October 6, 2022

Dear ACS Families,

I am writing today to respond to emails we've received this week regarding food safety. We had reports of a handful of children who experienced some stomach trouble earlier this week, and we are trying to ascertain what may have caused this. We are taking this incident very seriously.

Naturally, we are looking at the food that was served in our cafeteria on Monday. We've met with the catering company management team, including the on-site manager and the person overseeing nutrition and food safety. We also reviewed all food preparation, serving, and storage protocols. These will be published in a visible place in the cafeteria for all to see. Gourmet Royale has sent a sample of the food to AUB for analysis, and we should have results soon. 

We are also aware that some families whose children do not participate in the school lunch program also reported stomach problems this week. We know that there has been a stomach virus going around our community, and this has complicated our investigation somewhat.

Finally, we analyze our drinking water on a fixed schedule three times per year. I have requested that the water be tested over the upcoming long weekend (The process requires 4 days.). We have a rigorous water treatment system on campus, but we still want to be certain that there are no contaminants in the water.

The health and safety of everyone in our community is a priority. To that end we conducted our first fire safety drill on September 28.  Yesterday, we conducted our first lock down drill. Both drills went very well, but we always look for opportunities to improve procedures.

One more thing: Given the lack of electricity from the grid, the streetlights on the road that runs from Bayard Dodge to the Corniche outside the far wall of our athletic field have not been working. As the days get shorter and the clocks eventually change, this street will be dark even earlier. To improve safety, we will be installing solar-powered streetlights which will brighten the road significantly.  We are just awaiting approval from the municipality.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we investigate the cause of the stomach issues. I will write again as soon as I have something to report.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Best regards,

Thomas Cangiano

Head of School

Empowering students to solve problems with creativity and integrity, to lead well-balanced lives, and to serve Lebanon and the world community with understanding and compassion.

American Community School Beirut

Beirut | 67 Nigeria Street, Jal El-Bahr

+961 (1) 374370