A new policy has been put in place that will change bathroom privileges for this 2025-26 school year. The policy contains many guidelines meant to keep track of students during instructional time. Some pieces of the policy include the ten-ten rule which means students are not allowed to leave the first and last ten minutes of class, color coded passes with specific sections, one pass per class and hallway sweeps.
Administration made the decision to change the bathroom policy after issues with students skipping classes became a problem. Last school year made it clear to the staff of FVHS that something needed to be changed in order for students to be able to make the most of their time at the school.
FVHS principal Mike James said, “The policy was put in place because teachers voiced their frustration of students being out of the class too long, students wandering the hallways, sometimes far away from their classroom, and students avoiding work. The teachers have shared they are pleased so far with the low number of students being in the hallways during class and the low number of students loitering in the hallways.”
James stated that the concerns from the previous years are what led to the implementation of the new bathroom policy. He also confirms that the policy has worked thus far and teachers are more than happy with the changes that they have seen.
English teacher Bonnie Halle said, “There’s been lots of positive changes, less kids in the hallway, more students in class and less fire drills. I’m all for the color coded passes because it helps all of us know who’s in the hallway and why they’re in the hallway.” Halle expressed how she has already noticed student behaviors changing since the policy was released.
Teachers have very positive hopes for the future of this policy.
“Overall, I think it’s a step in the right direction. I think it’s imperative to have a bathroom procedure, especially for incoming freshmen. I mean, it’s intimidating going to the bathroom. If there’s 20 kids in the bathroom, it’s scary for a 14-year-old, especially because they’re in there with 18 year-olds. I think so far, so good. I hope we keep up the standard of accountability and enforcement,” said Halle.
Teachers, like Halle, have a very positive view on this matter and it seems to really be making a difference for them. The students, on the other hand, are less than optimistic about this new policy because of their experience with bathrooms in previous years.
During the 2024-25 school year the bathrooms broke multiple times and were shut down frequently by the end of second semester. These circumstances are part of the reason students are so hesitant on this new policy.
Sophomore Lauren Ogada said, “I think it’s ineffective, especially when it’s coming to fix a problem. When the bathrooms get closed, then where are you supposed to go?”
Ogada brings up some concerns that have led many students to wonder what’s to come of the bathroom policy this school year. Many students are voicing their frustrations over the freedom of restrooms being restrained, but they are still happy to have bathrooms that are accessible.
Teachers and students have already formed some very strong opinions within the first few weeks of this policy and many more will likely be formed as time goes on.
