You’ve probably noticed that the quad isn’t very clean lately. More and more students are leaving their trash behind after lunch, and it’s becoming a real problem. Food is being left on tables and even on the ground. Some garbage has been there so long that it’s molded into the concrete. Who wants to eat in a dirty lunch area? The answer is: nobody.
This problem doesn’t just affect students. It also impacts the yard duties and especially the janitor. Yard duties are there to supervise, not clean up after students. The janitor, who already has to clean classrooms, bathrooms, and more throughout the day, ends up stuck with the extra work. That’s unfair and avoidable.
Ms. Pallas has noticed that some students are even leaving trash on purpose. Sometimes, students ignore her when she tells them to pick up their garbage. “They need to get better about cleaning after themselves,” Pallas said.
It’s disappointing that middle schoolers are struggling with something as basic as throwing away their trash. Even elementary schoolers seem to do a better job. One solution, according to Pallas, could be making students clean up their own messes if they leave trash behind or ignore instructions.
So what’s causing all this trash? Most of it is likely from students not cleaning up after eating. But sometimes, people throw food for fun and just leave it. On top of that, trash from outside the quad can blow in with the wind. Imagine stepping on a piece of pizza you didn’t see—now your shoes are ruined!
In the past, Glen Edwards has held a “Trash Challenge” where the grade with the cleanest lunch area wins a prize. But how effective is it really? During the challenge week, the quad is usually much cleaner. Pallas mentioned that the clean effect can last about a week afterward. But soon enough, the trash starts piling up again. Even so, Ms. Fernandez still hosts the Trash Challenge every year in hopes of making a difference.
Keeping the quad clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about respect. Respect for the school, for your classmates, and for the people who work hard to keep it clean. So next time you’re done with lunch, do your part. Throw away your trash.
Disclaimer: Panther Press serves as the voice of the journalism students at Glen Edwards Middle School. The views on this site do not reflect those of WPUSD or the GEMS administration. Our goal is to promote student expression and provide a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints within our campus community.
