25A-046 (36) MARGO JONES
Architects
r 9 r
f�
July 23, 1997
o
City of Northampton
Inspection Services vjyr e_,
City Hall
Northampton, MA
Attn: Tony Patillo, Building Inspector
RE: THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE, a Montessori School
Dear Mr. Patillo,
It has come to my attention that the plumbing inspector, and consequently you, have
remaining questions regarding the location of the sink on the outside of the pre-
school/kindergarten toilet room.
We have chosen to locate the sink within the classroom, as allowed for under 248 CMR
2.10(19)(h)2., in response to the wishes of our client, Susan Swift, director of the Montessori
School. In a pre-school/kindergarten classroom, children are still learning basic hygiene
practices, therefore locating the sink within the classrooms allows the teacher to direct the child
to the sink upon exiting the toilet room, and to closely monitor the handwashing procedure. This
is an important "learned" skill, and left to the child's sole discretion within a private toilet room
would probably result in unwashed hands.
Ms. Swift has been made aware, that this toilet room configuration is only acceptable for
children up to the age of 6 years. Therefore, should the classroom use change in the future, the
sink could be required to be relocated within the toilet room.
I look forward to meeting with you at the jobsite next Tuesday, whereupon I will be glad
to answer any additional questions or concerns.
Sincerel ,
Laura Fitch, AIA
Margo Jones Architects
cc: Susan Swift; Roger Cooney; Wright Builders
308 MAIN STREET, 3RD FLOOR
GREENFIELD, MA 01301
413-773-5551 fax: 413-773-5552