However, the damage that follows will linger on. Apologies and emotions can't take back the actions and accusations that were hurtful.
It's time for us to move forward and figure out what we have all learned from this.
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