The most recent changes happening on our campus are hidden in the restrooms. All six restrooms available to the respective gender, are limited in availability and most times, there’s only one or two actually open. Along with the limited access, there has been some concerns regarding the quality of the restrooms.
Once a day after school, the restrooms are cleaned and prepared for use. The Deputy Principal, Beau Her, oversees custodial and has a meeting once a week with the custodial team to discuss the updated necessities for the restrooms.
Recently, the paper towel dispensers were taken out and the soap has been scarce which has made many students leave the restroom with cold half washed hands in the chilly weather. Due to the short passing period and break, it’s hard to stop and dry your hands for a few minutes using the air dryer when time is already limited.
The main reason the restrooms are constantly undergoing noticeable changes is mainly due to the vandalism, fighting, vaping and safety hazards happening in them. As for why not all bathrooms are open at all times; we need supervision.
Unfortunately, there is not always a person available for supervising the restrooms, and this affects everyone in need of the restroom especially during packed times such as break. In no time, the lines for the 600, and 500 building restrooms end up extremely long and students end up either choosing to be late to class or wait an additional 15-20 minutes with the 15-minute bathroom rule enforced.
Currently, the custodial staff, along with Her are looking into midday cleaning and having the restrooms cleaned twice a day to attend to the regular needs of the restroom. The staff does try hard to adhere to the students’ needs in the restroom, but most times the concerns are better to voiced in order to be heard and be properly taken care of. Usually, feedback is given through radio such as a need for soap refills, and they will take it from there once they are made aware,
The cleanliness of the restrooms tends to be a subject usually brought up by the students. Both boys and girls restrooms are not always up to hygienic standards, and students will either purposely mishandle the restrooms and cause visible messes. Other times it just accumulates, especially with the amount of people coming in and out of the same restroom every day. The trash, liquids, and dirt left behind from students are excessive to the point where multiple stalls are not used out of disgust. From what we can observe from the restroom’s current state, it may be best to have midday cleaning.
“We’re working with custodial to keep it clean, improving things and making things better,” says Her.
