Schools have highest number of bacteria

When kids are at school, we hope for high marks in math, science and English. But what about the grades the school itself would receive in a class on cleanliness? A study conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona, in partnership with The Clorox Company, found that plenty of bacteria are going to school too. Failing marks go to desks, pencil sharpeners, cafeteria tables and water fountains – some of the surfaces in schools with the highest number of bacteria.

To help teach healthy habits that help prevent the spread of germs, Clorox launched the new Clorox Classrooms (www.clorox.com/classrooms), a teacher-focused website developed with education experts that provides tools and resources to help reinforce healthy habits in the classroom and in the home.

"I am excited to be part of a program that makes cleanliness a priority in schools while making it fun for kids to learn how to help prevent the spread of germs," said Chad Vincent, physical education teacher and athletic director at Bannockburn School in Bannockburn, Illinois, and member of the Clorox Classrooms Faculty Panel of Experts. "More awareness and prevention efforts are important to help reduce germs in the classroom."

At clorox.com/classrooms, teachers and parents can find:

• New, state-of-the-art curriculum: Fun, science-focused lesson plans, take-home activities and whiteboard activities for grades K-2 and 3-5 that were developed by teachers for teachers, meet national educational standards and use the latest classroom technologies to make learning about germs and hygiene exciting and fun for kids.
• Grants and offers to help teachers better equip their classrooms: Between now and March 1, 2011, eligible K-5 teachers can visit Clorox Classrooms to enter the Free Books Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 50-book prize package for their classrooms.
• Advice from the Clorox Classrooms Faculty Panel of Experts: The Clorox Classrooms Faculty Panel of Experts provides its tried and true tips and advice for all types of positive classroom experiences (see below for more information on members of the Faculty Panel of Experts).
• Expert tips to keep schools and homes healthier: Cleaning routines and links to other resources for information.
• Resources for parents: Among other materials, parents can find a "Healthy Classroom Supply Checklist" to quickly find the items that teachers need most to clean and disinfect their classrooms.

"We believe these new tools will help teachers make learning about cleanliness through science-based curriculum both fun and interactive," said Laura Yost, Group Manager for Public Relations at The Clorox Company.  "Students will learn how to help prevent the spread of germs with educational handouts, videos and books, and by working together to conduct grade-specific science experiments and report on their findings."