Ticks force outdoor restrictions at Kings Park middle school
Outdoor activities at William T. Rogers Middle School were modified as officials worked to address multiple reports of ticks found on students.
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An unusual number of ticks found on students has prompted the Kings Park Central School District to restrict outdoor activities and close fields at the middle school until further notice.
Despite mowing school fields and treating grounds with chemicals, district officials say ticks continue to be a significant concern on campus.
In a statement, the superintendent said the school nurse removed ticks from several students last week. Additional reports surfaced during the school day Monday, leading administrators to limit students to paved areas only.
“Unfortunately, the middle school experienced additional reports of ticks during the school day yesterday which called for ‘blacktop only’ during the school day, including recess and physical education until further notice,” the superintendent said.
Local resident Debbie Walsh said ticks have become a frequent problem for children in the area.
“My grandchildren, you know they go out to play they're in the school yard or they're even in their backyard and for some reason they always come in with ticks,” Walsh said. “No matter how careful you are.”
The superintendent said the district is working to address the issue as quickly as possible. Middle school fields will remain closed until further notice, and athletic teams will compete at alternate locations until the problem is resolved.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, said the volume of reported tick encounters is concerning.
“What’s worrisome is the large volume of ticks that they are reporting,” Nachman said.
Nachman said areas with large deer populations often experience increased tick activity, noting that deer are common throughout Kings Park.
Walsh said residents regularly see deer in the community.
“We have a lot of deer here,” she said. “They come out, six to 10 of them crossing the road. It’s very bad here, but it’s bad everywhere on Long Island.”
Doctors and school officials advise families to check for ticks within two hours of spending time in wooded areas, tall grass or even their own backyards.
