Scoles Addresses Bathroom Policy

By: Lindsey Piel

In a poll of 41 students from all grades, 100% said that they felt that the passing period is not enough time to go to the bathroom. In addition, 86% reported that they go to the bathroom less this school year than they have in previous years. Aside from this raw data, students were very passionate when participating in the poll. Senior Owen Widman said, “I personally don’t like using the bathroom when everyone is in there.”

This year, students are supposed to avoid using the bathroom during class. The teachers have noticed a huge change. Mr. Rafferty reported, “Kids who would ask me all the time, they don’t even ask me anymore. I have no frequent flyers.”

When asked about the bathroom policy, the principal said, “We’re essentially asking students to follow the same standards as the teachers. You’ve got the passing period, so use it. If you don’t get a chance to use it then a pass can be issued.” He is very understanding that sometimes students just can’t make it in time. “If life happens, ask your teacher.”

Many kids don’t understand why Mr. Scoles updated the policy when he allowed students to go to the bathroom without permission as a teacher two years ago. The change came when he started observing the activity level first hand in the hallway last year. “We had a handful of parents in the second semester last year that commented on how there’s an awful lot of students out in the hall.” 

This was when Mr. Scoles decided to leave it to the numbers. “I sat down and tallied how many students were out in the hall when the late bell rang, during the first 60 seconds of class, and afterwards.”

His data revealed that during every hour of the second semester last year, 14-26% of the students were out of class–with 6th hour being the busiest as over a quarter of the school was seen in the halls. The policy has lowered these numbers as less students are leaving during class. In the words of Mr. Scoles, “The thought process is to use the passing period because that’s what the time is for, it only takes a minute to walk to class.

In addition, the bathrooms by the auditorium were opened in order to give students more options and less wait times. This issue is still in discussion at staff meetings. Mr. Scoles added, “Change is frequently difficult, but I am extremely confident that we can find a fair and balanced approach.”