Dear Windsor Middle School Families:
We are reaching out today because we understand there have been some concerns over our new lunch policy, and unfortunately misinformation is being spread, and we wanted to reach out with the facts.
Yes, students are now eating their lunch in the multi-purpose room (MPR). This is because, unfortunately, efforts at outdoor trash management for lunch has proven unsuccessful, despite several discussions with students. It is worth noting that our hard-working custodians are paid to empty our trash cans and recyclables containers, but they do not do extensive trash pick up outside of waste receptacles. Significant amounts of trash were not making it into the bins, and being left scattered around the common areas. This simply cannot continue.
We understand that information was shared that this issue had caused us to have a rat problem. While we are taking this action to have kids eat in the MPR because of trash issues, we are doing it in large part to PREVENT a rat infestation. At present, we do not have a rat problem. Like many large facilities, we have mice, but nothing resembling an infestation. However, we do not want to have a rat problem, so we are taking steps to ensure this does not happen, as recommended by our pest management company.
Despite rumors to the contrary, the MPR is plenty big enough to accommodate all students for each lunch shift. In fact, every day since the inception of this new policy, I have personally observed multiple empty tables at every shift. It may be that students feel they cannot sit where and/or with whom they would prefer, but there are ample seats for all.
Additionally, I would point out that the rainy season is just around the corner, and students would soon be eating in the MPR anyway, as they have always done when it rains.
This change was discussed with students beforehand, and I have monitored the roll-out and lunch shifts and have observed no issues. If there are students who are struggling with the new policy, I would encourage them to come find me, or talk to a teacher or a student advisor and share their challenges so we can assist them.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Best,
Angela West
Principal
Windsor Middle School
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